First Hotel Indigo® in Asia to be Located in Shanghai

17 November 2008      
        
First Hotel Indigo®  in Asia to be Located in Shanghai

Will Enchant Next Generation Guests with Intriguing Location, Style and Service

Shenzhen, China, 17 November 2008 – Underscoring its leadership position in the Asia-Pacific, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) signed a deal with the Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Asset Management Co., Ltd for its first Hotel Indigo® in the region to be located in Shanghai.

IHG announced the launch of its fast growing lifestyle brand to the region just last month. This partnership will see the world’s leading hotel group by number of rooms manage Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund. The hotel will be on a riverfront site along the Huangpu River that brings together the past, present and future of Shanghai.

The 180-room hotel is scheduled to welcome and captivate customers in 2010. It will sit on the historic location of the Shiliu Pu (Pier 16) which, from 1821 to 1850, was Shanghai’s focal point for shipping and trading activity. The wharf was outside the Baodaimen gate of the old wall that surrounded the city at that time.

To the immediate north of the hotel’s location is the renowned Bund; the architectural and commercial powerhouse of Shanghai in the 1920s. To the east stands the famous modern-day Pudong skyline and to the south is where the world will come together for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010.

Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund will be the first hotel located along the riverfront to offer unobstructed views of several famous and historical sites. The area around the hotel is also being developed into a commercial, retail, restaurant and entertainment district called the Pier 16th Development by the Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Asset Management Co.
 
“This is a landmark deal and we are delighted to have such a respected partner in Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Asset Management. Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund will be a unique oasis that meets the needs of the next generation of customers who demand a stylish, individual hotel experience that is authentic and unpretentious.” said Peter Gowers, chief executive of IHG Asia-Pacific.   

“Hotel Indigo is recognised for its differentiated design philosophy and generates high guest satisfaction and returns for hotel owners.  Our research revealed that customers in key Asian megacities are searching for a hotel brand that provides them a blend of inspired style and intimate service, delivered in an intriguing location.”

Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Asset Management is responsible for managing  the accumulated long-terms assets of its parent company, the Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Development Construction Investment (Holding) Co, Ltd, whose business include enterprise asset management, property management and industrial investment.

“We are delighted to be the owners of the first Hotel Indigo in Asia. Shanghai is being developed into a modern global economic and financial metropolis. The Hotel Indigo brand fits perfectly into the city’s aspirations and will enhance the impression that the city leaves on the world. With the international management experience and market-leading position of IHG, we are confident that our partnership will be a bright and successful one,” said Mr Xu Ruqing, vice president, Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Development Construction Investment (Holdings) Co., Ltd.

The Hotel Indigo brand seeks to inspire upscale travellers looking for a non-traditional hotel offering coupled with enriching destination experiences in key Asia Pacific cities including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo.

The Interpret Indigo™ design concept offers a new path for real estate developers to regenerate or develop properties with their own creative flair, which will capture and reflect the local character and culture of each location while maintaining the brand identity and standards. For example, Hotel Indigo London Paddington mirrors the sense of occasion of the great railway journeys of the past. The sweeping arches and metal grills used in the rooms reflect the architectural heritage of the original Paddington station built in 1854. 

Another trademark of Hotel Indigo is its intimate service; engaging, intuitive, and particular to each location.

Hotel Indigo is quickly expanding across the globe, with 19 hotels already open and more than 56 in the pipeline. It participates in IHG's Priority Club® Rewards, which is the industry's largest guest loyalty programme with more than 40 million members.  For more information on Hotel Indigo, please visit www.hotelindigo.com.

Hotel Indigo is the fifth IHG brand in the region, following InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express®.

IHG signs agreement with Seba Properties to develop InterContinental Fujairah Resort in the UAE

25 November 2008    

IHG signs agreement with Seba Properties to develop InterContinental Fujairah Resort in the UAE


InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the signing of an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Seba Properties for the development of the InterContinental Fujairah Resort, a new beachfront property in one of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) most attractive tourist destinations.

The 291-room hotel will be the first InterContinental beach resort property to open in the UAE and will establish a benchmark for quality and luxury amongst upscale resorts across the Middle East. Part of the growing portfolio of over 150 InterContinental hotels worldwide, InterContinental Fujairah Resort will connect guests with what is special about the destination, providing them with authentic and enriching 'in the know' experiences.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hajar Mountains with breathtaking views across the Indian Ocean, the resort will consist of a series of low-rise Arabesque village-style buildings, giving it a sense of place that is unique to Fujairah. The property's design will combine contemporary design elements with strong Arab influences that reflect the local heritage and culture.

The five-star property is set along Fujairah's two-kilometre coastline, on 69,500m2 of land. The resort will offer a variety of restaurants, retail outlets, a health club and spa as well as a kids' club.

Expected to open by the end of 2010, InterContinental Fujairah Resort will be surrounded by unspoilt natural landscapes which have made this tranquil Emirate a haven of relaxation for local, regional and, increasingly, international travellers.

Andrew Cosslett, Chief Executive for IHG, said: "Fujairah is an up-and-coming destination for both business and leisure travellers. InterContinental has been the leading hotel company in the Middle East for over 45 years and we look forward to opening what will be our first resort in the United Arab Emirates."

"With more than 65 hotels in the region, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn, IHG has developed the reputation for delivering great guest satisfaction and excellent returns for our owners. InterContinental Fujairah Resort will be no exception when we open our doors in 2010."

Rabih Karam, Chief Executive Officer of Seba Properties, added: "We are committed to creating uniqueness, elegance and an appropriate response to the location and we are confident that with a partner like IHG, we shall develop a world-class iconic resort."

Fujairah's strategic plan is to position the Emirate as a premium tourist destination. The Fujairah government has allocated over AED2.9 billion toward the development of the coastline and improving infrastructure of the Emirate.

A new 45km highway connecting Dubai and Fujairah will cut travel times between the two destinations to 30 minutes. Expected to be completed mid 2009, the highway will provide easy access to Dubai International Airport as well as the new Al Maktoum International Airport, set to partially open late 2009.