Garfield, the beloved cartoon character renowned for laziness and selfishness, has finally been coaxed to do some work for others, it appears. Motel 6, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Proud Sponsor of Pets™ and official hotel partner of The Garfield Movie (2024), has “appointed” Garfield its first chief pet officer “to help make travelling with pets easier, safer and fun”, the franchise motel chain said in a press release. The world-famous orange tabby cat stepped into the role ahead of the theatrical release of the Columbia Pictures/Alcon Entertainment animated film on May 24, the release said.
“Garfield is well-known for his appreciation of naps, so he is an expert when it comes to a comfortable night’s rest,” Adam Cannon, chief brand officer of G6 Hospitality, parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6, said. “Motel 6 has been welcoming pets for more than 60 years and is one of the top reasons guests stay with us. Garfield will help take our love of our four-legged friends to the next level.”
Motel 6, a motel chain known for affordable lodging since 1962, has franchised locations throughout the USA and Canada. Pets stay free at Motel 6, subject to conditions, and any property that wants to be part of the chain must comply with and participate in the Brand Pet Policy, except where prohibited by applicable law(s). A “pet” is defined as a domesticated/tame dog or cat. Animals that assist the disabled, or “service animals” as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are always welcome, the chain said. The 2024 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 report ranked Motel 6 in the top 50 of all franchises.
Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous Monday-hating, lasagna-loving, indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father—scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson)—Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist. The film also features the voices of Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang and Snoop Dogg.
“I love seeing myself on the big screen, so I figured, hey, let’s double down on my big break and take a new position as the first-ever Chief Pet Officer for Motel 6,” the release quoted Garfield as saying. “As you will see in my new movie, I know first-hand how good it feels to be welcomed with a nice place to sleep.”
According to the release, the new chief pet officer further said, “My first order of business was to design my own Garfield Movie-themed rooms for all cats to enjoy, and one lucky winner will get the chance to join me on the orange carpet at the premiere and stay with three friends in my own suite, designed to look like me and everything I love of course!”
The first such premium suite has been created at Motel 6 Hollywood, the release said. The room has been transformed into an orange oasis, complete with walls of orange fur and stripe prints, a cat condo and tree, dog and cat amenities, and plushies of the beloved movie characters. The Garfield Movie-themed suite is available from May 21 through mid-June by calling Motel 6 Hollywood at (001)-323-464-6006. Rates start from $149.99 plus tax.
The chain is also transforming rooms into The Garfield Movie-themed experience at 10 additional locations across the USA to ensure cats (and dogs) are treated like royalty, the release said. To check out the list of participating locations and book Garfield-themed guest rooms through June 6, visit www.Motel6Garfield.com.
Pet enthusiasts in North America can also visit the website to enter for a chance to join Garfield on the orange carpet at the world premiere of The Garfield Movie on Sunday, May 19, in Los Angeles. One lucky winner and up to three guests will receive tickets to the premiere, round-trip flights, and a two-night stay in The Garfield Movie-themed suite at Motel 6 Hollywood. In addition, 20 runners-up will receive a $25 movie gift card and a one-night stay voucher redeemable at any Motel 6 location of their choice. The contest closes at noon PDT May 10.
“Through this creative and impressive campaign, Motel 6 will raise the bar for the ultimate pet experience with Garfield’s high standard seal of approval,” said Jeffrey Godsick, executive vice-president of global partnerships and brand management and head of location-based entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment. “Who better to provide his expertise to help pet travel be a little easier than everyone’s favourite pampered, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat!”
Source: PR Newswire
