Atlanta, Ga.-based InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) had a very busy 2017, and the new year did nothing to slow its innovation and growth. Like many of its competitors, IHG has been working aggressively to expand its portfolio, both through acquisitions, as well as the launch of new brands. In 2017, they announced avid hotels, a new midscale brand that already has more than 100 properties in the pipeline. In March, IHG announced that it had agreed to buy a 51 percent majority stake in luxury brand Regent Hotels and Resorts for $39 million. Then, in June, IHG announced another new brand, voco. This upscale brand will focus primarily on conversion opportunities to strengthen the company’s position in the extremely lucrative upscale segment, which is expected to grow by a further $20 billion by 2025. Voco’s rollout will begin in IHG’s Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa (EMEAA) region, with plans to take it to the Americas and Greater China over time. The first voco will open in Australia.
AT A GLANCE:
» Ownership split (Americas properties) | 301 corporate-owned or managed and 3,739 franchised
» Rewards program | IHG Rewards Club
» Length of contract | Not disclosed
» Contact | development@ihg.com
| Brand Name | What It's About | Chain Scale | Competitive Set | Franchise Fees | Target Customers | Americas Properties | In the U.S. pipeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avid Hotels Since: 2017 | Basics done exceptionally well—at a fair price. New-build construction with modern, comfortable design. | Midscale | Best Western, Baymont, tru by Hilton, Quality Inn | Application: $500/room (not less than $50,000) Royalty: 5% GRR Services: 3% GRR | Business and leisure travelers | 0 | 95 |
| Candlewood Suites Since: 1995 (acquired by IHG in 2003) | An extended-stay hotel brand that provides an approachable, down-to-earth experience for travelers. | Midscale | Home2 Suites by Hilton, Mainstay Suites, TownePlace Suites | Application: $500/room (not less than $50,000) Royalty: 5% GRR Services: 2.5% GRR | Business and leisure extended-stay travelers | 379 | 104 |
| Holiday Inn Express Since: 1991 | Modern hotels for value-oriented travelers that are fresh, clean, and uncomplicated. | Upper-midscale | Comfort Inn, Fairfield Inn, La Quinta, Hampton Inn | Application: $500/room (not less than $50,000) Royalty: 6% GRR Services: 3% GRR | Business and leisure travelers | 2,230 | 464 |
| Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts Since: 1952 | Designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers and deliver memorable experiences through warm and welcoming service, contemporary design, and a sense of comfort. | Upper-midscale | Courtyard by Marriott, Hyatt Place, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn | Application: $500/room (not less than $50,000) Royalty: 5% GRR Services: 3% GRR | Business and leisure travelers | 769 | 112 |
| Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts Since: 1983 | Targeted at the modern business traveler, the brand just announced its Accelerate plan, which includes a $200 million investment in the brand in the Americas region. | Upscale | Doubletree by Hilton, Radisson, Hilton, Wyndham, Sheraton, Marriott | Application: $500/room (not less than $75,000) Royalty: 5% GRR Services: 3% GRR | Business and leisure travelers | 154 | 7 |
| Even Hotels Since: 2013 | A brand created with wellness at its core, empowering guests to maintain their wellness routine when on the road. | Upscale | Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft, Hyatt Place, Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn | Application: $500/room (not less than $60,000) Royalty: 5% GRR Services: 3.5% GRR | Business and leisure travelers | 8 | 6 |
| Hotel Indigo Since: 2004 | Delivers a refreshing and inviting boutique hotel experience reflective of the local community. | Upper-Upscale | Residence Inn, Hyatt House, Homewood Suites | Application: $500/room (not less than $50,000) Royalty: 5% GRR Services: 2.5% GRR | Business and leisure extended-stay travelers | 246 | 142 |
| Staybridge Suites Since: 1998 | Innovative all-suite brand designed to meet the needs of extended-stay guests | Upscale | Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Marriott, Westin | Application: $500/room (not less than $60,000) Royalty: 5% GRR Services: 3.5% GRR | Business and leisure travelers | 51 | 35 |
| Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts Since: 1946 | Provides enriching and authentic experiences with local insight that comes from more than 70 years of experience. | Luxury | Grand Hyatt, W Hotels, Fairmont, JW Marriott, Ritz-Carlton | Application: $500/room (not less than $75,000) Royalty: 5% GRR Services: 3% GRR | Business and leisure travelers | 49 | 6 |
