IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms announced that a 72-room Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites will open in downtown Boston within a month, after a $3.5 million investment by the owner, Gemini Hospitality, to renovate the historic 100-year-old building.

The property will showcase the brand’s new sign, which is the seal of approval that this hotel exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion Holiday Inn brand relaunch program.  First announced in 2007, the relaunch program was established to create a more contemporary brand image, increase quality and drive consistency.

“Holiday Inn Express hotels are designed to be the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travelers, said John Merkin, senior vice president, Brand Management, Holiday Inn brands. “We know our guests will enjoy the experience of a unique historical property in one of the oldest cities in the U.S. that still provides the contemporary comforts and services they have come to expect.  We welcome this hotel into the Holiday Inn family of brands with the beacon of the new sign and everything it represents.”

Located on Friend Street, directly across from the TD Banknorth Garden, the property allows guests to be within walking distance to Boston’s famed historical attractions, including Fanueil Hall, Boston Commons, Beacon Hill and the Old North Church.  Also nearby are Boston Harbor, The New England Aquarium and the North End, home to Boston’s Little Italy.  Boston City Hall, Massachusetts General Hospital and the Tip O’Neill Federal Building are close by.

“We invested $3.5 million in renovations to meet Holiday Inn Express brand standards, and we are very pleased with the resulting urban contemporary design,” said Karla Lyon, general manager. “Holiday Inn Express has excellent brand recognition and loyalty, and we’re pleased to be the first hotel to bring the new sign to Boston.”

Holiday Inn Express participates in IHG’s guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards.  The industry’s first and largest guest loyalty program has more than 39 million members.  Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on at priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG’s more than 4,000 hotels worldwide. The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Boston-Downtown is owned by Gemini Real Estate Advisors and managed by Gemini Hospitality Management, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group and will be located at 280 Friend St.