IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) announced that the 181-room Holiday Inn New Orleans West Bank Tower has opened. The property is the first Holiday Inn in the New Orleans market to showcase the brand’s new sign, which is the seal of approval that this hotel exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion brand relaunch program.  First announced in 2007, the relaunch program was established to create a more contemporary brand image, increase quality and drive consistency. The global estate of more than 3,200 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010.

Elements of the Holiday Inn brand relaunch include:

• Redesigned Brand Signage: An evolution of the iconic script logo, energizing the signature color green and eliminating the current shield shape for a more refreshed and contemporary look.
• Refreshed Guest Room: New bedding that redefines the look and feel of each guest room with fresh, white triple- sheeting and pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” An enhanced bathroom that features an improved showerhead offering superior pressure, as well as a signature shower curtain with curved rod and new amenities to deliver a consistent bath experience that feels fresh and contemporary.
• Warm Welcome: A new signature arrival - including new lighting, landscaping and design features - that creates an energized and branded sense of welcome that is universally recognizable. Customized music and scent selections also engage guests in a complete sensory experience, and a decluttered front desk to promote a more efficient and interactive check-in process.
• New Service Promise: A best-in-class service culture - “Stay Real” - to further ensure the team develops the behaviors and skills to best serve guests so they feel like individuals and not numbers. Genuine people delivering real service. Leading the charge, will be a newly created position at each hotel - the Guest Experience Champion.

“We are thrilled to continue the momentum of the Holiday Inn relaunch and to introduce our new sign and hallmarks to the New Orleans market,” said John Merkin, senior vice president, Brand Management, Holiday Inn Brands, The Americas. “With 600 hotels relaunched globally, we’re in the midst of one of the most exciting times for the Holiday Inn brand. The new sign at this hotel signifies changes inside and out that should make guests feel confident that they’re going to experience fantastic service with a more up-to-date look.”

Situated in the New Orleans suburb of Gretna, the hotel underwent a complete renovation before converting to a Holiday Inn. The renovations included an overhaul of the building’s exterior, including the replacement of all windows and a new roof, while still maintaining the unique round shape of the existing structure. The hotel’s interior includes all-new furniture, carpet, bedding, tile, artwork and lighting. The property is just two miles from the historic French Quarter, the Louisiana Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The Jefferson Parish Government Complex, the Mississippi River and the Harvey Canal are also a short drive from the hotel.

The Holiday Inn New Orleans West Bank Tower offers a variety of amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and on-site 24-hour guest laundry facilities. “We invested $13 million to convert this property in line with the Holiday Inn brand relaunch standards, and we’re pleased to be the first Holiday Inn in the New Orleans area to display the new sign,” said Lee Cuicchi, general manager. “We’re looking forward to providing what matters most to our guests whether they’re traveling to New Orleans for business or leisure, and we’re proud to be a part of the evolution of the Holiday Inn brand.”