138-room Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island to Open in May 2013

. February 27, 2013

February 27, 2013 - May, 2013, Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island is the culmination of a five year project to create an architecturally compelling building that is at the forefront of global hotel and environmental design. Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island is set over 29 floors, with 138 individually styled rooms that capture the truly intriguing and dynamic environment in which it resides. Wrapping the building is a striking gold dragon, functioning as an “eco-screen” to counteract hot spots and solar gain, representing the future of environmental design in Hong Kong. The impressive rooftop, sure to be a much talked about destination in Hong Kong, features Skybar and a dramatic infinity glass bottomed pool from which can be seen the hustle and bustle of Wan Chai neighborhood below.

Neighborhood stories form the heart and soul of the Hotel, inspiring all design and giving it a direct relationship with the neighborhood of Wan Chai. There are many wonderful places to explore in historic Wan Chai. The old Wan Chai market and the Flea Market at Canal Road East are places where the locals have gathered for decades to tell stories, haggle and exchange goods, and they welcome visitors. If it's antique toys that you fancy then Tai Yuen Street is bound to have a treasure waiting to be discovered. The last letter is long gone from the old colonial Wan Chai Post Office, but in it's new guise as the Environment Resource Centre, it is still well worth a visit. Built in 1872, The Blue House is worth a look if you are interested in Chinese medicine. Trams have been rumbling along the northern side of Hong Kong since 1904 and the stop on Johnson Street is where you can jump on for an inexpensive and enjoyable way to view the neighbourhood. Wan Chai has many long tau, or tenement houses steeped in history. These days many are still little grocery stores and barber shops that feel distinctly like time stopped in 1962, but many have been restored and transformed, like 'The Pawn' on Johnston Street. Once one of Hong Kong's first pawn shops it is now a beautiful restaurant.

An arresting addition to the traditional and modern architecture of Wan Chai neighborhood, the Hotel has been designed holistically by architects Aedas International Ltd., with the influences of local history and culture evident through the use of colour, form and texture. It was the design intent from the outset to use the building design to reflect the vibrant nature of Asia, Hong Kong and Wan Chai. The orientation of the Hotel utilises the shading effect of the neighbouring buildings to create a distinct pattern of sun and shade, with the resulting pattern creating a distinct sweep around the building, which the architects expressed through the application of burnished bronze solar fins. The result is the dramatic image of a dragon folded around the exterior of the building, further rooting the building into the culture and traditions of Asia.

“The glass-bottomed, cantilevered pool on the roof top, shimmers at night and has been considered to be like the gleaming pearl often associated with the Chinese Dragon,” said Max Connop, Board member of Aedas International Ltd. “The concept of the wrapping dragon reaching for the pearl is incredibly strong and creates a unique addition to the sky-line of Hong Kong. Intelligent and concealed subtle lighting to the solar fins allows the dragon to literally shimmer at night.”

Wan Chai is characterized historically by dense low rise buildings, often with shuttered doors opening out onto upper level balconies. It was the express intention to reflect this human scale by designing two 'picture frame' podium stone elevations on Tai Yuen and McGregor streets. Between the picture frames, facing Queens Road East, a modern interpretation of the Chinese tea-house, complete with a serene sunken garden, provides a tranquil moment in the bustling context of the Hotel.

At the helm of Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island is General Manager Bryan Gabriel, bringing extensive international industry experience to the Hotel having spent the last twenty years working on a number of high profile, award-winning projects and distinctive properties throughout Asia and Australia.

“Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island is bringing something special to the neighborhood of Wan Chai and to Hong Kong,” said Bryan. “What really sets the Hotel apart is the grass roots engagement we have with our intriguing and culturally rich neighbourhood of Wan Chai, where you can visit many of the city's newest art galleries, restaurants and shopping destinations. A big part of the Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island philosophy is to inspire curiosity in our well travelled and savvy guests, connecting them with the neighborhood from a welcoming and comfortable base that is both striking in design and intimate in its service.”

One of the defining features of the Hotel is the level of engagement of the employees with the guests. Team members are trained to be confident in sharing local knowledge and experience with the Hotel's guests, encouraging the building of relationships that will spark return custom for guests eager to learn more of the wonders of Wan Chai. The principal aim is to make guests feel welcome and treasured, offering a sanctuary in the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong where all they need is at their fingertips.

Guests at Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island can enjoy a myriad of world-class facilities:

The intimate rooftop Skybar, designed by HBA Design Consultants, is sure to become an instant Hong Kong hit, serving up classic cocktails, bubbles and great wines as well as delicious snacks in a stylish and up-scale environment that, through clever interior design maintains a connection to the nostalgia of the surrounding neighborhood and local culture. The urban views of Hong Kong make Skybar a must visit venue for travelers and is also a chic and glamorous place to meet for after-work drinks.
The 13.6m x 3.6m rooftop cantilevered and glass-bottomed infinity pool is a dramatic way to cool off, literally floating above Wan Chai neighborhood.
Post on the 2nd floor offers an all-day menu combining a continental taste with a touch of local flavour and arguably the best coffee in Wan Chai. Cosy and comfortable, the intimate space reflects the diverse Wan Chai neighborhood. Its alfresco terrace area is directly opposite to the historic Old Wan Chai Post Office.
State-of-the-art business facilities make Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island the perfect venue for business meetings. The 8 seat Boardroom has cable modem for high speed internet, LED TV, Blu-Ray, Stationery, tea, coffee and refreshments with Digital Projector, White Board, LCD Projector and more available upon request.
A 24-hour gym is available for workouts if guests have any remaining energy after a hard day's sightseeing, with treadmills, exercise bike and free weights.
The Hotel library is a peaceful sanctuary from the busy hustle and bustle of Wan Chai. Comfortable, spacious and modern, it has a great selection of books and movies available to guests.

Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island is owned by Tai Hung Fai Enterprise Co. LTD(“THF”), which was first established in 1977 by Dr. Edwin Leong as a diversified investment company. In recent years, THF has evolved into a diversified property company with investments in retail shops, residential buildings, office buildings and industrial buildings all over Hong Kong. Lately, the company has engaged in development of hotels, serviced apartments and high-end residential units. In addition, the Tai Hung Fai Charity Foundation was started in 2005 and is committed to Dr. Leong's passion for helping disadvantaged elderly and underprivileged children throughout Hong Kong. The foundation is now supporting numerous services, including scholarships, food banks, disease and medical research, medical support and health checks as well as university research. With the family heritage of helping people in Hong Kong, this foundation is committed to carry out long term charity in Hong Kong.

“I am delighted to be the owner of the very first Hotel Indigo in Hong Kong, joining other properties across the globe in some of the world's most dynamic cities including London, New York and Shanghai,” said Dr. Leong. “We look forward to attracting visitors from all over the world to our great city of Hong Kong.”

THE HOTEL
Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island has 66 Hotel Indigo Superior Rooms, 66 Hotel Indigo Deluxe Rooms and 6 Hotel Indigo Premier Suites. Each room is comfortably appointed and has been designed to allow guests to feel a part of the Wan Chai neighborhood.

HOTEL INDIGO SUPERIOR ROOM (30sqm)
Floor-to-ceiling windows welcome in the sights of Wan Chai, with glimpses of Chinese Tenement Houses and views of the neighborhood hustle and bustle. Hotel Indigo Superior Rooms are tastefully furnished and inspired by the stories of Wan Chai , making it easy to discover and appreciate the neighborhood, whether visiting for business or pleasure. The artistic and cleverly designed rooms have a hand-crafted Mosaic wall that features the Post Office, Butterflies and Dragons. Facilities include a Nespresso coffee machine, in-room surround sound system and complimentary anywhere everywhere WiFi. Hotel Indigo Superior Rooms are a true reflection of Wan Chai and the perfect place to unwind and recharge.

HOTEL INDIGO DELUXE ROOM (33sqm)
With 90 degree views of Hong Kong's most dynamic neighborhood, Hotel Indigo Deluxe Rooms are appointed with a king-sized bed, Nespresso coffee machine, in-room surround sound system and complimentary anywhere everywhere WiFi. Reflective of the distinctive and vibrant surroundings of Wan Chai, guests can be inspired to delve into local history wherever they turn. The 70cm tall statue of legendary kung-fu master Lam Jo, each one an original by a local artist and able to be purchased, captures the likeness of one of Wan Chai's greatest sons. The In room art reflecting old and new Wan Chai or the Chinese tea set near the sofa are also intrinsic to the neighbourhood. Each Deluxe Room has been specially designed to celebrate the rich and diverse culture of Wan Chai.

HOTEL INDIGO PREMIER SUITE (63sqm)
Located on the top floors of the Hotel, the Premier Suite gazes majestically through floor-to-ceiling windows upon the vibrant neighborhood of Wan Chai. The stylish and artistically appointed suite features a separate bedroom with a luxurious king sized bed and a spacious living area where guests can spread out and relax, soaking up the views whilst enjoying the surround sound system, a drink from the suite-bar or coffee from the Nespresso coffee machine, with complimentary anywhere everywhere WiFi. Our mission is to ensure that every guest leaves invigorated, inspired, relaxed and a little more connected to the Wan Chai neighborhood.

About Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo® was launched in North America in 2004 and in Asia Pacific in 2008. Hotel Indigo is quickly expanding across the globe, with 48 hotels now open and more than 51 in the pipeline.

Hotel Indigo offers guests a boutique hotel experience, paired with the peace of mind and Priority Club® Reward benefits they get from staying at an IHG property. The brand pioneers a new concept targeting upscale travelers who seek a more individual and authentic experience that incorporates great historic, cultural and natural elements.

InterContinental Hotels Group
IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global organization operating seven hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites® . IHG also manages Priority Club® Rewards, the world's first and largest hotel loyalty program with over 61 million members worldwide.

IHG is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms and franchises, leases, manages or owns over 4,500 hotels and more than 666,000 guest rooms in 100 countries and territories, and has more than 1,100 hotels in its development pipeline.

IHG is committed to gender balance throughout its business. We aspire to continue retaining a minimum of 25% female representation on the Board.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

Visit www.ihg.com for hotel information and reservations and www.priorityclub.com for more on Priority Club Rewards. For our latest news, visit www.ihg.com/media, www.twitter.com/ihgplc, www.facebook.com/ihg or www.youtube.com/ihgplc.

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