Holiday Inn is a well-known hotel chain around the world, but do you know which hotel group it belongs to?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Holiday Inn is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the history of Holiday Inn, the InterContinental Hotels Group, and what makes them stand out from other hotel chains. We’ll also explore the different types of hotels under the IHG umbrella, the benefits of being an IHG Rewards Club member, and much more.
The History of Holiday Inn and the InterContinental Hotels Group
Holiday Inn is a hotel brand that has been around for over six decades, providing excellent accommodation services to travelers worldwide. The brand was founded in 1952 by Kemmons Wilson, who, after a disappointing family vacation, realized the need for affordable and comfortable hotels for families.
Wilson decided to start building his own hotels, and by the end of the 1950s, he had over 20 Holiday Inns across the United States. By the end of the 1960s, the brand had gone international, with the first hotel opening in Europe, in Leiden, Netherlands.
The growth of Holiday Inn continued throughout the 1970s, with the brand expanding to Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. By 1982, the brand had over 1,000 hotels worldwide, making it the largest hotel chain in the world at that time.
Unfortunately, the brand faced some challenges in the 1990s due to increased competition and a lack of investment in the hotels. By 2003, the brand had been sold to InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and was rebranded as Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts.
The merger with IHG proved to be a turning point for the brand, as it provided access to IHG’s extensive resources, including marketing, technology, and distribution. Today, Holiday Inn is one of the most recognized hotel brands globally, with over 1,200 hotels across the world.
IHG is a multinational hotel company that operates several hotel brands, including Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Kimpton, and Crowne Plaza. The company was founded in 2003 after the merger between Six Continents PLC and InterContinental Hotels Group PLC.
Today, IHG has over 5,900 hotels across the world, making it one of the largest hotel companies globally. The company’s portfolio of brands caters to different markets and includes luxury, upscale, midscale, and budget hotels.
| Brand | Market Segment | Number of Hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Inn | Midscale | 1,200+ |
| InterContinental | Luxury | 200+ |
| Kimpton | Boutique/Lifestyle | 80+ |
| Crowne Plaza | Upscale | 400+ |
It is worth mentioning that IHG is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The company has set targets to reduce carbon emissions, water consumption, and waste by 2030.
Keep in mind that while Holiday Inn is part of IHG, it operates independently, and each hotel is individually owned and managed. This means that each Holiday Inn hotel may have different amenities, services, and rates.
The Different Types of Hotels Under the IHG Umbrella
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is one of the world’s leading hotel companies, with a portfolio of well-known hotel brands that cater to every type of traveler. Some of the different types of hotels under the IHG umbrella include:
- Luxury hotels: These are IHG’s highest-end properties, designed to provide guests with a truly luxurious experience. Some examples of luxury hotels under the IHG umbrella include InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.
- Upscale hotels: These hotels offer a more sophisticated and refined experience than many other hotels. Some examples of upscale hotels under the IHG umbrella include Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Hotel Indigo.
- Midscale hotels: These hotels are designed to offer a comfortable and affordable stay to travelers. Some examples of midscale hotels under the IHG umbrella include Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
- Economy hotels: These hotels are the most affordable option for travelers, without sacrificing comfort or quality. Some examples of economy hotels under the IHG umbrella include Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites.
It is worth mentioning that each type of hotel under the IHG umbrella offers its own unique amenities and features. For example, luxury hotels may offer amenities such as spas, fine dining restaurants, and personalized concierge services, while economy hotels may focus more on providing guests with basic necessities like comfortable beds and free Wi-Fi.
Keep in mind that all hotels under the IHG umbrella are held to the same high standards when it comes to cleanliness, customer service, and overall guest experience. So, regardless of which type of hotel you choose, you can expect a high level of quality and service.
| Hotel Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Luxury | InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants |
| Upscale | Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo |
| Midscale | Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express |
| Economy | Candlewood Suites, Staybridge Suites |
Remember that IHG is a global company, with hotels located in over 100 countries around the world. So no matter where your travels take you, there’s likely an IHG hotel nearby.
Unfortunately, statistical data on the number of hotels under each type is not available. However, you can visit the IHG website to search for hotels by location and type.
Benefits of Being an IHG Rewards Club Member
One of the benefits of staying at a Holiday Inn hotel is the opportunity to become a member of the IHG Rewards Club. This loyalty program offers a range of perks and rewards to its members, which can enhance their hotel experience.
Free room upgrades
One of the most significant benefits of being an IHG Rewards Club member is the opportunity to receive free room upgrades. Members can enjoy bigger and better rooms, suites, and even executive floors, depending on the level of membership.
Priority check-in and late check-out
Another great benefit of the IHG Rewards Club is the priority check-in and late check-out options. Members can breeze through the check-in process and enjoy more time in their room before they have to leave, providing a more comfortable and stress-free experience.
Earn and redeem points
Members of the IHG Rewards Club can earn points for their stays, which they can redeem for a range of rewards, including free nights, flights, and merchandise. The more members stay, the more points they can earn, providing an opportunity to save money on future trips.
Exclusive member rates
Finally, members of the IHG Rewards Club can enjoy exclusive member rates, providing access to discounted hotel stays, making it easier for travelers to enjoy more vacations and getaways.
Why Choose IHG Hotels?
When it comes to choosing a hotel group, there are many factors to consider. One of the top contenders in the hospitality industry is IHG Hotels, which includes popular brands such as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and InterContinental. Here are just a few reasons why IHG Hotels are an excellent choice for travelers:
- High-quality standards: IHG Hotels are known for their commitment to providing top-notch accommodations with exceptional amenities. From comfortable bedding to state-of-the-art fitness centers, every detail is thoughtfully designed to ensure a pleasant stay.
- Focus on sustainability: IHG Hotels recognize the importance of reducing their environmental impact and have implemented various initiatives to promote sustainability. For example, they have set a target to reduce water usage by 12% across all hotels and have implemented a recycling program in many locations.
- Innovative technology: IHG Hotels are always looking for ways to improve the guest experience through the use of technology. For instance, they have developed a mobile app that allows guests to check-in and out, order room service, and even control the temperature and lighting in their room from their smartphone.
- Exceptional customer service: IHG Hotels pride themselves on their commitment to providing outstanding customer service. From the moment guests check-in to the time they check-out, every staff member is trained to go above and beyond to ensure a memorable and enjoyable stay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Holiday Inn is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, which is one of the largest hotel chains in the world. With a wide range of hotel brands and benefits for IHG Rewards Club members, IHG hotels are an excellent choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and rewarding experience. We hope this guide has helped you understand more about what hotel group Holiday Inn belongs to and what makes IHG stand out from the crowd.
