The FINANCIAL — Underscoring its leadership position in the Asia-Pacific, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) signed a deal with the Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Asset Management Co., Ltd for its first Hotel Indigo in the region to be located in Shanghai.
IHG announced the launch of its fast growing lifestyle brand to the region just last month. This partnership will see the world's leading hotel group by number of rooms manage Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund. The hotel will be on a riverfront site along the Huangpu River that brings together the past, present and future of Shanghai.
According to IHG, the 180-room hotel is scheduled to welcome and captivate customers in 2010. It will sit on the historic location of the Shiliu Pu (Pier 16) which, from 1821 to 1850, was Shanghai's focal point for shipping and trading activity. The wharf was outside the Baodaimen gate of the old wall that surrounded the city at that time.
To the immediate north of the hotel's location is the renowned Bund; the architectural and commercial powerhouse of Shanghai in the 1920s. To the east stands the famous modern-day Pudong skyline and to the south is where the world will come together for the Shanghai World Expo in 2010.
Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund will be the first hotel located along the riverfront to offer unobstructed views of several famous and historical sites. The area around the hotel is also being developed into a commercial, retail, restaurant and entertainment district called the Pier 16th Development by the Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Asset Management Co.
"This is a landmark deal and we are delighted to have such a respected partner in Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Asset Management. Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund will be a unique oasis that meets the needs of the next generation of customers who demand a stylish, individual hotel experience that is authentic and unpretentious." said Peter Gowers, chief executive of IHG Asia-Pacific.
"Hotel Indigo is recognised for its differentiated design philosophy and generates high guest satisfaction and returns for hotel owners. Our research revealed that customers in key Asian megacities are searching for a hotel brand that provides them a blend of inspired style and intimate service, delivered in an intriguing location."
Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Asset Management is responsible for managing the accumulated long-terms assets of its parent company, the Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Development Construction Investment (Holding) Co, Ltd, whose business include enterprise asset management, property management and industrial investment.
"We are delighted to be the owners of the first Hotel Indigo in Asia. Shanghai is being developed into a modern global economic and financial metropolis. The Hotel Indigo brand fits perfectly into the city's aspirations and will enhance the impression that the city leaves on the world. With the international management experience and market-leading position of IHG, we are confident that our partnership will be a bright and successful one," said Mr Xu Ruqing, vice president, Shanghai Huangpu River Banks Development Construction Investment (Holdings) Co., Ltd.
The Hotel Indigo brand seeks to inspire upscale travellers looking for a non-traditional hotel offering coupled with enriching destination experiences in key Asia Pacific cities including Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo.
The Interpret Indigo design concept offers a new path for real estate developers to regenerate or develop properties with their own creative flair, which will capture and reflect the local character and culture of each location while maintaining the brand identity and standards. For example, Hotel Indigo London Paddington mirrors the sense of occasion of the great railway journeys of the past. The sweeping arches and metal grills used in the rooms reflect the architectural heritage of the original Paddington station built in 1854.
Another trademark of Hotel Indigo is its intimate service; engaging, intuitive, and particular to each location.
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