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in the Baltimore-Washington DC Metropolitan Area |
| ATLANTA (Nov. 7, 2006) � InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [Lon:
IHG; NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world�s largest hotel company by number of
rooms, today announces that Hotel Indigo will add four new boutique properties
in the greater Baltimore-Washington, DC metropolitan area to its rapidly
growing pipeline. All four locations - Ashburn, Chantilly, and Herndon,
Va., and Linthicum, Md. � will be new construction in upscale mixed-use
development complexes and are scheduled to open by the end of 2008.
Hotel Indigo is uniquely designed to appeal to lifestyle focused guests who desire affordable luxury, elevated design and décor and genuine service. As a branded boutique hotel it offers guests an alternative to traditional hotels without sacrificing any of the businesses amenities they have come to expect. The four branded boutique properties are owned by Asha Companies. �We are very excited about Hotel Indigo and believe this brand to be the future in mature, high-barrier markets,� said Jay Patel, CEO and CFO of Asha Companies. �Fast-growing, near-urban markets like the four we have identified in the Baltimore-Washington DC metropolitan area are an ideal setting for Hotel Indigo�s unique and inspired concept,� he added. �We look forward to welcoming our first guests.� Jim Anhut, senior vice president, Brand Development, InterContinental Hotels Group, says development outlook is strong for Hotel Indigo and the pipeline continues to grow through not only conversions but also new construction. The increase of new construction properties to the brand�s pipeline has been fueled by the recent introduction of the Hotel Indigo new build design concept. The new build design concept was created to meet demand by developers eager to build Hotel Indigo properties in suburban and near urban areas where conversions are not an option. The new build concept is designed to be distinctively Hotel Indigo yet flexible enough to fit in a variety of markets. �We were the first hotel company to launch the branded boutique concept. Hotel Indigo has a relevant and engaging brand story that will continue to evolve as we grow, �said Anhut. �The new build design concept was always considered to be an important step in our distribution strategy to maximize the growth potential of Hotel Indigo. We are pleased to offer this option to developers like Asha Companies to keep pace with demand,� he said. Recently the brand also introduced �Interpret Indigo,� as a complement to its evolving exterior footprint. Interpret Indigo allows prospective developers the opportunity to creatively interpret the property�s interior design while maintaining the Hotel Indigo brand hallmarks. Through Interpret Indigo, Hotel Indigo maintains consistency while still preserving the unique experience associated with boutique hotels, delivering on its brand promise to be non-cookie cutter. In keeping with the brand�s Interpret Indigo program, each of the four new properties will be distinctive and reflect the character of its local market. For example, the largest of the four properties, the Herndon, Va. property, will include a 10,000 sq. ft. upscale spa and an indoor/outdoor pool, and in addition to the brand�s signature Golden Bean restaurant, will house an upscale French-Indian-Fusion style restaurant. All of the properties will range from 100-200 rooms each including suites and feature Hotel Indigo�s signature design elements, including: photographic murals that reflect nature and locality; seasonal renewal of the open and airy public spaces; oversized lobby chairs, which create a personal work or dining space within the public areas of the hotel; cozy and inviting guestrooms with plush bedding, hardwood flooring and spa-style showers; and a fitness studio with cardio equipment and free weights. The hotels will offer complimentary wireless Internet access in all guestrooms and public spaces, as well as function and meeting space. Six properties have opened since Hotel Indigo�s launch. The first Hotel Indigo opened in Atlanta, Ga. in October 2004, followed by two in Chicago, Ill. in the historic Gold Coast neighborhood and Schaumburg; two more in Dallas and Houston, Texas and most recently Sarasota, Fla. By the end of 2006 a seventh Hotel Indigo will open in Scottsdale, AZ. In addition, the brand also has nearly 20 hotels in development. Future Hotel Indigo sites include: New York City, NY; Las Vegas, Nev.; Fort Meyers, Fla..; Savannah, Ga.; San Diego, Ca; Fishers, In; Columbus, In; Baltimore, Md; Hanover, Md. and Durham, N.C. About Asha Companies Asha Companies, led by Jay Patel its CEO and CFO, is a premier upscale hotel full and limited service development company. The company was established to develop first in class hotels in high-barrier-to-entry U.S. markets across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States. Since inception, Asha Companies has in excess of $1.5 billion in its hotel development pipeline. Asha comes from the Sanskrit root meaning �the inherent nature of existence� and from the Hindu root meaning �hope�. For more info on Asha Companies please visit www.ashacos.com . About Hotel Indigo The newest member of the InterContinental Hotels Group family, Hotel Indigo is the industry�s first branded boutique hotel experience. It is uniquely designed to appeal to lifestyle focused guests who desire affordable luxury, genuine service and an alternative to traditional hotels without sacrificing any of the businesses amenities they have come to expect. Renewal is the soul of Hotel Indigo�s retail-inspired design concept � thoughtful changes that are made throughout the year to keep the hotel fresh, similar to the way retailers change their window displays. Guestrooms feature signature murals, area rugs, fluffy duvets and slipcovers that change periodically, while public spaces are transformed seasonally through changing aromas, music, artwork, murals and directional signage. From relaxed café dining to high-style rooms � Hotel Indigo creates an intriguing, warm and inviting environment for guests. For more information on Hotel Indigo, please visit www.hotelindigo.com. |
| Contact:
Natasha Gullett
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