ATLANTA
(September 15, 2008) � IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG
(ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announces
the opening of the new Hotel Indigo Miami Dadeland. The former Ramada
Limited property, located in the upscale Kendall area, is Miami's first
Hotel Indigo.
Located in the heart of the downtown Dadeland business center and within
walking distance to the prestigious Dadeland Mall, the 122-room Hotel Indigo
is only 10 miles from the Miami International Airport. Other nearby
attractions include the Miami Metrozoo, Sunset Place and the University
of Miami. The hotel is also within close proximity to several businesses
including AT&T, Fortis and Panasonic.
The six-story property is owned by Rodblu Investment Fund I and managed
by Driftwood Hospitality Management, LLC, under a license agreement with
a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. Driftwood Hospitality
Management, LLC, currently owns an equity interest and manages the Hotel
Indigo Houston at the Galleria and manages the Hotel Indigo Scottsdale.
�With the growing popularity of South Florida as both a leisure and
business hub, we look to provide travelers with the best in quality, service
and comfort through a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes them feel
at home,� said Carlos Rodriguez, executive vice president of Driftwood
Hospitality Management, who supervised the hotel's multi-million dollar
conversion.
�We�re excited to bring Hotel Indigo to Miami, a city known for embracing
the individuality of the boutique hotel concept,� said Jim Anhut, senior
vice president, Franchise Development, the Americas, IHG. �We have
another two Hotel Indigo properties in the pipeline planned for Miami,
in Miami Lakes and South Beach, and we�re looking forward to the opportunity
to provide our unique blend of branded-hotel consistencies with the design
and service personality of a boutique.�
In addition to the Dadeland property, two more Hotel Indigo properties
are coming to Miami this fall. An 86-room conversion of the Don Shula
Golf Club will open in Miami Lakes. In South Beach, a 135-room new-build
property will open in the heart of the neighborhood, just two blocks from
the Atlantic Ocean.
The Hotel Indigo Miami Dadeland incorporates causal and lively interiors,
providing a relaxing and refreshing getaway with an engaging atmosphere.
The natural organic patterns and textures throughout the hotel�s décor
provide guests with a sense of peaceful rejuvenation. Shades of avocado
green, tangerine, linen white and ocean blue soothe and inspire the guest�s
experience. The interior design firm of Dwellings, Inc., gained inspiration
for the color palette from the natural ambiance of Miami, reinforcing the
guest�s connection with their beautiful surroundings. Graphic murals
depict the Miami ocean life and encourage guests to stop�take a second
look�and relax.
The Hotel Indigo features signature design elements including oversized
lobby chairs, which create a personal work or dining space within the public
areas of the hotel; cozy, airy and inviting guestrooms with plush bedding,
hardwood-style flooring and spa-inspired showers; and a �Phi�tness Studio
with cardio equipment and free weights. The hotel also offers a 24-hour
business center; more then 300 square feet of meeting space for business
functions or special events; and wireless high-speed Internet access throughout
the hotel.
The Hotel Indigo brand is quickly expanding throughout North America,
with 19 locations open and more than 60 under development, either in the
pipeline or in final negotiation. The first Hotel Indigo opened in Atlanta
in October 2004.
About Driftwood Hospitality Management LLC
Driftwood Hospitality Management LLC, based in North Palm Beach, Florida,
is one of the fastest growing independent hospitality management and development
firms in the country today. Established in January 1999 by David
Buddemeyer, Driftwood or its affiliates owns and/or manages more than 40
hotels comprising approximately 8,833 rooms throughout the U.S., the Bahamas
and Central America. The company manages a variety of lodging types, from
destination resorts to downtown convention hotels to suburban hotels and
inns. Many of the company's hotels are affiliated with nationally recognized
hospitality franchises, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Doubletree,
Radisson, Sheraton, Hampton Inn, Courtyard by Marriott and Hotel Indigo.
For more information, see www.driftwoodhospitality.com < http://www.driftwoodhospitality.com>.
About RodBlu
Established in March 2007, RodBlu is a commercial property investment
fund designed to unite private and institutional investors interested in
acquiring and developing commercial real estate throughout the United States.
Satisfying the need within the industry for an opportunistic fund, RodBlu
maintains its focus on hotels, office buildings, retail shopping centers,
vacant land, industrial properties, mixed used developments and other added
value commercial properties, throughout the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America.
Led by managing partners Carlos Rodriguez and Stephen Blumenthal, RodBlu
will manage a portfolio valued at approximately $500 million once fully
invested. RodBlu is comprised of a group of experienced real estate investors
from a variety of industries and professional backgrounds. This unique
fund allows institutional investors to tap into a huge knowledge base of
personal investors with access to off-market deals, while providing an
opportunity for seasoned real estate professionals to leverage their personal
funds for better returns, access to bigger deals and preferential lending
rates.
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the
world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages,
leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,000 hotels and
more than 590,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around
the world. |