Are you looking to experience the ultimate in luxury travel? Look no further than IHG’s collection of luxury hotel brands!
If you’re wondering which IHG brand was the first to offer luxury travel experiences, we have the answer for you.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of IHG’s luxury hotel brands and dive into the features and amenities that make each brand unique.
The Origins of IHG’s Luxury Brands
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is one of the leading hotel companies in the world, with a portfolio of well-known brands that cater to different types of travelers. Over the years, IHG has expanded its offerings to include luxury brands that provide guests with exceptional experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the origins of IHG’s luxury brands.
The Launch of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts was the first luxury hotel brand launched by IHG. The brand was founded in 1946 by Juan Trippe, who was the founder of Pan American World Airways. The first InterContinental hotel was opened in Belem, Brazil, and it quickly became a popular destination for travelers seeking luxury accommodations. Today, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has over 200 hotels in more than 70 countries.
The Acquisition of Regent Hotels & Resorts
In 2018, IHG acquired Regent Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand with a rich history that dates back to 1970. Regent Hotels & Resorts was founded by Robert Burns, who aimed to create a brand that would offer guests a unique and memorable experience. The brand quickly became known for its exceptional service and attention to detail. Today, Regent Hotels & Resorts has properties in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
The Creation of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants was founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, who wanted to create a brand that would provide guests with a personalized and unique experience. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants was acquired by IHG in 2014, and it has since expanded to include properties in the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. The brand is known for its boutique hotels and award-winning restaurants.
The Introduction of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas was introduced to the IHG portfolio in 2019. The brand was founded in 1995 by Sonu Shivdasani, who wanted to create a brand that would offer guests a sense of place and a connection to the surrounding environment. Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has properties in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and it is known for its sustainable practices and wellness offerings.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts – The First Luxury Brand
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the first luxury hotel travel brand, founded in 1946 by Juan Trippe. The brand was created to cater to the needs of high-end travellers who wanted a luxurious and comfortable stay. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has grown to become one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands, renowned for its exceptional service, attention to detail, and luxurious amenities.
History and Evolution of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
The history of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts dates back to 1946 when Juan Trippe, the founder of Pan American Airways, opened the first InterContinental hotel in Belem, Brazil. The brand quickly expanded to other parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Today, the brand has a presence in more than 60 countries with over 200 hotels.
Over the years, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has evolved to keep up with changing trends and customer needs. The brand has introduced several signature features and amenities that make it stand out from its competitors.
Signature Features and Amenities
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is known for its luxurious amenities and exceptional service. The brand’s signature features include:
- Club InterContinental: A private lounge for Club InterContinental guests, offering complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and other exclusive benefits.
- Spa InterContinental: A luxurious spa offering a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
- InterContinental Concierge: A team of knowledgeable concierges who can assist guests with everything from booking tickets to arranging transportation.
- InterContinental Ambassador: A loyalty programme that offers exclusive benefits to members, including room upgrades, late checkouts, and complimentary weekend nights.
These signature features and amenities are designed to provide guests with an unforgettable experience and make their stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Locations and Expansion
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has a presence in some of the world’s most iconic cities and destinations. The brand has hotels in London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Dubai, among others.
The brand continues to expand its portfolio, with several new hotels planned in the coming years. The InterContinental brand is set to debut in several new markets, including Vietnam, Australia, and Serbia.
It is worth mentioning that InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies with a portfolio of more than 5,900 hotels in over 100 countries. Keep in mind that IHG has other popular hotel chains, including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.
Regent Hotels & Resorts – A Legacy of Luxury
Regent Hotels & Resorts is a luxury hotel brand known for its elegant properties, exceptional service, and attention to detail. The brand was established in 1970 by Robert H. Burns, who believed that luxury hotels could be more than just places to sleep. He envisioned them as immersive experiences that would transport guests to another world.
History and Acquisition by IHG
In 2018, Regent Hotels & Resorts was acquired by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). This move marked IHG’s entry into the luxury hotel segment and its commitment to expanding its portfolio of high-end properties. The acquisition also brought Regent back to its Asian roots, as the brand had originally been established in Hong Kong.
Today, Regent Hotels & Resorts is one of several luxury hotel brands owned by IHG, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
Signature Features and Amenities
Regent Hotels & Resorts is known for its exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and signature amenities. These include:
- Spacious guest rooms and suites with elegant décor and high-end furnishings
- World-class dining options, including fine dining restaurants and bars
- State-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities, including spas and swimming pools
- Personalized service and attention to detail, including butler service and personalized welcome amenities
Regent Hotels & Resorts also offers a range of unique experiences for guests, including private tours, cultural activities, and exclusive access to local attractions.
