If you’ve recently seen a Hotels.com commercial and found yourself wondering, “Who is that actor?”—you’re not alone. The ad spot, which cleverly blends humor with luxury travel, stars Dominic Sessa, a rising talent best known for his breakout role in The Holdovers. In the Hotels.com campaign, he’s featured in a whimsical storyline involving French pronunciation, method acting, and an over-the-top stay at a historic hotel in France. But Sessa isn’t the only familiar face in the Hotels.com universe right now.
Dominic Sessa Plays the Committed Actor in a Funny French Setup
In one of the newest Hotels.com commercials, Dominic Sessa plays an actor preparing for a historical drama set in France. During a table read, the director politely points out his amateur French accent, prompting Dominic to go full method. He books a stay at a luxurious French hotel through Hotels.com, where he immerses himself in the culture—and apparently takes things a bit too far. From addressing hotel staff as “mon amour” to growing out his hair to match 17th-century royalty, Dominic leans into the experience with comedic results.
The ad is light, stylish, and packed with subtle jokes about actor prep, hotel amenities, and misdirected enthusiasm. It’s a humorous take on the kind of dedication actors are famous for, showing how even the journey to learning lines can become a five-star experience—especially when Hotels.com is involved.
Who Else Is in the Hotels.com Commercial?
Another version of the Hotels.com campaign, also running during the NBA season, features a completely different setting—and cast. This spot stars Sam Richardson (of Ted Lasso and Veep) and Ike Barinholtz (The Mindy Project, Blockers), portraying hotel staff who go out of their way to explain how they accommodate NBA stars like Anthony Davis.
These characters boast about the oversized beds, towels, and robes that are “just a bit taller,” delivering the brand’s tagline with a wink: “Find your perfect somewhere.”
So, in summary:
- Dominic Sessa is the actor featured in the French-themed commercial.
- Sam Richardson and Ike Barinholtz are featured in the NBA-themed version.
Hotels.com’s Marketing Strategy: Humor Meets Personalization
These campaigns reflect Hotels.com’s broader effort to blend humor with personalization. Whether it’s catering to professional basketball players on the road or actors trying to perfect their accents, the message is the same: Hotels.com helps you find the perfect fit, no matter your reason for traveling.
Vice President of Global Brand Marketing, Lish Kennedy, explained the angle behind the campaign: “The best NBA hotel is run by the biggest NBA fans.” By showing both guests and staff as characters in the story, the brand invites viewers to imagine how hotels adapt to different needs—whether you’re a movie star, an athlete, or just someone looking for comfort and character.
Why These Ads Resonate
- Relatable characters: The campaigns are anchored by actors who bring charm and personality to otherwise routine travel stories.
- Comedy with context: From mispronounced French to oversized amenities, the humor ties directly to real travel concerns (and occasional indulgences).
- Cultural tie-ins: By associating with the NBA and the acting world, Hotels.com reaches a broad, diverse audience without losing its voice.
Final Answer
Dominic Sessa is the actor in the Hotels.com commercial where he books a luxury hotel to improve his French accent. Other campaign versions star Sam Richardson and Ike Barinholtz, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how hotels accommodate NBA stars.
Whether you’re chasing fluency or following your favorite team, Hotels.com wants you to find your perfect somewhere—no giant bathrobe required.