�Hotel Indigo delivers an upscale yet approachable boutique experience that reflects the character and culture of the neighborhood,� said Janis Cannon, vice president, global brand management, Hotel Indigo. �With 20 years of combined hotel experience and more than half of that in the San Diego market working with IHG brands, Chris and Pat have the necessary operational skills, personalities and enthusiasm to exceed guest expectations and create a hotel that truly becomes part of the community.�

First up to the plate is General Manager Chris Jones.  A seasoned player in the hospitality industry, Jones� top priority will be ensuring guests and employees feel welcome and comfortable. Jones, who joined the IHG family in 2004, served as general manager at three Staybridge Suites properties in San Diego and most recently was the general manager of Holiday Inn Santa Monica Beach. Jones began his 11 year hospitality career in Colorado, where he held titles including general manager and director of sales and marketing with hotel companies such as Mill Creek Management and Durango Mountain Resort.

A former resident of San Diego, Jones is delighted to be back in San Diego and at the helm of Hotel Indigo�s new flagship property. �As the neighborhood hotel, we�re excited about joining the community and really showcasing the neighborhood and region to our guests,� said Jones. �One way we plan to do this is through the artwork in the hotel. We are working with local artists to infuse visual elements reflective of the region into the overall design, including a beautiful exterior wall mural of indigo glass panels to mimic the waves and ripples of the Pacific Ocean.� 

Jones lives close to Hotel Indigo (his morning commute: a short two-block walk) and has enthusiastically embraced the downtown lifestyle. Jones said, �It�s the perfect balance of life and work and reflective of the Hotel Indigo brand.� Jones is also a big San Diego Padres baseball fan, which is apropos as Hotel Indigo San Diego is located just a pop-fly away from PETCO Park and boasts unmatched views of home plate from the 9th floor terrace.

As Director of Sales and Marketing, Pat McTigue � Jones� clean up hitter and right-hand man � will lead the sales team. A longtime San Diego resident with more than eight years hospitality experience, McTigue is responsible for training the sales staff to exceed the property�s goals in customer satisfaction and leading the hotel�s marketing efforts. Prior to joining Hotel Indigo, McTigue held positions in sales and marketing at three IHG/Staybridge Suites properties in San Diego.

�Chris and I are excited to introduce this refreshing new boutique hotel experience to San Diego and present our guest-first service culture,� said McTigue. �Our staff will intuitively engage guests and anticipate their needs rather than simply responding. That personalized service coupled with a distinctive, engaging brand experience is sure to win fans of the new Hotel Indigo San Diego.�

About Hotel Indigo San Diego:
Currently under construction, Hotel Indigo San Diego is located at 509 9th Ave., just one block from PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres, and less than a mile from the San Diego Convention Center. The 12-story, 210-room property, including five suites, will feature a rooftop terrace with a reflection pool, fire pits, soft seating and panoramic views of the San Diego skyline and baseball games at PETCO Park. Owned and managed by IHG, Hotel Indigo San Diego will serve as a west coast flagship and mark the brand�s second property in California, along with the Hotel Indigo Ontario Rancho Cucamonga. For more information on Hotel Indigo San Diego, or to make reservations, visit www.hotelindigo.com/sandiego .

About Hotel Indigo:
Launched in 2004, Hotel Indigo is a sensible boutique brand that delivers an upscale guest experience to business and leisure travelers who demand value without sacrificing genuine, personal service or an intriguing, vibrant design. 

There are currently 25 Hotel Indigo properties open worldwide and more than 60 hotels under development, either in the pipeline or in final negotiation. By the end of 2009, Hotel Indigo will almost double its footprint in the Americas opening properties in San Jose, Costa Rica, Miami, New York City, San Diego, St. Louis, and Toronto. All properties feature signature Hotel Indigo elements including inviting guestrooms with plush bedding, hard-surface flooring with area rugs, oversized photo murals of local imagery, and spa-inspired showers. The hotels also offer casual gourmet dining, 24-hour business centers, a complimentary �Phi�tness Studio and wireless high-speed Internet access. For more information on Hotel Indigo, or to make reservations, please visit www.hotelindigo.com .

Robert Arends
619-295-7140
www.hotelindigo.com/sandiego