TORONTO (September 17, 2003)  - The InterContinental flag was raised today on Front Street in Toronto, as the company opened the doors on a new Canadian flagship, set to rival the best InterContinental properties in the world.  The InterContinental Toronto Centre, formerly Crowne Plaza Toronto Centre, located in the heart of Toronto's theater district and steps from the financial center, has recently undergone a $24 million renovation. The InterContinental Toronto Centre is owned by Pensionfund Realty Limited.  "We are delighted that Toronto will have a new luxury landmark," said Kai Lamlé,

InterContinental Toronto Centre ( formerly Crowne Plaza Toronto Centre )     225 Front Street West  TORONTO, Ontario CANADA

The 586-room hotel is adjacent to the Toronto Convention Centre and is in close proximity to the renowned Skydome, home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team.  The ambitious renovation project included refurbishments to all guest rooms and public areas, as well as the creation of a Club Floor with 90 exclusive rooms and suites.  Due to its ideal location, the new restaurant, Azure, under the direction of Chef Laurent Kehr, is an ideal location for elegant business lunches, pre and post theater dining or after work cocktails. 

According to Tony Pollard, President of the Hotel Association of Canada, this is good news for Toronto. "Investment of this magnitude in the luxury hotel sector shows a long-term belief in this city. The Toronto hotel industry is regaining momentum, and it is encouraging to see the arrival of such a well respected brand to the country's most popular entertainment district."

"At InterContinental we have a long-standing reputation for excellence and attention to detail, as reflected in our flagship properties in London, Paris and New York," said Lamlé.  "We intend to exceed expectations by having services designed to cater to the most discerning international travelers."

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has been the preferred hotel brand for international travelers for nearly 60 years and is committed to meeting the needs of today's travelers worldwide.  InterContinental offers services and amenities specifically designed for the international business traveler and has mastered the delicate balance between providing consistent, superior service, while also capturing the local flavor of the city where each hotel is located.  InterContinental continues to expand in key destinations around the globe.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, more than 3,300 hotels and 515,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world.