ATLANTA, Ga. — IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) unveiled the next phase of design prototypes for Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites during its 2019 Americas Investors and Leadership Conference in Las Vegas.
“We are continually evolving and investing in our brands, and at the centre of our latest enhancements sits extensive customer research and close collaboration with our owners,” says Heather Balsley, SVP, Global Marketing Mainstream Brands, IHG. “This is crucial to delivering brand experiences that fit the ever-evolving needs of mainstream travellers and drive performance for our hotel owners.”
The new Holiday Inn prototype builds on the brand’s H4 Design, which was launched in 2017. The H4 prototype is an evolution of the H4 Design, which provides owners with a more modern and efficient building that flexes to meet the needs of individual markets through flexible, open public spaces, multiple food-and-beverage concepts, adaptable meeting space and updated guestroom design.
The new design solution for Staybridge Suites (Generation 7.0) will roll out in October 2019. The new prototype features a new exterior design with a front porch and updated suites with distinct ones for working, relaxing and sleeping. The new design also reimagines the brand’s public space to create a wide-open sense of arrival with shared workspaces, areas to socialize, more seating, a breakfast space that seamlessly transitions to a comfortable lounge area and stronger connection to the outdoor space.
Along with a new design program for Candlewood Suites (Beacon 4.0), IHG also debuted a new logo for the brand. Starting this summer, the logo will appear on all new hotel openings, refurbished hotels and across marketing platforms. The full Beacon 4.0 roll out will commence in December 2019.
The new prototype introduces significant changes to the guest suites aimed at meeting the changing needs of extended-stay travellers. The enhanced suites feature the brand’s signature recliner, larger TVs, twice as much storage, contemporary kitchens and easy-to-move end tables with integrated cupholders. One-bedroom suites will also feature a signature “welcome perch” where guests can immediately begin the process of settling in by dropping their bags or taking off their shoes.
Additional updates include exterior design featuring storefront windows and an updated Gazebo Grill, as well as an open and modern lobbywith spacious communal areas and a refreshed Candlewood Cupboard — the brand’s 24-hour market — which is now integrated into the lobby itself.
