IHG announces the opening of its second EVEN™ Hotels property in Rockville, Maryland, within the Washington metro area.

EVEN Hotels is IHG's newest lifestyle and wellness hotel brand in the U.S. which aims to help travellers maintain balance whilst on the road. It is also the first brand in the industry to offer a holistic wellness experience at an affordable price point. The first EVEN Hotels property opened in Norwalk, Connecticut in mid-June.

EVEN Hotels is expected to be a key pillar in IHG's portfolio of preferred brands, with three further properties in the pipeline, two in midtown Manhattan and one in Brooklyn, New York. The unique brand concept was developed in 2012 and was built on extensive consumer insight. IHG is focused on building the brand in key markets where target guests live and travel. Beyond Washington, D.C. and the Tri-state area, this includes San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Portland, Seattle and Los Angeles.

Commenting on the opening of EVEN Hotel Rockville, Kirk Kinsell, President, the Americas, IHG said: "Two years ago, IHG introduced the EVEN Hotels brand, pinpointing a unique opportunity to offer an entire hotel experience focused on wellness in order to meet the changing needs of our guests. Following the opening of the first property in Norwalk, Conn., we are pleased to announce the opening of the second EVEN hotel, located in the fittest metro area in the United States.1" 

The development of the EVEN Hotels brand reflects IHG's commitment to innovation and comes ahead of the opening of our first HUALUXE™ Hotels & Resorts, the first luxury international hotel brand designed specifically for the Chinese guest. 

At EVEN Hotels, guests are equipped with the tools, resources and encouragement needed to Eat Well, Rest Easy, Keep Active and Accomplish More to help maintain their wellness routine while traveling.

Eat Well – People are paying close attention to what they eat at home and EVEN Hotels makes those types of items, which guests can feel good about, available on the road. The hotels offer nutritionally designed menus with a focus on organic, fresh, fit and energizing meals – available morning to night; the ability to pre-select healthy "Go" boxes to take on the road; and Treat Yourself opportunities to reward hard work such as signature cocktails and desserts.

Rest Easy – Restful environments are essential to maintaining balance, and a calming, open design in EVEN Hotels sets a relaxing tone, grounded  by the addition of natural elements and eco-conscious touches such as real wood surfaces and terrariums throughout the hotel. Guest rooms offer a modern yet comfortable environment and feature eucalyptus fiber linens, naturally derived bath products, and color LED mood lighting.

Keep Active – EVEN Hotels focuses on supporting guests' well-being in numerous ways, including through fitness. The EVEN Hotels Athletic Studio is located off the lobby and features a translucent wall for light and openness. Guests can participate in TV and staff-led classes in the nearby Flex Room or exercise in their guest room using equipment such as the EVEN Hotels Trainer, a mounted fitness wall.

Accomplish More – EVEN Hotels properties remove time-wasting barriers by speeding up check-in through technology at the Well-come Island. Additionally, the hotels feature flexible spaces for impromptu meetings or for guests to work on their own, easily accessible plugs and free, fast Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Outside the hotel, EVEN Hotels supports the needs of travellers through wellwellwell.com, a website and go-to source for travellers, designed to help them travel well wherever they are on the road. 

The EVEN Hotel Rockville held its soft opening on June 25, 2014, and is owned and managed by IHG.

1 - 2014 ACSM American Fitness Index™ (AFI), 28 May, 2014