IHG Announces Plans for New Hotel Indigo® in North Carolina

Hotel Indigo Durham will be the first property to utilize the brand’s new-build design concept

ATLANTA- IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms announces plans for its first property that will utilize the brand’s new-build design concept. Construction on the Hotel Indigo Durham, North Carolina (USA) begins this summer, with an anticipated opening date in April 2008.

The 125-room, 86,500 sq.-ft. branded boutique property is owned by Shrijee, LLC under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. The property is located at the corner of Old Page Road and Central Park Drive at Exit 281 of Interstate 40.

The six-floor Hotel Indigo Durham will be built in Central Park in southern Durham, adjacent to the area’s prestigious Research Triangle Park, the 7,000-acre research and development park. “The Triangle,” to which the area is commonly referred by locals, is anchored by some of the most populated cities in North Carolina - Raleigh, Durham, and the town of Chapel Hill - and is home to a variety of trendy and historical culinary, nightlife and shopping experiences. In addition, the property is conveniently located three miles west of Raleigh-Durham International Airport, offering convenience to guests’ travel.

“Hotel Indigo Durham will be a welcomed addition to the area, as more than 140 businesses and major universities occupy the surrounding Research Triangle area and will benefit greatly from the new property,” said Mitesh Patel, Member, Shrijee, LLC. Hotel Indigo is designed for travelers who seek an exceptional hotel experience, and we know this hotel’s location in the heart of ‘The Triangle,’ along with our unique design, will both inspire and intrigue our visitors"

The soul of Hotel Indigo’s retail-inspired concept is renewal - thoughtful changes that are made throughout the year to keep the hotel fresh. The renewal concept provides even the most frequent guest a unique experience with every stay. Hotel Indigo Durham will feature renewable elements such as vivid murals, area rugs, plush duvets and slip covers that will change periodically. Public spaces will be transformed seasonally through changing artwork, music, flora, murals and directional signage.

“We’re pleased to welcome Hotel Indigo Durham into our portfolio as the first property to fully leverage our new-build design concept,” said Jim Anhut, senior vice president, Brand Development, the Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group. “The new-build concept is designed to be distinctively Hotel Indigo, yet flexible enough to fit a variety of markets. The unique exterior structure coupled with the Interpret Indigo program will create a Hotel Indigo property like no other. ”

In keeping with the brand’s Interpret Indigo program, Hotel Indigo Durham will reflect the character of its local market while maintaining the unique brand story and signature brand hallmarks of Hotel Indigo. Hotel Indigo Durham will feature design elements that include: a renewable exterior building mural, interior water feature, open and airy public spaces designed for contemplation or congregation, a meditation courtyard, an indoor pool, and guestrooms with curved walls and distinctive entry alcoves.

The new property also will feature signature Hotel Indigo 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-style showers; and a Phitness studio with cardio equipment and free weights. The hotel also will offer complimentary high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms and wireless in the hotel’s public areas, as well as two meeting rooms with a total 2,000 sq. ft., perfect for business functions or special events. For all patrons, the property will also offer complimentary parking and complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.

Hotel Indigo Durham will offer guests the dining options they want, featuring gourmet health-conscious fare prepared quickly for the time-conscious traveler. The Golden Bean will showcase Hotel Indigo’s refreshingly unique approach to breakfast, serving traditional morning favorites with a twist and Starbucks Coffee. With an emphasis on ever-changing seasonal ingredients, Phi will offer both tempting starters and entrees in the evening. The evening menu includes fresh salads, pizzettas, Panini sandwiches, and other trend forward entrees. Guests can dine in casual elegance within the intimate restaurant, while relaxing in one of the hotel’s oversized lobby chairs, or in their rooms.

The Hotel Indigo brand is quickly expanding throughout North America, with eight locations open and 40 in the pipeline. The first Hotel Indigo opened in Atlanta in October 2004, followed by Hotel Indigo Chicago Gold Coast; Chicago Schaumburg North; Houston at the Galleria; Hotel Indigo Dallas; Ottawa Downtown City Centre, Canada; Hotel Indigo Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Hotel Indigo Sarasota, Fla. Future sites of Hotel Indigo hotels include Nashville and Knoxville, Tenn.; and Columbus, Ind. For more information on Hotel Indigo, or to make reservations, please visit http://www.hotelindigo.com/.