InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the launch of EVEN Hotels, a new wellness-focused brand.
Initially being rolled-out in the US, the new brand is said by the company to meet the “growing customer demand for healthier travel, at a mainstream price”.
“We have a track record of delivering on hotel industry firsts, and we’re doing it again by staking our claim on the wellness space within the mainstream lifestyle category,” said Richard Solomons, IHG’s CEO. “We are so confident in the EVEN brand that we are committing a capital investment of up to US$150 million over the next three years in order to deliver growth and profitability for EVEN Hotels.”
EVEN Hotels are arranged around four areas – exercise, eat, work and rest. Hotel rooms will be designed for in-room workouts, including coat racks that double as a pull up bars, as well as high speed Wi-Fi, hypoallergenic linens, powerful showerheads, natural lighting, LED dimmers and antibacterial wipes. Gyms will offer equipment for both solo and group exercise activities, while hotels will also feature fitness tips, equipment rental and instruction at no added cost.
In terms of F&B, the hotels will offer nutritionally-designed menus with a focus on natural meals, along with filtered water with glass bottles which can be filled up and taken back to the room. Free mini-smoothies will be offered in the morning.
“The wellness sector continues to grow year-over-year and the launch of EVEN Hotels will allow IHG to take advantage of this long term trend,” said Kirk Kinsell, IHG’s President for the Americas. “The US represents two-thirds of IHG’s rooms today, and this exciting new brand will help us to continue to grow our share in this important market. We expect to sign contracts for 100 EVEN Hotels within the next five years.”
IHG plans to announce the first EVEN location in Q2 2012 and expects the first hotel to open in the first part of 2013.
