IHG signed a management contract for its first Hotel Indigo in Hong Kong today, marking a strategic step forward for the world’s first lifestyle boutique hotel brand in Asia Pacific.

The agreement with Tai Hung Fai Enterprise Co. Ltd, a real estate developer that owns over 100 properties across Hong Kong and Macau, will see the 150-room Hotel Indigo Hong Kong QRE welcome guests in 2012. It will be located in Wan Chai, a distinctive district in northern Hong Kong Island known for its long and interesting history.

It is yet another significant move for IHG since it launched the brand in Asia Pacific in October 2008. It subsequently signed the first Hotel Indigo on Pier 16 on the Bund in Shanghai. Along with its historic and world renowned locale, the hotel offers panoramic views of Shanghai and is on schedule to welcome guests in 2010.  

“This agreement with Tai Hung Fai for a Hotel Indigo in Hong Kong underscores our ambitions to address the growing consumer need for more distinctive and unique lodging experiences,” said Keith Barr, managing director of IHG Greater China. “Hotel Indigo generates high guest satisfaction and returns for hotel owners by bringing the charm of the local neighborhood to life within the hotels.”

Established in 2004, Hotel Indigo offers guests a boutique hotel design paired with the peace of mind they get from staying with a large hotel group. The brand pioneers a new concept targeting upscale travellers who seek a unique lodging experience that incorporates great historic, cultural and natural elements.

The Interpret Indigo^TM design concept offers a new path for real estate developers to regenerate or develop properties with their own creative flair, as well as to capture the local character and culture of each location while preserving the brand identity and standards. The nature-inspired design will create an oasis for guests, encapsulating the city’s vibrancy while maintaining privacy for guests. 

Another trademark of Hotel Indigo is its intimate service; engaging, intuitive and particular to each location.

The newly-signed Hotel Indigo Hong Kong QRE will be located along Queen’s Road East in Wan Chai, an area rich with historical sites, such as the Old Wan Chai post office. The district is also alive with Chinese wedding card and accessory shops, tea houses, and pawn shops, all of which have witnessed the evolution of this metropolitan city. Juxtaposed with the traditional are new entertainment outlets and restaurants together with trendy interior decoration boutiques making Wan Chai an upcoming lifestyle district in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.

The cultural and historical elements in this area will be reflected in the design of the hotel -- the architectural concept features a conspicuous dragon in burnished bronze wrapped around the building, functioning as an “eco-screen” to counteract the hot spots and solar gain. The locally popular Feng Shui culture will also be incorporated into the design.

“We are delighted to be the owner of the very first Hotel Indigo in Hong Kong, an unique and innovative brand that will add another attractive spot to the ‘Oriental Pearl’,” said Edwin Leong, chairman of Tai Hung Fai Enterprise Co. Ltd.  “With IHG’s track-record of management experience and expertise, we are confident that our partnership will be a great success.”

Hotel Indigo^® was launched in Asia Pacific in 2008, which is the fifth brand that IHG brought to the market following the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express Hotels.  Hotel Indigo is quickly expanding across the globe, with 25 hotels already open and more than 58 in the pipeline.