InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management agreement with U&N Hospitality Company Limited for a 222-room Holiday Inn Express on the popular Ao Nang Beach in Krabi, Thailand. The hotel will mark the entry of Holiday Inn Express into Krabi when it opens in 2017.
Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang Beach will be a 30-minute drive from Krabi International Airport, or a two-hour drive for those arriving from Phuket International Airport. Developed on a sprawling site along the coastline, guests staying at the hotel will enjoy the close proximity to the beach which is a short three-minute walk away. The new hotel will also be situated near the existing Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach.
True to the promise of the Holiday Inn Express brand, which guarantees guests comfort and convenience, in a great location at a great price, the hotel will be surrounded by a range of local restaurants and bars, including some of the area’s most renowned seafood establishments offering guests a wide variety of dining options. Guests who wish to explore the span of Krabi’s sandy white beaches can venture to Noppharat Thara beach a few minutes north of Ao Nang: famous for its peaceful waters, magnificent sunset views and quaint local eateries.
Leanne Harwood, Vice President, Operations, South East Asia, IHG, said, “Thailand’s tourism industry is witnessing strong growth and we are seeing beach destinations such as Krabi gaining popularity amongst travellers seeking a relaxing retreat away from the hustle of the city. As Krabi International Airport becomes more accessible to key global cities and international direct flights to Krabi increase, we anticipate a surge in visitor arrivals over the next few years. It is a great time to be bringing the Holiday Inn Express brand into Krabi and we are delighted to be working with U&N Hospitality Company Limited to open the new Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang Beach in a great location along the coastline of the beautiful Ao Nang Beach.”
U&M Hospitality Company Limited, owned by the Kitprasan family in Krabi, had previously partnered with IHG for the development of Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach which opened in 2012.
Mr. Sornkom Kitprasan, Director, U&N Hospitality Company Limited said, “We are delighted to once again be working with IHG to grow our hospitality portfolio in Thailand following the strong performance of the first hotel we launched together in Krabi: Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach. With the growing global following of the Holiday Inn brand family and projected increase in visitor arrivals in Krabi, we are confident we will also see strong results from Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang Beach when it opens in 2017.”
Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang Beach will feature the brand’s signature Great Room where guests can dine and interact with each other during their stay. Providing guests with everything they need and nothing they don’t, the hotel will offer guests a smart and convenient stay which includes:
- Free and fast Wi-Fi available in guest rooms and throughout the hotel so they stay connected all day, every day
- Free Express Start™ Breakfast or a Grab & Go option for a smart start to the day
- A comfortable and restful sleep with high quality bedding and a choice of firm or soft pillows
- Self-service business centre and laundry room for their everyday needs
- 24-hour access to the fitness centre to indulge in their fitness regime any time
There are nearly 2,400 Holiday Inn Express hotels across the globe today, and more than 550 hotels in the development pipeline. One of the world’s fastest growing hotel brands, the first Holiday Inn Express in South East Asia opened in Thailand in 2012. IHG currently has four Holiday Inn Express hotels open in the country and Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang Beach is the sixth hotel under the brand to be added to the company’s pipeline in Thailand.
Thailand is home to IHG’s largest number of hotels in South East Asia with 18 hotels and resorts (nearly 5,300 rooms) open across five brands: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and the recently launched Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road. The company has a further 12 hotels due to open in Thailand over the next three to five years.
