A one-of-a-kind hotel experience is set to open its doors in the Essex countryside – powered entirely by electric cars. The unique accommodation, in the secluded countryside of Ongar, Essex, is the world's first car-powered hotel, with all electricity harnessed through an adaptor from the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
It comes as a quarter of Brits (26 per cent) revealed that they prefer to enjoy a staycation in the UK, as it is less stressful than travelling abroad. And guests will certainly get the chance to relax and unwind at Hotel Hyundai – which offers a locally-sourced, sustainable menu, mixology-curated drinks, and picturesque views of the forest.
There is even a cinema on site to help guests really escape from the outside world. The new concept was launched by the car brand alongside broadcaster and critic Grace Dent – after research of 2,000 holidaymakers found 44 per cent would like to go on more staycations in 2023 compared to 2022.
Adults cited sustainability (25 per cent), supporting local businesses (27 per cent), and stress-free travel (27 per cent) among the things they most enjoy about a UK-based holiday. The whole experience is powered through the IONIQ 5’s V2L feature, which harnesses the car’s electricity to power other appliances through an adaptor.
Grace Dent, curator of the hotel concept, said: “We’re looking for unique, memorable stays more now than ever, and this is a delicious blend of innovation, luxury, and comfort that gets you thinking. I’m excited for those staying with us to sample the sustainable, locally sourced menu, as well as the equally fabulous cocktails – and, of course, to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
“I hope this three-week pop-up hotel is just the start for this concept of a car plugging in and powering a luxury experience like this. I’m predicting that guests will be hoping that this amazing hotel and the full experience it offers might be here again in 2023.”
The study also found 28 per cent prefer a staycation over a holiday abroad compared to five years ago, as one in six (16 per cent) agree they’re good value for money. Almost a third (31 per cent) said staycations are better for shorter breaks away, with 30 per cent enjoying all the UK countryside has to offer.
It also emerged more than half (55 per cent) said the cost-of-living crisis has made them rethink their future holiday plans. And, as a result, 53 per cent would like to invest their holiday spend in local UK economies, rather than abroad.
In a bid to cut further costs, 30 per cent would like to take a break outside of school holidays. Within the last 12 months, those surveyed have been on two UK-based trips away from home – with 15 per cent going on four or more.
The research, conducted via OnePoll, also found half agreed nothing beats a holiday in the great British countryside. When taking trips closer to home, two in five (41 per cent) prioritise value for money when booking accommodation, while 39 per cent want somewhere which is spick and span.
Ashley Andrew, from Hyundai Motor UK, said: “This hotel concept has been possible thanks to IONIQ 5 and the supply of power via the V2L feature, where an adaptor from the car provides a socket which domestic appliances can be plugged into. The whole experience demonstrates the practicality of this pioneering technology, and we hope the concept inspires more people to go off-grid.”
Hotel Hyundai is open for 14 nights, from October 19 to November 5. Members of the public will be able to win a stay at the hotel concept. The competition runs to October 19. Applicants can choose three preferable dates.
