Richard Solomons sits in one of his hotels, explaining how travelers can't be stereotyped. A businessman this week might be on vacation the next. For each trip, they have different needs.

As CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group — one of the world's largest hotel chains — Solomons, 52, knows a thing or two about beds, showers and the things that make or break a stay.

The company has almost 690,000 hotel rooms in nearly 100 countries. Its most iconic brand, Holiday Inn, might be for families or travelers mixing business with pleasure. Holiday Inn Express is for short trips where guests want to rest and then go. Its new Even brand is all about well-being.

The InterContinental group now has more than 4,700 hotels and 1,100 more under development. The bulk of those new projects — like at other hotel chains — is overseas.

Solomons, CEO since July 2011, recently sat down with The Associated Press at the InterContinental Times Square to talk about how the worldwide hotel market is growing, what guests want and how to get free Wi-Fi. Answers have been edited for length and clarity.

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