IHG Announces Plans To Build FIrst Hotel Indigo In Pittsburgh

Boutique hotel planned for trendy East Liberty area

ATLANTA- IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announces plans to build a new 135-room Hotel Indigo in the East Liberty area of Pittsburgh. Construction is anticipated to begin in second quarter 2008, with an expected opening date of fourth quarter 2009.

The five-story new build property will be owned by Governors Hotel Inc., under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

“The East Liberty area is experiencing a boom in redevelopment, with national chains, retail outlets and trendy restaurants leading the resurgence,” observed Jim Anhut, senior vice president, Brand Management, Hotel Indigo. “We feel this is the right time to bring Hotel Indigo to the heart of this enchanting neighborhood.”

The hotel will be located at the intersection of Highland Avenue West and Broad Street and easily accessible to downtown Pittsburgh. The new property is also within two miles of both Pittsburgh University and Carnegie Mellon University. Within walking distance of the hotel is the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, named for Gene Kelly and Billy Strayhorn, both East Liberty natives. The hotel is also located within miles of many company headquarters including: H.J Heinz Co., Alcoa Inc., Citizens Financial Group, and Bayer Corp.

“Hotel Indigo perfectly combines the one of a kind feel of a small boutique hotel with the consistency of service and amenities you expect from a traditional brand,” said Nigel Parkinson, managing partner, Governors Hotel Inc. “The brand’s flexibility allows us to incorporate local elements into the property’s design. One of our inspirations for the hotel is the Trillium flower, native to western Pennsylvania, which we plan to feature on an exterior mural.”

Boutique hotels, known for their intimate, luxurious environments in addition to personalized accommodations and services, have gained increasing popularity throughout North America. Hotel Indigo is known as the industry’s first branded boutique hotel, artfully combining the conveniences and consistencies of a brand hotel with the design cache and service personality of a boutique at an affordable price. The soul of the brand’s retail-inspired concept is renewal - thoughtful changes that are made throughout the year to keep the hotel fresh, similar to the way retailers change their window displays. The renewal concept provides even the most frequent guest a unique experience with every stay. The hotel 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.

Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh will feature signature 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-inspired showers; a Phitness studio with cardio equipment and free weights. The hotel will also offer The Golden Bean, an on-site casual gourmet restaurant and bar; a 24-hour business center, high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms and wireless in the hotel’s public areas, as well as meeting space for business functions or special events.

The Hotel Indigo brand is quickly expanding throughout North America, with eight locations open and more than 50 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 Baltimore, Md.; Boston, Mass.; San Antonio, Texas; Las Vegas, Nev.; New York, N.Y.; St. Louis, Mo.; and Nashville and Knoxville, Tenn. For more information on Hotel Indigo, or to make reservations, please visit http://www.hotelindigo.com/.