IHG has opened Indonesia's first ever Holiday Inn Express hotel in Central Java's cosmopolitan capital city of Semarang.

The 198-room Holiday Inn Express Semarang Simpang Lima paves the way for the brand's expansion across Indonesia, with plans for 13 more Holiday Inn Express hotels to open across the country over the next few years.

"Indonesia accounts for two thirds of the development pipeline for Holiday Inn Express in South East Asia and we are excited to debut the brand in one of the country's most vibrant cities. Semarang is a popular destination for both business and leisure travellers where the majority are domestic travellers who stop en-route between Jakarta and Surabaya. Holiday Inn Express Semarang Lima will cater perfectly to value-conscious guests who are after a comfortable stay at an affordable price in a convenient location," said Clarence Tan, Chief Operating Officer South East Asia and Resorts, IHG.

Just a short 15-minute drive from Ahmad Yani International Airport, Holiday Inn Express Semarang Simpang Lima is located in the centre of Semarang's famous shopping, dining and entertainment district. Leisure travellers can enjoy souvenir shopping at some of Semarang's top tourist spots, such as Chinatown and the city's famous shopping street, Jalan Pandanaran, or visit historical colonial buildings in the old town. Guests travelling on business can also take advantage of the hotel's close proximity to Semarang's key business districts and government offices in the city.

As with all Holiday Inn Express hotels globally, guests at Holiday Inn Express Semarang Simpang Lima can expect a refreshing and hassle-free stay with:

• Free and fast Wi-Fi available in guest rooms and throughout the hotel to 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
• Refreshing power showers with a three-function massage showerhead and fluffy towels after a day exploring the city
• Self-service business centre and laundry room

Holiday Inn Express is the smart choice for savvy business and leisure travellers, offering guests the reliability and quality of a global hotel brand. It is one of the world's fastest growing hotel brands currently with 2,235 hotels (210,793 rooms) worldwide since its launch in 1991.

Holiday Inn Express Semarang Simpang Lima is the fourth Holiday Inn Express hotel to open in South East Asia, following Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach Central, Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam and Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard Road. There are a further 20 Holiday Inn Express hotels due to open across South East Asia over the next five years.