Third Holiday Inn Express hotel to open from the IHG – SAMHI partnership

Chennai, India,  November, 2018: Inter Continental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world’s leading hotel companies today announced the opening of Holiday Inn Express Chennai OMR Thoraipakkam. This marks the opening of the third Holiday Inn Express hotel in India this year, adding to the brand’s accelerated growth in the country.

According to a survey conducted by IHG in conjunction with SAMHI Pvt. Ltd, finding a hotel in the right location is one of the most challenging aspects of planning a trip for business travellers.The survey was completed by Nielsen in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad with 25-44-year old respondents who travel largely for business, across India. Strategically set amidst the city’s commercial hub, Holiday Inn Express Chennai OMR Thoraipakkam is located along the Old Mahabalipuram Road, within 3-5 kms distance from major technology parks and dedicated Special Economic Zones like Future Tech Park, International Tech Park, and Varalakshmi Tech Park, making it an ideal choice for business travelers visiting Chennai.

Featuring 149 keys, Holiday Inn Express Chennai OMR Thoraipakkam offers well designed, contemporary rooms with a range of in-room amenities and a great service culture, promising unparalleled comfort, and convenience to the guests. For an enhanced experience, the hotel is equipped with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi access in all rooms, hot breakfast with a wide offering (included in the rate), an on-site self-laundry facility and a meeting room for business requirements. Additionally, the hotel features a gymnasium for guests to continue with their health regimen while on the moveand the brand’s signature ‘Great Room’ to socialize and unwind after a tiring day.

With just 40 minutes’ drive from Chennai international airport, and close proximity to the major tourist and local attractions such as ISKCON Chennai and Pallikaranai Marshland, the hotel is a convenient base for leisure travelers as well.

Commenting on the announcement, Vivek Bhalla, Regional Vice President, SWA, IHG said,

“We are delighted toannounce the opening of Holiday Inn Express Chennai OMR Thoraipakkam, the third Holiday Inn Express hotel to open under our partnership with SAMHI.Chennai is one of theleading business and leisure hubs in Southern India and therefore an important market for us. We have a strong presence in Chennai across our brands, and this latest addition to our portfolio will further strengthen our offering to the travellers visiting the city.”

Ashish Jakhanwala, MD & CEO, SAMHI added, “Over the past decade OMR has emerged as the IT and business hub in Chennai, and the location is a perfect fit for a brand like Holiday Inn Express. With its excellent location, design, and a great service culture that the brand is known for, we are confident that Holiday Inn Express Chennai OMR Thoraipakkam will emerge as a popular choice amongst the business and leisure travellers alike.”

IHG and SAMHI entered a partnership in 2017 to rebrand 14 hotels (approximately 2000 rooms, operating and under construction) to Holiday Inn Express hotels. The first three hotels under the portfolio were launched in Gurgaon, Bangalore and Pune in September 2018 and October 2018, respectively. In addition to Chennai;Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad will see new launches by the end of this year, creating a pan India presence for the Holiday Inn Express brand. The hotels under the portfolio are being renovated and upgraded with the latest design directives, to ensure the portfolio is fully representative of the Holiday Inn Express brand globally.

Holiday Inn Express recently launched a new brand campaign in India, centered around ‘More Than Ready’, a platform which aims to empower 25-35 years’ travelers, who as road warriors look for added advantages to accomplish their travel goals.