Edmonton, Alberta (February 11, 2010) � IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announced today that the company�s sixth hotel in Edmonton will officially open its doors February 16, 2010.  Holiday Inn Express® & Suites Edmonton North will reopen after being converted from an independent hotel. 
 
Located minutes away from downtown Edmonton, the 95-room hotel is accessible to Fort McMurray and Fort Saskatchewan.  The hotel is a short drive away from tourist attractions like the West Edmonton Mall, Valley Zoo and Winspear Hall, as well as businesses such as Northlands Park, Agricom and Rexall Place, making the hotel a convenient option for both business and leisure travellers alike.
 
The property will also showcase the Holiday Inn Express brand�s new sign, which is the seal of approval that this hotel exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion Holiday Inn brand relaunch program.  First announced in 2007, the relaunch program was established to create a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and consistency across the global portfolio.  The program focuses on arrival and welcome services, guestroom, and guest bath comfort.  The global estate of more than 3,300 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010.
 
�We are thrilled to welcome this property to the Holiday Inn family of hotels with the brand new sign and everything it represents.  Holiday Inn hotels are specifically designed for business and family oriented leisure travelers in need of a full-service lodging experience, and this property fits well within that offering,� said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Delivery, the Americas, IHG. �Development in Edmonton and Western Canada is important in expanding our Holiday Inn consumer base and growing an even stronger presence across the Americas.�
 
�We are very excited to be open our doors after converting another property,� said Zul Damani, owner of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Edmonton North.  �We have invested in this property with the goal of providing visitors of the area with a hotel that is convenient while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere with all the latest in comfort, and we are happy with the end result.�  

Standard Holiday Inn Express hotel guest rooms feature comfortable queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair and an in-room coffee machine featuring complimentary Smart Roast 100% Arabica coffee.  Business travellers will find large desks, ergonomic chairs, free high-speed internet access, free local and toll free phone calls (U.S. and Canada only) and phones with private voicemail.  The Edmonton North property offers a variety of additional amenities including 32� LCD TVs in all guestrooms, an indoor heated pool, meeting space and access to World Health Club, a state-of-the-art fitness centre next to the hotel.  The hotel also offers 26 Business Class Suites, providing a relaxing and pampering oasis with a king bed or two queen beds, living room, hospitality unit and work desk with padded chair.  
 
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Edmonton North is owned and managed by North  Edmonton Inn & Suites Ltd., under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group and is located at 13742 50th Street, Edmonton, AB, T5A 5G6. Telephone: 780-982-3270. 
 
About Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Express hotels are modern hotels for value-oriented travellers.  Fresh, clean and uncomplicated, Holiday Inn Express hotels offer competitive rates for both business and leisure travellers.  Guests Stay Smart® at Holiday Inn Express hotels where they enjoy a free hot Express Start® Breakfast Bar, free high-speed internet access and free local phone calls (US and Canada only).  There are currently more than 2,000 Holiday Inn Express hotel locations around the globe.  For more information about Holiday Inn Express hotels or to book reservations, call 1-800-HOLIDAY or visit www.hiexpress.com. 
 
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, nearly 4,400 hotels and over 640,000 guest rooms in 100 countries and territories around the world.