Mandarin Oriental signs celebrities for hotel ads

Would you stay at a hotel because Harry Connick Jr. told you to? Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group thinks you might, and is launching a series of new global print ads featuring Connick, as well as Hélène Grimaud and Sa Ding Ding, two internationally known musicians.

The ads will star the three celebs as part of the ongoing campaign dubbed “He’s a Fan/She’s a Fan.” The premise? Each celebrity dishes on their favorite Mandarin property.

Connick, for example, is a fan of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, where he performed in 2009 in one of his most intimate affairs. The concert took place in the hotel’s MO Bar. French pianist Grimaud enjoys staying at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, as she often performs in the city’s famous music venues. Rising star Ding Ding, a product of modern China, was also photographed at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London, for the ad.

The new ad campaign is said to combine Mandarin Oriental’s recognized symbol with fans and celebrities who stay at the hotel. Previous celebrity endorsers include Jane Seymour, Jerry Hall, Vivienne Tam, Liam Neeson, and Helen Mirren, among many others. In appreciation of the celebrities’ support, the Mandarin Oriental makes donation to each individual’s charity of choice.

We want to know what you think about this campaign. Are you more likely to consider a hotel because of its celebrity endorsement?