1800Hotels.com Hires Ad Agency

Independent French/West/Vaughn today said it has added creative, media, PR and sponsorship chores for 1800Hotels.com, an online service that competes with the likes of Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz.

Based in Dublin, Ireland, 1800Hotels picked FWV following a review after previously handling most of its marketing needs in-house (though Irish shop AE Consulting had also worked for the client). Spending for the integrated account will be $11 million, the agency said.

The agency’s experience with travel and lifestyle brands and strong digital skill set won the day, said client CEO Graham Peakin.

1800Hotels began doing business in the U.S. last year, but has done little marketing outreach so far.

FWV in Raleigh, N.C., also works for Coca-Cola, Justin Boots, Divi Resorts and Blinds to Go, among others.

Orbitz, a domestic category leader, is also reviewing its account, now held by Trailer Park in Hollywood, Calif. Orbitz spends $40-50 million annually on ads, per Nielsen.