What do you get when one of the world’s biggest hotel groups joins forces with the world’s most famous fast-food brand?
A vacation that’s part sleepover, part nostalgia trip, and all about fun.
Marriott Bonvoy has just kicked off its Playful Getaways campaign with McDonald's China, running in 14 cities nationwide through January 30, 2026.
McDonald's character-themed hotel rooms, dual-branded sightseeing buses, scratch-and-win prizes, and quirky weekend escapes are designed squarely with Gen Z travelers in mind.
Themed Rooms: McDonald’s Moves In
The centerpiece of the campaign is a series of McDonald’s character-themed hotel rooms.
From Beijing and Shanghai to Chengdu and Haikou, guests can now check into stays that swap neutral décor for delightful surprises.
Think Hamburglar lounge corners, Ronald McDonald robes for playful selfies, and nostalgic welcome packs that blend comfort with character.
It’s the first time McDonald’s icons have been translated into a hotel setting, and Marriott is banking on the crossover to resonate with young travelers who crave a sense of lighthearted escape.
Pop-Up Buses: Rolling Adventures
From August 15 to September 2, weekends in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen will look a little different.
Specially designed dual-branded sightseeing buses will take over city streets on designated Fridays through Sundays, offering not just transportation but live entertainment en route.
Each city has its own signature twist: Shanghai features stand-up comedy and a romantic Qixi Festival night concert; Shenzhen welcomes pets aboard for four-legged adventures; and Guangzhou celebrates local culture with a lively dialect.
The curated routes link iconic urban landmarks, creating delightful micro-cations that bring together effortless fun with local discovery.
Scratch & Win: Surprises in Every Stay
The third layer of the campaign adds an element of chance.
Between August 10 and September 2, Marriott Bonvoy members checking into participating Four Points by Sheraton, Fairfield by Marriott, and Moxy hotels will receive a limited-edition Playful Scratch Card with a winning surprise gift inside.
Behind each card lies a reward chance from quirky dual-branded merchandise to Play & Escape vacation packages.
For members, it’s another reason to check in, check out, and maybe check off a big prize.
A New Take on Micro-Cations
With urban life accelerating, micro-cations have become a favored way for young people to recharge.
By blending fast-food nostalgia with the flexibility of Marriott’s select brands, Playful Getaways positions itself at the crossroads of fun and convenience.
As Betty Tian, Managing Vice President, Customer Group, Marriott International Greater China, put it:
“Weekend escape has become a lifestyle trend for young travelers. This campaign delivers that escape in a way that’s playful, immersive, and connected to the characters many of us grew up with.”
Yabin He, Chief Growth Officer of McDonald’s China, echoed the sentiment:
“Through this collaboration, we’re creating a fresh summer travel destination — one where the joy of McDonaldland extends beyond the restaurant and into every part of the journey.”
Marriott Bonvoy and McDonald’s are tapping right into that sweet spot, serving up travel with a side of fries and fun.
If the buzz is anything to go by, this playful crossover could spark more creative mashups across China’s travel and lifestyle scene.
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