Nouveaux Chic? Renault Trafic Hippie Caviar Hotel

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Renault Trafic Hippie Caviar Hotel

The design claims to be inspired by 5-star hotel rooms – “refined and rich in natural materials.”

Move over Tokyo Motor Show – known for its wacky concept vehicles. Here’s comes the Hippie Caviar Hotel concept built from the new Renault Trafic van. It debuts at the 2021 Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf from 28 August to 5 September 2021. It claims to be the world’s largest van and camper show. Renault Design says it “chose the new Trafic to imagine a nomadic life with all the space, comfort and modularity necessary for all journeys.”

Whatever. The van’s dimensions make it easy to park. As to the claims that a camper-van after repeated lockdowns can fill the urge to escape without accommodation constraints with the application of the sanitary restrictions related to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which leads to a “stress-free life” – well maybe designers were smoking something. Consider: “Hippie Caviar Hotel is our take on the nomadic hotel concept, based on connected services.” Sounds reasonable so far, but…

The design claims to be inspired by 5-star hotel rooms – “refined and rich in natural materials. The wicker-effect dashboard is enhanced by a leather band. The use of materials, such as exotic wood, natural fibers (linen and wool) and plant-based foam, is a nod to nature. The Japanese paper-effect ‘washi’ paints add an architectural and contemporary style. The colors and materials embody the optimism and freedom of the 1960s, when travel was immersed in a world of fresh but controlled colors, both invigorating and relaxing,” says Renault.

Nomadic Luxury?

Hippie Caviar Hotel offers a bench seat that can be converted into a bed (145 cm x 195 cm) that can be positioned outside or inside the vehicle. In the “contemplation” position, the open tailgate and its draperies provide privacy and protection from the weather. In the “cozy” position, the bench seat and the corner armchair create a lounge area. The rooftop terrace, complete with a coffee table and two removable backrests, offers another view of whatever it is you’re hallucinating on. The rooftop can be accessed from an extract-able ladder.

It goes on. “Hippie Caviar Hotel offers a ‘select’ experience with services worthy of a 5-star hotel: delivery of a logistics container (shower, lavatory, electric recharging point, etc.) to the location chosen by the customer, concierge services to be ordered online with delivery by drone on the roof or on the bench in the ‘contemplation’ position. Not to mention additional services such as the provision of bicycles. Every detail has been considered in order to offer a 5-star campervan experience at a time when demand is exploding,” Renault Design claims.

Chacun à son gout…

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