IHG signed the first Holiday Inn Express hotel for Singapore, which is set to open in the heart of Orchard Road by 2013.

Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard Road will fly the flag of the world's most iconic hotel brand in Singapore's best-known retail, entertainment and residential district.

The present Wellington Building at Bideford Road will be developed into a 220-room hotel. Orchard Road has more than 40 shopping and entertainment complexes, complemented by restaurants, hotels, offices and high-end residences. Its proximity to the city's Central Business District, popular night spots and cultural attractions further cement Orchard Road's reputation as Singapore's prime location. 

Holiday Inn Express is one of the fastest-growing hotel brands in its category, opening on average two hotels a week globally. Guests can expect a fresh, internationally-branded hotel choice that offers comfort, convenience and great value.   

The first Holiday Inn Express in Singapore will feature the brand identity, service standards and quality facilities of the new Holiday Inn experience. The Holiday Inn family of brands is undergoing the biggest relaunch in the hospitality industry across more than 3,300 hotels and 430,000 rooms worldwide, designed to drive consistency and quality throughout the entire estate.

"I can't think of a better location to launch the Holiday Inn Express brand. The recent revamp of Orchard Road has strengthened its appeal to both visitors and locals. Opening the first Holiday Inn Express in Singapore here will present a compelling option for our guests, offering them the convenience and atmosphere of a hotel in the heart of the city – at an excellent price point," said Jan Smits, Managing Director, IHG Asia Australasia.

This milestone project is a partnership between IHG and Valeside Pte Ltd, a member of the Chee Swee Cheng Group of Companies.

"We are confident of this partnership with IHG. We believe that the combination of a great location and an internationally-recognised brand will bode well for the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Singapore," said Chee Eng Hoon, Executive Director of Valeside Pte Ltd.

A second agreement with the Chee Swee Cheng Group is also being signed for a Holiday Inn Express in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Three other Holiday Inn Express hotels are being developed in Bangkok and are scheduled to open over the next few years.