IHG® expands in Greater London as it signs six brands into its portfolio

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's largest hotel companies today announced the signing of two further hotels in London with the Hotel Indigo® London - Barbican and Holiday Inn® - Watford Junction. As a result, over the last nine months IHG signed all six of its current European brands into its Greater London pipeline, further reinforcing IHG's presence in the UK's capital.

The two new signings join the InterContinental® London - The O2, Crowne Plaza® London - Albert Embankment, Staybridge Suites® London - Vauxhall and Holiday Inn Express® London – Ealing.

Due to open this summer, Holiday Inn Watford Junction will be a 92 -room property operating under a franchise agreement with Nine Hospitality Ltd. Featuring the Holiday Inn Open Lobby, the hotel's excellent location is anticipated to attract a healthy mix of leisure and corporate guests.

Meanwhile IHG continues to build momentum in East London with the addition of another Hotel Indigo property - Hotel Indigo - London Barbican. The newly constructed 101-room hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with long standing Owner Partner Sanguine who currently have six IHG hotels open in the UK and two under construction. Situated in a vibrant area in the heart of one of London's business hubs, the hotel is well placed to receive a steady stream of business travellers as well as leisure guests drawn to the local cultural and arts attractions. The hotel is due to open in 2016.

Angela Brav, CEO Europe, IHG said, "IHG already has a significant presence in Europe. Signing all six of our current European brands in Greater London is just fantastic and demonstrates the continued momentum in the market. We see plenty of room to grow here and these signings demonstrate the ability of our brands to penetrate markets across Europe both old and new. IHG's relationship with our owners is absolutely key in maintaining long-term sustainable development and I'm thrilled to see us all growing together."

Vivek Chadha, Owner of Nine Hospitality said, "The Holiday Inn brand has a legendary reputation in the industry and so we're very proud to be part of such an internationally recognised hotel company. The signing of Holiday Inn Watford Junction kicks off what is destined to be a fantastic relationship with IHG. We are looking forward to opening our hotel doors to what is set to be a busy yet inviting Open Lobby for our guests in Watford Junction in just a few months."

Simon Matthews-Williams, Chairman of Sanguine said, "Sanguine Hospitality Ltd is delighted to have signed a franchise for the proposed Hotel Indigo Barbican. This is our first flurry into London and demonstrates our confidence in the brand and complements our other Hotel Indigo projects in Liverpool, Birmingham, Newcastle and Manchester. The brand is innovative and being relatively new, has substantial growth potential."

IHG's broader family of nine brands in nearly 100 countries and territories meets the needs of guests, whatever the occasion – whether an overnight getaway, a business trip, a family celebration or a once- in-a-lifetime experience. All IHG hotels participate in IHG's guest loyalty programme, IHG® Rewards Club which is the industry's first and largest guest loyalty programme with 77 million members. It is free to join at IHGRewardsClub.com.

* Figures as at 31st December 2013.