Arab News,
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 | Thul-Hijjah 24, 1444
AH
Holiday Inn brings its innovative Open Lobby to ME first time
Holiday Inn, one of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ most iconic brands, is bringing its
new design hallmarks to the Middle East for the first time, at the newly opened
Holiday Inn Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. The opening marks IHG’s expansion of its
mainstream brand portfolio across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the
demand created by initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030.
For over 70 years, Holiday Inn has been one of the world’s most recognized and
trusted brands and it continues to create memorable experiences for thousands of
guests every day. Holiday Inn is an iconic brand that has set industry standards
and continues to meet the changing needs of guests by delivering exceptional
experiences that can be seen and felt through the new active, open lobby (with a
mix of spaces to lounge, dine, and work), elevated food & drink options, and
modernized design.
The brand’s Open Lobby concept combines all public spaces, including the
reception area and the restaurant and bar, into one open, lively, and cohesive
space. It allows guests to make themselves at home and enjoy their stay on their
own terms, whether they’re there to eat, drink, work or socialize.
Newly opened in Saudi Arabia, Holiday Inn Riyadh The Business District features
the first brand defining Open Lobby and is a perfect showcase for the modern and
engaging public spaces that Holiday Inn has come to be known for globally.
The Open Lobby will offer a vibrant communal space where guests can relax and
connect with friends, family or other travelers, designed with the needs of the
modern traveler in mind. The public space includes a contemporary media lounge
to unwind with friends, a coffee bar for a chat over a quick bite, and an
e-lounge for those who need to catch up on the day’s news or work, whilst still
being part of the social vibe of the space.
Guests will be able to enjoy a “bright place to connect” with stylish and
contemporary accommodation in the heart of the business district, all the while
being within 10 minutes to King Khalid International Airport and other major
business offices.
Nael Tamim, general manager of Holiday Inn Riyadh, The Business District, said
his team is excited to open the doors of this new and innovative Holiday Inn in
the Saudi capital and welcome their first guests to the business district.
“Reliably familiar, yet refreshingly different, this brand-new Holiday Inn
Riyadh the Business District has everything guests need whether they are
traveling for business or leisure. With a contemporary look and feel the hotel
has been designed to meet the needs of all travelers, including families. Our
Open Lobby gives our guests and visitors a warm and welcoming place to relax,
work or socialize, the ideal location to enjoy dinner or drinks with colleagues,
friends and family,” said Tamim.
The hotel is home to the Casa Oliva restaurant which serves authentic Italian
food alongside innovative fusion options inspired by regional Saudi cuisine,
while L’Espresso Bar offers a wide range of coffee selections, drinks, and
gourmet café snacks.
This brand new, purpose-built hotel features 138 contemporary rooms including 18
suites with kitchenettes, two swimming pools, a well-equipped gym, 24/7
concierge service, and versatile meeting spaces.
Guests will feel right at home in Holiday Inn Riyadh the Business District’s
spacious, modern light-filled rooms, each featuring comfortable bedding, large
TVs and free unlimited high speed Wifi. Families are well catered for with
family rooms and interconnecting suites and the Holiday Inn signature promise
that Kids Stay & Eat Free.
This opening is the first in an exciting period of growth for the Holiday Inn
brand in the Middle East with other hotels in the pipeline including the opening
of Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche and Holiday Inn Riyadh, Al Malaz in the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia and Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay in the United Arab Emirates
by the end of 2023.
The Business District property joins IHG Hotels & Resorts global portfolio that
includes nearly 5,180 open or in pipeline Holiday Inn brand family hotels.