# Dumpster-Reserving Valentine's Contests Hotels.com Lets You Book a Dumpster "For Your Trash Ex" By Ell Smith | Published 2021-02-04 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dumpster-reserving References: [ca.hotels](https://ca.hotels.com/page/vdaydumpsterstay/) For some, Valentine's Day is nothing but an annoying reminder of heartbreak, and those looking to get back at an ex may find satisfaction in Hotels.com's dumpster-reserving promotion. In lieu of booking a hotel, the humorous marketing scheme invites single people to book a dumpster for their "trash ex". This humorous activation arrives with a fictional booking confirmation that can be shared on social media. What is most exciting about this fictional reservation, is that it enters participants in a real contest, in which 15 lucky winners will be entered for a $300 Hotels.com gift card. Because of the current climate, the gift card arrives with no expiration date, meaning winners can redeem their stay whenever. Image Credit: Hotels.com ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Anti-valentine's Day Promotion:** Opportunity for companies to create humorous activations and promotions for those not celebrating Valentine's Day. - **Alternative Booking Options:** The option to book something unconventional, like a dumpster, can provide a unique and memorable experience for customers. - **Real Contest with Fictional Booking:** Offering customers a chance to win a prize through a fun and creative contest can help increase brand engagement and awareness. ### Who This Affects Most - **Hospitality:** Hotels and other hospitality companies can benefit from creating unconventional booking experiences in order to attract customers. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising firms can help companies create creative campaigns that leverage current events, holidays, and cultural moments. - **Retail and E-commerce:** Retail and e-commerce companies can use humorous and unconventional promotions as a way to engage customers and increase brand loyalty. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vengeful Toilet Paper Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flush-your-ex.md) - [Love-Themed Hotel Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweethearts-retreat.md) - [Breakup-Themed Donation Pop-ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exboxes.md) - [Prickly Ex-Partner Valentine's Gifts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/topo-chico-hard-seltzer-1.md) - [Breakup Dumpling Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-dumplings.md) - [Heart-Break Dumpling Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dumpling-promotion.md) - [Valentine's Jewelry Exchanges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-jcpenney-exchange.md) - [Anti-Valentine's Dinner Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sour-hearts-social-club.md) - [Spicy-Sweet Breakup Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodbye-pies.md)