The next generation prototype is expected to meet guests’ changing needs and drive value for owners, building on the successful track record of the brand and accelerating growth in the key markets

“Our guests are at the heart of what we do, and the updates we’ve made to our already successful prototype design are deeply rooted in guest insight,” commented Jennifer Gribble, Director, Head of Americas Holiday Inn Express Brand, IHG. “The Holiday Inn Express bran targets guests who travel for both business and leisure, value efficiency and simplicity, and want a great base camp when they travel. The updated prototype includes purposeful design features to deliver on those needs.”

The brand worked with an owner advisory board, conducted focus groups with guests, and completed competitive analysis and research to develop the updates to its prototype design. It embodies an appealing combination of fresh, dynamic, and focused design features that enable an engaging stay, creating a distinctive style that is evident at every touch point of the Holiday Inn Express brand experience.

The guestroom provides a revitalised, contemporary space with comforts and features that allow guests to be productive during their stay and allow for a good night’s sleep. Features include flexible work spaces, functional storage units, moveable seating for maximum space and new décor for both guestrooms and public spaces featuring neutral colours and interesting textural combinations.

The Great Room, a multi-purpose area in the lobby of the hotel, encompasses the brand’s Express Start breakfast bar, dining area and additional seating areas. The room provides an environment where guests can tailor their experience, whether interacting with an individual or group, working or taking a break. The room provides a business centre and 24/7 market, individual check-in pods in the lobby and meeting space utilising natural light.

“We worked very closely with a number of our key owners to develop the updated design to ensure that it is efficient to build and operate, and will deliver strong financial returns,” explained Joel Eisemann, Chief Development Officer, IHG. “Engaging with both our owners and guests is a key part of our strategy as we evolve our brands.”

To create greater efficiencies and optimise return on investment for new and existing Holiday Inn Express hotel owners, the updated prototype design will also provide owners with a full set of architecture, engineering and interior design construction documents for the first time, which will be available late Q2 2014.

Additionally, some of the operating efficiencies for the evolved prototype include a modular design, durable materials and finishes with low/easy maintenance, flexible use of space in great room, and LED lighting to reduce energy costs.  For both new construction and renovations, a complete design solution to drive consistency and guest satisfaction will be available.

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