This past holiday season, Lemonade PR brought the magic with Merry at the Marriott, a whimsical winter pop-up bar that transformed the Louisville Marriott Downtown into the must-visit destination of the season. From concept to cocktail menu, and every detail in between, Lemonade PR developed the idea, designed all visual elements, and activated a buzzworthy campaign that delivered standout results both in guest experience and bottom-line impact.
It all started with a bold creative concept: reimagine the hotel’s lobby and lobby bar as a high-design, high-energy holiday bar. Our team designed every inch—from dreamy snowflake decals and cozy-chic décor to the signature “Peppermint Espresso Martini”—and developed custom menus, matchbooks, interactive photo moments, and social-ready installations. We curated a branded holiday world that invited guests to “Come Inside and Be Merry”—and they did.
Lemonade PR drove awareness with a strong influencer push, including a viral collaborative post with local tastemakers @datelistlou and an organic partnership with the Mayor’s office. The Marriott’s social engagement soared, hitting record-breaking views and gaining nearly 150 new followers in just two months. Most importantly, that buzz translated to dollars.
The numbers tell the story:
- 43.5% above budgeted sales – POR (Per Occupied Room) $14.90 vs. estimated $10.38
- Total lobby bar sales were up nearly $50,000 over forecast for December
- Merry’s signature cocktail, the Peppermint Espresso Martini, was the highest-sold menu item of the month in December
- Merry at the Marriott alone brought in over $39,800 in direct drink sales for Merry-specific menu items
We proved what we’ve always believed: immersive branding + standout creative + smart PR = unmatched ROI. From initial strategy and design to influencer partnerships and ongoing optimization, Lemonade PR turned a hotel lobby into a holiday sensation.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re already reimagining what’s next—because when it comes to pop-ups, our ideas don’t just deck the halls, they drive real business.
