INTERNATIONAL REPORT—InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is expanding its footprint in Europe, with the continent’s largest Holiday Inn Express open in Amsterdam, as well as debuts in Rome and Budapest for the Six Senses and Holiday Inn Express brands, respectively.
Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside
IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside, the largest property for the brand in Europe. Located on the northern shore of the IJ-lake, a short free ferry ride from Amsterdam City Center, the hotel has 438 guestrooms offering blackout curtains, high-quality bedding, a power shower and free high-speed WiFi. The rooms are also fitted with smart design features such as a flexible workspace, flat-screen TV, ergonomically designed chairs and ample USB ports and plug sockets next to the bed.
The lobby of the 14-story hotel will offer community tables with integrated outlets and wireless charging devices—all part of the brand’s Next Generation design solutions. Other amenities include two meeting rooms, a business center, and Express Cafe & Bar.
Six Senses Rome
Six Senses Rome, located in the center of ancient Rome, blocks away from the Fontana di Trevi and Pantheon, is set to open in late 2021. The first Six Senses property to open in Italy, it will offer 95 guestrooms and suites, a spa, restaurant, events terrace, outdoor courtyard garden and rooftop terrace.
Protected by the Roman municipality and UNESCO listed, the main facade, which overlooks Via del Corso, is being restored back to its origins. The central staircase will also be preserved. With interior designs by Patricia Urquiola, the hotel’s ground floor will be a social floor for gatherings, meetings, performances and events. The open kitchen trattoria and bar will lead out to a gallery and seating area complete with travertine marble, oak and bronze. Outside will be a botanical garden filled with plants that promote well-being.
The redevelopment is owned by the Orion European Real Estate Fund V, a fund sponsored by Orion Capital Managers, a European real estate private equity firm.
Holiday Inn Express Budapest City Centre
IHG has signed a franchised agreement with Borealis Hotel Group for Holiday Inn Express Budapest City Centre. Offering 189 guestrooms, it will be the brand’s first hotel in Budapest and the first IHG property to enter the Hungarian market in more than 20 years. Expected to open late 2022, Holiday Inn Express Budapest City Centre will be developed by the company Big4.
The hotel, located a short distance from the heart of the inner city, will offer access to Blaha Lujza square, once home to the original Hungarian National Theatre, which is soon to be transformed into a modern community space, according to the company.
IHG currently has two hotels open in Hungary, InterContinental Budapest and Holiday Inn Budapest—Budaors.