,

Pop Culture Pilgrimage: How Famous Movie Hotels Boost Tourism

 

 


When pop culture meets travel, magic happens. Iconic hotels and resorts from the big screen don’t just serve as backdrops—they take on a life of their own, becoming legendary destinations. Fans eager to step into their favorite scenes and live the life their favorite characters live flock to these properties. These famous movie hotels have cemented their place in cinematic history, drawing in travelers from around the world. Here’s a list of the hotels, motels, and resorts that played a role in some of our favorite movies.

 

Famous Movie Hotels that Stole the Show

  • The Plaza Hotel
    Despite serving as a setting for countless films, the most common associated movie with The Plaza is Home Alone 2. And although this served as the second time the McCallisters left their youngest behind, Kevin didn’t seem to mind staying in a $1,100-per-night room with all his room service covered. You can book the same experience at The Plaza with their Home Alone Package which includes a limo ride around New York, a large cheese pizza, and a 16-scoop sundae with all the toppings your 10-year old self would love.

    The Plaza Hotel, NYC

  • Chateau Marmont
    Few hotels are as steeped in rock-and-roll lore as the Chateau Marmont. Immortalized in songs by Lana Del Rey, Father John Misty, and many more, this Hollywood hideaway has hosted everyone from Led Zeppelin to Sofia Coppola’s film Somewhere. Its reputation for discretion only adds to the allure, making it a bucket-list stay for music lovers and film buffs alike.
    Chateau Marmont

    Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles

  • The Shining
    Can we have a list of iconic hotels without mentioning the haunted and chilling setting provided by the Timberline Lodge in Oregon? While it only served as the exterior shots for Stanley Kubrick’s fictional Overlook Hotel, the lodge serves as a horror fanatic destination and is reported to draw in 2 million people annually. While you won’t find creepy twins or a lunatic with writer’s block here, you will be awarded some incredible backdrops for your own inspiration.

    Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood

  • The Grand Budapest Hotel
    No, it’s not real, and yes, we are sorry to be the ones to break it to you. However, several resorts that can tickle you pink in the same way as the extravagance of Wes Anderson’s imagination can. Hotel Sacher Salzburg in Austria best matches the exterior with similar symmetry and architectural style. You can also step into the movie with a visit to Dresden Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund, which was a shooting location for the pastry shop in the film.
    The Grand Budapest Hotel Exterior

    The Grand Budapest Hotel Exterior

  • Forgetting Sarah Marshall
    Sometimes the only thing you can do after a devastating breakup is to book a trip to Oahu. If you want exactly what Jason Segal’s character did in the film, check out The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay resort. While you’re there, you can cliff dive, surf with locals, embrace your career dreams, and hopefully not run into your ex and her creepy rockstar boyfriend. But if you do, they have several on-location restaurants to grab a cocktail, so don’t fret.
    The Ritz-Carlton O'ahu, Turtle Bay and still from Forgetting Sarah Marshall

    The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay

  • Bellagio Hotel & Casino
    Few hotels are as instantly recognizable as the Bellagio in Las Vegas, thanks to Ocean’s Eleven. The film’s grand heist, set against the backdrop of the Bellagio’s dazzling fountains and high-roller atmosphere, cemented the hotel as a symbol of Vegas luxury. Today, visitors reenact their favorite scenes by watching the fountain shows, playing in the world-famous casino, and soaking in the cinematic grandeur of this iconic resort.

    Bellagio Hotel & Casino Ocean's Eleven

  • Motel 6 & Budget Motels
    On the grittier side of pop culture, budget motels have played starring roles in crime dramas. Locations like Albuquerque’s Crossroads Motel from Breaking Bad and The Regal Motel in Vegas from No Country for Old Men have become unlikely landmarks, drawing visitors looking to immerse themselves in cinematic storytelling.
    Regal Inn from No Country for Old Men

    Regal Inn, Las Vegas

 

How Pop Culture Drives Tourism

Hotels featured in pop culture gain free, organic marketing through the power of nostalgia and fandom. TV shows, movies, and music create an emotional connection that inspires travel. The rise of social media has further amplified this effect, with fans sharing their experiences and influencing new travelers.

For hoteliers and destination marketers, leveraging pop culture connections can be a game-changer. Here’s how:

  • Create themed experiences – Offer packages inspired by famous on-screen moments or songs.
  • Encourage user-generated content – Invite guests to share their pop culture-inspired visits with dedicated hashtags.
  • Partner with influencers & fandoms – Work with pop culture influencers to attract niche audiences.
  • Host events & screenings – Movie nights, concerts, or guided tours can turn a stay into an experience.


Pop culture shapes tourism, and you can tap into that magic. Whether your hotel or city has a silver-screen history or you want to create a must-visit experience, leveraging film, TV, and music as inspiration can boost bookings and brand recognition.

