IHG® signs InterContinental® Lisbon and Crowne Plaza® Porto

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's largest hotel companies, has announced the signing of two flagship hotels in Portugal: InterContinental® Lisbon and Crowne Plaza® Porto. Both properties will operate under management agreements between Hotelgal SA, a subsidiary of Global Hotels & Resorts, and IHG.

InterContinental Lisbon will open in just a few weeks' time and will undergo a phased refurbishment of the lobby and public areas. The property was built in 1984 as Le Meridien Hotel, before becoming the Tiara Park Atlantic Lisbon Hotel in 2008. Featuring 237 deluxe rooms, 78 executive rooms, 16 Suites, a fitness studio, 18 meeting rooms, delegate space and a spacious restaurant and bar, the hotel is set to become an icon of luxury in Lisbon's city centre.

Occupying a prime location in the sophisticated residential area of Park Edouardo VII, InterContinental Lisbon is situated between the historic city centre and the financial district. The hotel is just a five minute walk to Lisbon's major tourist sites and Avenida Liberdade's high street boutiques and quality restaurants. Less than a 15 minute drive to Lisbon's International Airport and within walking distance to major public transport links, the hotel is ideal for guests seeking a central yet serene location.

Meanwhile, the Park Atlantic Hotel Porto will also undergo a refurbishment and emerge as Crowne Plaza Porto this autumn. The hotel offers 161 deluxe rooms, 29 executive rooms and 42 suites, 11 meeting rooms and all-day dining restaurant.

Located in Porto's business district on Avenida da Boavista, the hotel is just a 15 minute drive from the airport and a short walk away from Casa Da Música, Porto's landmark cultural centre featuring a variety of exhibitions and shows. The hotel's proximity to Porto's commercial area will also appeal to business travellers frequenting the city.

Robert Shepherd, Chief Development Officer, Europe, IHG said: "Lisbon is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Southern Europe and the signing of InterContinental Lisbon overlooking the city of Lisbon and Park Edouardo VII is a significant development for the brand in this region. Equally, Crowne Plaza Porto will be a meetings destination in its own right and well placed to provide quality accommodation and meeting support to business travellers and companies in the area."

Urs Gassmann, Chief Executive Officer of Global Hotels & Resorts said: "We're very much looking forward to working alongside IHG with two of the most successful hotel brands in the industry to further increase the appeal of these properties. Both brands are perfect fits for their respective locations and we are looking forward to opening the doors of InterContinental Lisbon and Crowne Plaza Porto as soon as possible."

There are currently 30 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and 82 Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts in Europe*.