Who’s in the hotels.com commercial?

Who’s in the hotels.com commercial?

Exploring the faces behind the iconic travel ads

(By Javier Guerra)

Hotels.com has long stood out in the travel advertisement world, and much of its success can be attributed to one recurring character: Captain Obvious. Clad in a flashy red military-style uniform, complete with medals and a dramatic flair, Captain Obvious isn’t just a character—he’s the brand’s mascot and an instantly recognizable pop culture figure.

The man behind the uniform? Actor and comedian Brandon Moynihan. A relatively unknown name before donning the cap and red blazer, Moynihan has become the embodiment of the Captain Obvious persona. His deadpan delivery, wide-eyed expressions, and irreverent commentary have made him a standout in advertising.

“Captain Obvious doesn’t say things you don’t know,” Moynihan said in an interview. “He just says what everyone is already thinking. It’s the honesty that makes it funny.”

The character was created in 2014 by the advertising agency CP+B (Crispin Porter + Bogusky). The campaign was designed to cut through the noise of traditional travel advertisements by leaning into the obviousness of the Hotels.com pitch: you need a hotel, so use a site that specializes in hotels.

Brandon Moynihan may not have been a household name before the campaign, but his commitment to the role of Captain Obvious has solidified his place in commercial history. Prior to landing the part, Moynihan worked in sketch comedy, short films, and appeared in a few web-based projects.

His comedic timing and theatrical delivery helped mold Captain Obvious into more than a gimmick. He became a personality, capable of carrying everything from quirky one-liners to full campaign narratives.

“They told me I needed to play it straight—even when the lines were ridiculous,” Moynihan shared in a podcast interview. “That contrast is what made it work.”

Unlike some commercials that rotate actors frequently, Hotels.com has stuck with Moynihan, helping build long-term brand identity.

Captain Obvious stands out not just because of Moynihan’s performance but due to his distinct look and feel. The red uniform—with gold epaulettes, a full row of medals, and a general air of flamboyance—was designed to evoke authority with irony. He’s a “captain” who leads travelers to obvious conclusions.

His iconic entrance is often underscored by quick cuts, dramatic lighting, or over-the-top visuals. Whether sliding down hotel banisters, pointing out the obvious, or giving unsolicited advice, Captain Obvious has become part comedic observer, part travel guru.

In one famous spot, he rides a horse into a hotel lobby and announces, “I’m on a horse. You’re in a hotel. These are facts.” This absurdist style became the backbone of Hotels.com’s entire campaign strategy.

The success of the Captain Obvious campaign has been measurable. Since its launch, Hotels.com has seen improved brand recall and stronger engagement among younger audiences.

Social media has played a huge role in the campaign’s success. The character has his own Twitter account, where he continues to tweet in the same sarcastic, observant tone featured in commercials. His posts often comment on trending news, pop culture, or travel memes.

From a tweet during the pandemic:
“Working from home? You might be in your kitchen. Unless you’re not. That’s how geography works. -Captain Obvious”

During major events like the Super Bowl, Captain Obvious made special ad appearances, including one commercial featuring him jogging across the country to promote travel safety. These larger-than-life stunts helped the brand remain relevant even during travel downturns.

At the heart of the Hotels.com strategy is accessibility. The commercials don’t bombard you with technical jargon or overly emotional storytelling. Instead, they serve up relatable humor through the filter of Captain Obvious’ absurd clarity.

The effectiveness lies in the repetitive branding and memorability. You may not recall the fine print, but you remember the guy in red telling you what you already knew.

“Sometimes the most effective message is the simplest one,” said Jennifer Smith, former marketing director at CP+B. “Captain Obvious delivered that simplicity with a wink.”

Hotels.com leaned into the idea that in a crowded marketplace, it’s not just about being informative—it’s about being memorable.

While Captain Obvious is the star, a few supporting actors and cameos have appeared alongside him in recent years. One ad featured a hotel manager, played by comedic actor Eric Edelstein, best known for roles in Green Room and We Bare Bears.

Additionally, background actors—hotel guests, bartenders, and vacationers—bring color and life to each scenario, even though they aren’t usually named or credited.

“It’s funny being on set because everyone knows we’re all supporting Captain Obvious,” one extra shared in an industry blog. “He’s the star—even if he’s just walking through a hallway saying something silly.”

Early Captain Obvious commercials were hyper-focused on one-liners. But as the campaign matured, so did the storytelling. The ads began incorporating seasonal themes (like holiday travel) and pop culture references (such as online dating or fantasy football).

In a pandemic-era ad, Captain Obvious practices social distancing in a hotel elevator, offering hand sanitizer with robotic precision. The ad struck the right balance between humor and public safety, proving the character could evolve with the times.

Hotels.com also began releasing web-only mini-episodes and interactive content, all narrated or hosted by Captain Obvious. His voice became synonymous with travel convenience.

Online reactions to the Hotels.com commercials have been overwhelmingly positive. From Reddit threads to YouTube comments, viewers often express affection for the campaign.

“I don’t even need a hotel, but I’ll watch these commercials again just to hear Captain Obvious roast me,” said one Reddit user.

Memes featuring Captain Obvious quotes—like “Water is wet” or “Hotels are places you sleep”—have circulated widely on Twitter and TikTok. Some fans have even dressed up as Captain Obvious for Halloween, complete with fake medals and travel brochures.

The campaign’s ability to permeate pop culture speaks volumes about its impact.

After nearly a decade of dominating travel ads, some might wonder whether the campaign will continue. As of 2025, Hotels.com has not announced any plans to retire the character. On the contrary, they’ve only deepened his role with social campaigns, mobile app integrations, and augmented reality promotions.

Marketing experts suggest Captain Obvious has the rare staying power of characters like the Geico Gecko or Flo from Progressive.

“As long as he keeps delivering laughs and clarity, there’s no reason to stop,” noted ad executive Daniel Greene. “He’s become part of the travel brand landscape.”

In a media landscape saturated with forgettable ads, the Hotels.com campaign has struck gold by embracing the obvious—and making it funny. Brandon Moynihan’s portrayal of Captain Obvious is not just comedic, it’s effective branding.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer, road tripper, or just someone who laughs at absurd truths, Captain Obvious has likely earned a chuckle from you. And that’s the point.

He’s not just in the commercial—he is the commercial.

And as Captain Obvious himself might say:

“You’ve just read an article about me. That means you’re on the internet. Well done.”

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