Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts announced that six flagship properties will open across the United States, China and Europe by early 2020. These properties will illustrate Crowne Plaza’s new hallmark design innovations and their latest standards across public spaces, guest rooms, technology, food and beverage and service.
By building these properties, Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) is reinventing one of the world’s largest hotel brands and showing its continued commitment and investment in developing it.
The new and transformed properties include Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia in the United States, Crowne Plaza Shenzhen WECC and Crowne Plaza Wuzhen in China, Crowne Plaza Paris Republique, Crowne Plaza Hamburg- City Alster and Crowne Plaza London- Heathrow. Crowne Plaza had 427 properties and 120,000 guest rooms worldwide at the end of March.
“From city center business hubs to best-in-class airport hotels, Crowne Plaza is revolutionizing business and leisure travel with incredible momentum,” said Eric Lent, senior vice president of global marketing for upscale brands at IHG. “These openings are a significant step toward our goal to be the first and definitive choice for upscale hotel stays around the world.”
The continued demands from guests for flexible spaces is the inspiration behind the new designs in public spaces and guest rooms in each flagship property. The design of each lobby and guest room also include embedded technology in distinct areas, which gives both guests and locals the ability to work efficiently and relax on their own terms.
Developed because guests wanted more flexibility when doing business and transitioning to down time, certain properties will boast flexible lobby areas with on-demand meeting spaces.
United States
Driving major improvement to overall guest experience in the Americas since its launch in 2016, the Crowne Plaza Accelerate program has introduced the next phase of the Accelerate Ahead program. This multiphase program launched in May and touches all aspects of the brand while driving performance and improving quality and consistency.
Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia features every element of the Accelerate program since its transformation was completed in April. Following the property’s nine-month closure and renovation, it has reopened with 495 signature and patented WorkLife guest rooms, three restaurants designed in collaboration with Kimpton Hotels & Resorts and 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Seamlessly integrating into the common areas, the Plaza Workspace flexible lobby solution features multiple flexible work and meeting solutions, including two bookable-by-the-hour studios.
China
Offering more than 1,500 sq. ft. of meeting space with five rooms—including a grand ballroom that can accommodate 500—the design-forward Crowne Plaza Shenzhen WECC will be the first Crowne Plaza Flagship in China to have new, modern guest rooms and flexible space. The property will be located near Shenzhen Boaan International Airport (SZX) and next to the soon-to-be-largest convention center in the world, Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre.
Conveniently located near the famous water village of Wuzhen West Scenic Zone, World Internet Conference Center and Hangzhou International Airport (HGH), Crowne Plaza Wuzhen will feature 2,325 sq. ft. of flexible event space in three meeting rooms. The property will also offer another 5,382-square-foot banquet room, accommodating 260 guests. Two dining options will be available to guests: a full-service restaurant, Cai Feng Lou, and Tong Cafe for all-day dining.
Europe
To create more inspiring, practical spaces and challenge the preconceptions of the standard business hotel, IHG collaborated with design studio Conran & Partners for the Europe flagship properties.
While maintaining its unique 19th-century architectural features, Crowne Royal Paris Republique features the brand’s new, fresh and bold vision in Europe. Modern flexible spaces in the lobby, along with curated art from local artists, are components that are enhancing the overall design for guests.
Debuting in October, Crowne Plaza Hamburg-City Alster will be the first Crowne Plaza flagship in Europe to feature signature guest rooms with distinct work, relaxation and sleep spaces. With an improved sense of space, ergonomics with thoughtful design, improved acoustics and elevated bedding, the rooms will offer guests a better night’s sleep.
Undergoing significant renovations, such as a new design with an upscale restaurant and plenty of flexible meeting space, Crowne Plaza London-Heathrow will reopen as a new flagship property in early 2020.
