InterContinental Hotels Group Adds Two New Hotels in Bangkok

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today announced that it will assume the management of two hotels in central Bangkok, to join its InterContinental and Holiday Inn brands as InterContinental Bangkok and Holiday Inn Bangkok.

IHG will commence management of both hotels from July 2003. The 381-room Le Royal Meridien Bangkok will then be rebranded to become InterContinental Bangkok. The second hotel with 377 rooms, Le Meridien  President Bangkok, will undergo a US$13 million renovation and reopen as Holiday Inn Bangkok in early 2005.

The deal marks the start of a new relationship between IHG, President Hotel and Tower (PHT) and the Srivikorn and Charoen-rajapark family group of Thailand.

Chalermbhand Srivikorn, Chairman of PHT said "After a long period of very careful deliberation and review of our options, PHT has decided to join the IHG family of hotels. We have found an alliance that respects and shares our values and that is committed to building and strengthening our relationship. IHG's strong brands, first class support systems, focussed business strategy and experienced management team will enhance the revenues and returns we enjoy from the properties. We look forward to a very long and fruitful relationship with InterContinental Hotels Group".

Patrick Imbardelli, Managing Director, InterContinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific said, "We are honoured and proud to have secured a long term relationship with the Srivikorn and Charoen-rajapark families and are delighted to be adding these two important properties to our portfolio. The PHT properties enjoy an imposing presence in the heart of Bangkok, while  the owning families have a very strong track record of successful, long term ventures in hotels, property and other sectors. Through our collaboration with PHT, we can again offer our guests superb InterContinental accommodation in Bangkok and begin a renovation programme that will lead to an exemplary Holiday Inn hotel".

The InterContinental Bangkok and Holiday Inn Bangkok are located in Bangkok's central business district and are ideally situated for both business and leisure travellers. The two new hotels will further enhance the  wide range of destinations and experiences IHG offers its guests travelling to or within Thailand, and around Asia.

The two new hotels will add to IHG's established portfolio in Thailand, which includes Crowne Plaza Bangkok, Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island and Holiday Inn Resort Phuket.

Also see: Le Meridien to cease to operate two hotels in Bangkok