Intercontinental Hotels Group To Open Its First Hotel Indigo In Knoxville
InterContinental Hotels Group will open its fifth Hotel Indigo spring 2006 close to the heart of downtown Knoxville.
A conversion from an independent hotel, the seven-story property will be owned by Wesley Hotel Group, LLC and managed by Wesley Hotels & Resorts, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.
A brand developed primarily for conversions, Hotel Indigo is designed to rejuvenate properties that aren't reaching their full potential, but are poised for success post conversion.
'The Wesley Hotel Group puts service first in its business, which fits perfectly with Hotel Indigo's retail-inspired service culture,' said Jim Anhut, senior vice president, Brand Development, the Americas, InterContinental Hotels Group. 'Their expertise will help maintain the hallmarks of the brand and be invaluable in the success of our newest hotel. We are confident that Hotel Indigo Knoxville's unique design in combination with its great location and service will create a superior hospitality experience for travelers,' said Anhut.
As a lifestyle boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo is designed to deliver superb service in a unique and intimate atmosphere. The staff is trained to provide personalized service and anticipate guests' needs rather than simply responding.
Hotel Indigo also addresses the desires of style-conscious guests who are seeking experience and quality over pure mundane functionality when traveling for business or pleasure. The soul of the retail-inspired hotel concept is renewal - thoughtful changes that are made throughout the year to keep the hotel fresh, similar to the way retailers change their window displays. Hotel Indigo Knoxville will house 126 guestrooms which will feature renewable elements such as vivid murals, area rugs, plush duvets and slip covers that will change periodically. Public spaces will be transformed seasonally through changing artwork, music, foliage, scent, murals and directional signage.
The Hotel Indigo Knoxville will feature signature design elements such as: oversized lobby chairs, which create a personal work or dining space within the public areas of the hotel; cozy, airy and inviting guestrooms with plush bedding, whitewashed wood furniture, hardwood flooring and spa-style showers; a 'phi'tness studio with cardio equipment and free weights. The hotel will offer complimentary wireless access in all guestrooms and public spaces as well as more than 3,000 sq.-ft. of function space.
The hotel's bistro-style restaurant, The Golden Bean, will offer seasonal, health-conscious fare and Starbucks coffee. The evening menu includes fresh salads, pizzettas, Panini sandwiches, and other trend forward entrees. Food is prepared quickly for the time-conscious traveler who wishes to eat in their room or to relax in one of the hotel's signature oversized lobby chairs.
The 58,000 sq.-ft. property will be conveniently located in the heart of downtown Knoxville and within walking distance from the University of Tennessee and Neyland Stadium Home to the Tennessee Volunteers. Hotel Indigo Knoxville will be located at 1706 West Cumberland Ave.
'As key developers of Hotel Indigo hotels, we are proud to introduce this exciting concept to Knoxville," said Wayne W. McAteer, Chairman and CEO for Wesley Hotel Group. 'Knoxville is a growing southern metropolis, and we believe it is an ideal setting for Hotel Indigo's guest-centric service culture and welcoming interior design. Both will mesh well with the southern hospitality this city is known for,' said McAteer.
With Hotel Indigo's phenomenal reception, it is primed for continued expansion in the United States. The first Hotel Indigo opened in Atlanta in October 2004, and a second location recently opened in Chicago's historic Gold Coast neighborhood in May. Future sites of Hotel Indigo hotels include Chicago-Palatine, Nashville, Tenn. and Dallas, TX.
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