Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding, majority-owned by Dubai International Capital (DIC), and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) have opened the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Bahrain.
IHG and Ishraq have invested $40m to build the 274-room hotel.
Holiday Inn Express Bahrain is situated on Exhibition Avenue, near to Bahrain International Airport, the King Fahd Causeway, Bahrain Financial Harbour, diplomatic missions and the shopping district.
Ishraq Hospitality Management, a subsidiary of Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding, will operate Holiday Inn Express Bahrain under a franchise agreement with IHG.
Luca De Stefano has been named as general manager of a team of 70.
Designed to address the needs of price-conscious business and leisure travellers, the hotel features a 24hr self-service business centre, free high-speed internet connection, a gym, the Great Room restaurant, a 24hr kiosk and a lounge bar.
DIC private equity managing director and Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding chairman Maissan AI Maskati said that they believe the limited service offer will be well received in Bahrain.
"There are currently few options in Manama for price-conscious business and leisure travellers seeking ultra-modern accommodation at affordable rates and strategically located in the heart of the central business district community," Maskati added.
IHG India, Middle East and Africa chief operating officer Pascal Gauvin, commenting on the launch, said, "Following our recent brand launch in Thailand, we’re thrilled to see the brand open up in Bahrain, just shortly before we launch in India later this year. As Bahrain’s first limited service hotel, and with the Ishraq management team behind it, we’re confident Holiday Inn Express Bahrain will be a great success."
Holiday Inn Express has more than 2,100 hotels in its network worldwide.
IHG has nine hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, EVEN Hotels and HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts.
IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns over 4,500 hotels and more than 666,000 guest rooms in around 100 nations and territories.
Image: Ishraq Gulf Real Estate’s subsidiary Ishraq Hospitality Management will operate the 274-room hotel. Photo: InterContinental Hotels Group.