  •  

,

Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Better Newsletter (And How to Fix It)

Nonprofit volunteers

 

Nonprofit volunteers

 


A well-crafted nonprofit newsletter is one of the most effective tools for keeping supporters engaged, driving donations, and amplifying your mission. However, many organizations struggle with newsletters that are inconsistent, unfocused, or simply not visually engaging enough to capture attention. If your nonprofit’s newsletter isn’t performing as well as you’d like, it may be time for an upgrade.

 

Common Nonprofit Newsletter Mistakes

  • Lack of Clear Purpose – Does your newsletter have a goal? Whether it’s increasing donations, recruiting volunteers, or raising awareness, every edition should serve a specific purpose. Without clarity, your audience may not feel compelled to take action.
  • Irregular Sending Schedule – Consistency is key. If you send newsletters sporadically, supporters may forget about your organization. On the other hand, too many emails can lead to subscribers being overwhelmed and eventually unsubscribing. Finding the right balance–whether it’s monthly, biweekly, or quarterly–and staying consistent is the way to keep subscribers.
  • Not Visually Engaging – Most people scan emails very quickly. Long blocks of text can overwhelm readers, and lead them to ignore content. Break up your newsletter with headings, bullet points, and eye-catching images.
  • Lack of Personalization – Generic greetings like “Dear Supporter” don’t engage readers. Personalizing emails with a recipient’s name or tailored content based on past engagement can improve click-through and engagement rates.
  • Weak Calls to Action (CTA) – A nonprofit newsletter should always encourage readers to take the next step, whether that’s donating, signing up for an event, or following you on social media. Use strong, action-oriented language like “Join Us,” ” Donate Today,” or “Show Your Support.”

 

How to Fix Your Nonprofit Newsletter

  • A Compelling Subject Line – Your subject line is the hook that determines whether someone will open your email or send it straight to the trash. Keep it concise, engaging, and relevant. For example: “Your Support Can Help Change a Life” or “We Fed XX People Last Month With Your Help”
  • Use a Clean, Mobile-Friendly Design – Nearly 60% of readers check emails on their phones, so your newsletter should be mobile-optimized. Use a simple layout, readable fonts, and buttons instead of text for easy finger-clicking.
  • Incorporate Storytelling – People connect with stories far more than statistics. Share real-life impact stories about those who have benefited from your nonprofit’s work. Include a powerful quote or testimonial to make it more compelling.
  • Segment Your Audience – Not every supporter needs the same content. Donors, volunteers, and general subscribers may have different interests. Segmenting your email list allows you to send tailored content that resonates with each group.
  • Track & Optimize – Use email marketing analytics to track open rates, click-through rates, and conversions. If engagement is low, test different subject lines, layouts, or content formats to see what works best for your goals and audience.
  • One Last Thing… – Link your newsletter to a well-designed landing page or website. Even the best nonprofit newsletter won’t be effective if it directs readers to a confusing or outdated website. Make sure your site is easy to navigate and easy to donate through and that you are maintaining brand standards across both channels.


If your nonprofit’s newsletter isn’t getting the results you need, we can help. Give us a call at 330-286-0487 or email us at info@mcconnellmarketing.com to see how we can help you improve your communication strategy.

  •  

, , ,

Brand New: 5 Signs You Need to Rebrand

Team brainstorming at table under lightbulb

 

Team brainstorming at table under lightbulb


Maintaining a strong brand presence is essential for success with how quickly the world moves now. Your brand is more than the logo; it’s your mission, values, and image. But with times changing so quickly, it’s easy to get swept up in the crowd. If you’re not seeing the results you want, it may be time to assess if your branding is still communicating who you are to your audience. Here are 5 signs that it may be time for a rebrand.


Your look feels outdated

Trends come and go. What once made you stand out, may be the same things that are making you blend in with everyone else. If your branding doesn’t resonate with your target audience, then it may be time for a different look. A logo refresh or modified color palette can go a long way in making your brand feel more relevant.


There are inconsistencies across platforms

For your company to have brand recognition, you need to have a consistent image in all spaces you are in. If your Instagram and your website look like they were made by two completely different people, you may be confusing your customers. A cohesive brand will help customers recognize and build trust with your brand.


You’re trying to connect to a new audience

Spending power is constantly changing hands, which means you need to be constantly changing who you appeal to. What Gen Z likes is far from what their parents like. A rebrand is a great way to show potential audiences that you align with their needs and preferences. Additionally, where you connect will be different, are you on the right platform for your target audience?


You’ve outgrown your branding

One of the better reasons to change up your look is that you’re simply bigger than you once were! The good news is that you don’t need to leave behind all of your new practices. Some things worked to get you where you are. This is a great time to lean into your strengths and leave the rest behind to continue towards growth.


You aren’t getting the recognition you expected

Sometimes things aren’t done right the first time. While it might be frustrating to start from scratch, it’s better to nip it in the bud. Finding an agency that knows which questions to ask is the best way to get a brand that speaks to audiences in your voice.


Your brand is the foundation of your business. And like everything else in life, it will change with time. If anything on this list sounds like your brand, now is the perfect time to reach out to us. Call us at 330-286-0487 to get started. For more tips like this, follow us on all of our social platforms and subscribe to our our monthly newsletters.