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IHG unveils redesign of Holiday Inn Express public spaces

The hotel brand’s new Generation 5 concept is set to reach 500 open and pipeline properties in the next three years

IHG Hotels and Resorts has revealed the Holiday Inn Express Generation 5 public space redesign, which is due to launch later this year across Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA). 

Based on IHG’s research on guest behaviour, the future of work, entertainment, wellbeing, F&B, and digital experience, this fresh design aims to “anticipate the needs and desires of travellers and owners through to 2030 – and beyond”. 

The hotel brand’s new Generation 5 concept is set to reach 500 open and pipeline properties in the next three years. 

According to IHG, Generation 5 will embrace a more “lifestyle-oriented” experience and will show the diversity of EMEAA’s markets. Each hotel will offer a sense of its destination with a nod to the local aesthetic, while always remaining true to the Holiday Inn Express brand.

Holiday Inn Express Next Generation 5 will make its debut in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when Holiday Inn Express Riyadh opens its doors in 2026, with 10 projects in the UK and Continental Europe confirmed as early adopters, and a further 20 having expressed interest.

John Wright, VP of mainstream brands EMEAA at IHG Hotels and Resorts, said: “At IHG, we are continually evolving and investing in our brands to meet the needs of our guests and owners, and our new Holiday Inn Express Generation 5 design is a great example of this.

“Generation 5 will ensure the Holiday Inn Express brand continues to meet the needs of mainstream travellers through experiential zones – from Focus Studio with quiet areas to the energising and enlivening EXPRESS Café & Bar. This will increase guest dwell time outside of their rooms, while the efficient layout will boost performance and owner returns.”

The Holiday Inn Express brand currently has 3,206 hotels open worldwide, offering a total of 340,054 rooms. Additionally, there are 644 properties with 79,079 rooms in the pipeline for future development.

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