Hotel Online Special Report
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Holiday Inn Express Introduces a 
Prototype Building for Future Hotels
The brand takes another step in maximizing consistency
 
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 28, 1998 -  Today Holiday Inn Express introduced a prototype building for future hotels in a move to continue to maximize consistency by providing guests with similar and familiar experiences at all Express properties. The ageless design is bright and clean, and features curbside appeal and efficient use of space.

The prototype is based on two key design criteria -- it must look and feel clean, and it must appear timeless. These criteria stem from consumer research results which show that a clean, fresh, modern appearance is fundamental to guest satisfaction.

"The Express prototype builds 'ageless' and 'clean' into the design," said John Sweetwood, president of Holiday Inn Express. "And that is the most powerful draw to help guests decide to try the Express brand." To that end, the building has a traditional feel and is made of brick, stucco and asphalt -- materials selected not only for their timeless, appealing look, but also because they are easy to maintain, which will in turn keep the building looking fresh. The finishing touch to the building exterior is the residential-type landscaping.

The building also is designed so that Express signage can be affixed to all four sides. The concept is unique because the building itself can act as a three-dimensional billboard, displaying the Express logo on all surfaces. This feature is especially advantageous in the limited-service segment, since many guests choose a hotel only upon exiting the highway.

The interior features bold, bright colors which will prevent the property from looking dated, and soft goods from looking faded or worn. Guest rooms have minimized small surfaces where dust may collect, and bathrooms have virtually no grout to discolor. In addition, the hotel's Great Room, featuring the breakfast bar and eating area, has computer outlets and modem connections for guests with laptop computers.

The Express prototype is cost-effective, thereby providing entrepreneurs and management companies the opportunity to continue to build new Express properties with high returns on investment. Also favorable to hotel operators is the modular building design that allows flexibility to accommodate the property to fit to a variety of different sites. Components can be moved within the building, depending on the size and shape of the land. In addition, the core commercial area can be incorporated into several guest room layouts based on specific needs of a hotel.

Beginning this fall, all new construction projects within the Express brand will have the ability to utilize the prototype design. Holiday Inn Express is the modern hotel for value-oriented travelers. Fresh, clean and uncomplicated, Express hotels offer competitive rates for both business and leisure travelers. Guests Stay Smart(SM) at Express where they enjoy a free breakfast bar (featuring fresh fruit, cereal and pastries), free local phone calls (US only) and the ability to earn Priority Club(R) points that can be redeemed for great merchandise, airline miles or free stays in more than 2,400 hotels. There are currently more than 800 Express locations around the globe.

Bass Hotels  Resorts(SM), the hotel business of Bass PLC of the United Kingdom, operates or franchises more than 2,600 hotels and 450,000 guest rooms in more than 90 countries and territories.

The following service marks are owned by Bass Hotels Resorts Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates: Holiday Inn(R), Crowne Plaza(R), Holiday Inn Express(R), Holiday Inn Select(R) , Holiday Inn Garden Court(SM), Holiday Inn SunSpree(R) Resorts, Staybridge Suites(SM) by Holiday Inn, Holidex(R), Holidome(R), Priority Club(R) Worldwide, e.space(R) , Inter-Continental(R), Forum(R), Six Continents Club(R), Corporate Rate Portfolio(R) and Global Partner Hotels and Resorts(R).

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Contact:
Stephanie Bezner
Holiday Inn Express, 
770-604-5083
Web site: http://www.holiday-inn.com
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Also See:
Bass Hotels & Resorts, formerly Holiday Hospitality, Delivers New Identity / HMM / Barbara A.
Worcester / May 1998 
Holiday Hospitality Recognizes Top Performers at its 1998 General Managers' Conference / May 1998

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