Locations and Expansion
Regent Hotels & Resorts has properties in some of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Bali, Beijing, Berlin, Taipei, and Singapore. The brand’s expansion plans include new properties in Shanghai, Phu Quoc, and Jakarta, among other locations.
Regent Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exceptional luxury experiences to guests around the world. With its legacy of luxury and commitment to innovation, the brand is poised to continue setting the standard for luxury travel well into the future.
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants – Boutique Luxury
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is a luxury boutique hotel brand that was founded in 1981 and acquired by IHG in 2014. It was the first boutique hotel company in the United States, and it is known for its unique and personalized approach to hospitality.
History and Acquisition by IHG
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants was founded by Bill Kimpton in San Francisco, California. Kimpton was inspired by his love of European boutique hotels and wanted to bring that same level of luxury and charm to the United States. The company grew quickly and expanded to other cities, such as New York, Miami, and Chicago.
In 2014, IHG acquired Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants for $430 million. The acquisition allowed IHG to expand its portfolio of luxury brands and enter the boutique hotel market. Kimpton continues to operate as a standalone brand within the IHG portfolio.
Signature Features and Amenities
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is known for its unique features and amenities that set it apart from other luxury hotel brands. One of its signature features is the complimentary wine hour, where guests can enjoy a glass of wine and socialize with other guests.
Other amenities include in-room yoga mats, pet-friendly rooms, and the “Forgot It, We’ve Got It” program, which provides guests with complimentary toiletries and other items that they may have forgotten to pack.
Locations and Expansion
Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has locations in major cities throughout the United States, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. The brand has also expanded internationally with hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean.
Since its acquisition by IHG, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has continued to expand its portfolio. In 2019, the brand opened its first hotel in the United Kingdom, the Kimpton Fitzroy London. The company has plans to expand further in Europe and Asia in the coming years.
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas – Sustainable Luxury
When it comes to luxury travel, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is a brand that stands out. It was acquired by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2019, making it the first luxury hotel travel brand under the IHG umbrella.
History and Acquisition by IHG
Six Senses was founded in 1995 with a focus on sustainable luxury. Its properties are known for their unique designs, wellness offerings, and commitment to environmental sustainability. In 2019, IHG acquired Six Senses for $300 million, adding 16 hotels and resorts to its portfolio.
Since the acquisition, Six Senses has continued to operate as an independent brand within IHG, with its own distinct identity and focus on sustainability.
Signature Features and Amenities
Six Senses properties are known for their stunning locations, unique designs, and commitment to sustainability. Some of the brand’s signature features and amenities include:
- Spa and wellness offerings, including yoga and meditation classes, holistic treatments, and wellness programs
- Locally inspired cuisine, often sourced from on-site organic gardens or local farms
- Unique design elements, such as treehouse villas, underwater restaurants, and cave accommodations
Many Six Senses properties also offer experiences that allow guests to connect with the local culture and environment, such as hiking excursions, cultural tours, and wildlife encounters.
Locations and Expansion
Six Senses currently has properties in 11 countries, including Thailand, the Maldives, and Portugal. The brand has plans to expand its portfolio with new properties in the coming years, including locations in Costa Rica, Iceland, and the United States.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, Six Senses’ commitment to sustainability and wellness is likely to resonate with travelers who are seeking more meaningful and authentic travel experiences.
Other Luxury Brands by IHG
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is a well-known hospitality company that owns and operates several hotel brands across the world. While InterContinental was the first luxury hotel brand launched by IHG, the company has since expanded its portfolio to include several other luxury brands.
- InterContinental Alliance Resorts: These are exclusive luxury resorts that offer exceptional service, unique experiences, and breathtaking locations. Some of the notable InterContinental Alliance Resorts include the Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas, the Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, and the Willard InterContinental in Washington D.C.
- Hotel Indigo: This is a boutique hotel brand that offers guests a unique and local experience in each of its locations. Hotel Indigo properties are designed to reflect the neighborhood in which they are located, offering guests a taste of the local culture and history.
- HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts: This is the first international luxury hotel brand designed specifically for Chinese guests. The brand combines traditional Chinese hospitality with modern amenities to offer guests an authentic and luxurious experience.
- Crowne Plaza: This is a full-service, upscale hotel brand that caters to business travelers and provides them with everything they need to be productive on the road. Crowne Plaza properties offer amenities such as meeting rooms, business centers, and fitness facilities.
It is worth mentioning that each IHG brand has its own unique personality, design, and service offerings. Whether guests are looking for an exclusive luxury resort or a boutique hotel with local character, IHG has a brand to suit their needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, IHG’s collection of luxury hotel brands offers something for everyone, from the classic luxury of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to the sustainable luxury of Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.
No matter which brand you choose, you can expect exceptional service, luxurious amenities, and unforgettable experiences.
Thanks for reading and happy travels!
