InterContinental Opens Crowne Plaza Belem in Brazil

IHG's First Hotel Brand Was Founded in Belem, Brazil 60 Years Ago

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. October 14, 2008

SEWPTEMBER 7, 2006. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the opening of the much anticipated Crowne Plaza Belem in the state of Para, Brazil.

The opening furthers IHG's expansion of its Crowne Plaza brand in Latin America, and serves as a homecoming for IHG, whose premier brand InterContinental Hotels & Resorts was established in Belem 60 years ago, in 1946. InterContinental became a visionary focal point of the post-World War II civilian travel boom, and has been widely recognized as the world's first international hotel company.

Owned by Viapara Viagens e Turismo Ltda., the 21-floor, 173-room hotel is located in Belem, a city of 2 million residents widely regarded as one of Brazil's busiest ports.

The Crowne Plaza Belem is ideally situated in the central business district in the city's downtown area, and will be the 16th IHG property in Brazil, and another exciting addition to the already widespread IHG portfolio of 175 properties in Latin America.

The 390 year-old city is considered to be the gateway to the Amazon River basin. While the city's colonial sector affords visitors a European charm with antique churches and traditional blue tiles on the buildings, the newer part is dotted with many modern buildings and skyscrapers, all signs of a growing metropolis.

"On multiple levels, there is tremendous history and significance to this opening," says Alvaro Diago, Area President, InterContinental Hotels Group, Latin America. "It is a privilege to be back in Belem, the city of our roots, and opening what is destined to be one of northern Brazil's finest hotels."

Guestroom amenities at the Crowne Plaza Belem include: high-speed Internet access, dual-line data port phones with voicemail, coffee maker, hair dryer, mini bar, cable TV, refrigerator, iron and ironing board. In addition, the hotel will feature a restaurant, a lobby bar and 24-hour room service. The Crowne Plaza Belem will also feature a Crowne Club floor, fitness center, a roof top pool and a sauna.

"The country of Brazil is not only a significant part of our past," continues Diago, "but a crucial part of our future as a company. Hotels like the Crowne Plaza Belem are prototypes of how we define our brand in this region. The property's infrastructure, location, cultural attractions and staff will definitely ensure its success. We are extremely proud to be in Belem, and of our continued growth in Brazil."

The hotel features the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage, an award-winning program which encompasses all aspects of a guests' sleep experience, from training staff on how to create and maintain a restful environment to providing innovative products and services. Program components include new bedding, guaranteed wake-up calls, designated quiet zones, night lights, drape clips, sleep CDs, sleep tips and amenities such as eye masks, ear plugs and lavender spray.

This hotel will also be consistent with the Crowne Plaza brand amenities such as "The Place to Meet" program, which offers comprehensive meeting packages to ensure a seamless planning process, as well as an exceptional meeting experience. The program consists of three key components: a Two-Hour Response Guarantee, Crowne Meetings Director and a Meetings Daily Debrief. The hotel has five meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 600 people.