InterContinental Hotels & Resorts today announced the rebranding of the Crowne Plaza Toronto Centre as the InterContinental Toronto Centre.

The property, which is currently undergoing an ambitious $21 million dollar refurbishment program, will fly the InterContinental flag as of September 2003. The InterContinental Toronto Centre is owned by Pensionfund Realty Limited and managed by InterContinental Hotels Group.

"We are delighted to announce that Toronto will have a new luxury landmark," said Kai Lamlé, General Manager. "The decision to upgrade this hotel to meet the standards of excellence associated with the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand is a reflection of our commitment to both this extraordinary property and the city of Toronto."

The 586-room hotel, located within steps of Toronto's financial and theatre districts, will open as an InterContinental hotel with completely renovated guest rooms, newly designed public areas, and a restaurant/bar, Azure. The exclusive Club Floor has 90 luxurious rooms and suites, a private lounge and boardroom.

According to Tony Pollard, President of the Hotel Association of Canada, this is good news for Toronto. "Investment of this magnitude in the luxury hotel sector shows a long-term belief in this city. The Toronto hotel industry is regaining momentum, and it is encouraging to see the arrival of such a well respected brand to the country's most popular entertainment district."

"With flagship hotels in London, Paris and New York, at InterContinental we have a long-standing reputation for excellence and attention to detail," said Lamlé. "Like the best properties in the InterContinental portfolio, this hotel will have services designed to cater to the most discerning international traveler. We intend to exceed expectations."

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has been the preferred hotel brand for international travelers for nearly 60 years and is committed to meeting the needs of today's travelers worldwide. InterContinental offers services and amenities specifically designed for the international business traveler and has mastered the delicate balance between providing consistent, superior service, while also capturing the local flavor of the city where each hotel is located. InterContinental continues to expand in key destinations around the globe.