IHG launches iPhone booking apps for each of its seven hotel brands

Press release

Published June 26th, 2011 - 07:30 GMT

Branded iPhone Apps

InterContinental Hotels Group the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announced the continuation of its mobile app strategy with iPhone booking apps for each of its seven brands – InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. These new apps provide guests with the ability to find and book hotel rooms, check rates and view or cancel reservations.

The iPhone apps for each brand follow the highly successful release of the InterContinental Concierge Insider Guides app for iPad in December 2010, the Priority Club Rewards app for Android in July 2010 and the Priority Club Rewards app for iPhone in April 2010.

In just over a year, IHG has seen a nearly 1,000 percent increase in room night bookings from mobile devices. In the first five months of 2011, IHG has already surpassed its 2010 total number of room night bookings from mobile devices.

Most guests – 65 percent – who book through a mobile device are staying at IHG hotels the same night or within one day. To cater to this guest, the new booking apps for each of our seven brands include location aware capabilities to assist guests in booking hotels close to their location and navigating to the property.

Matt Luscombe, IHG’s senior vice president, sales and marketing, EMEA said “Our guests tend to be business travellers who need to book a hotel room or change a reservation whilst they’re on the move. Our mobile strategy is responding to this growing demand. Last year we launched a mobile iPhone booking app that just targeted our 58 million Priority Club Rewards members and we’re now expanding our iPhone booking app service to all of our seven brands.”

The iPhone apps for each brand contain booking and reservation management features, including:

Search, compare and book at IHG hotels – InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Crowne PlazaHotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

Plan arrival by accessing current reservations and quick access to maps, directions and hotel contact information.

Securely store credit card information to expedite bookings.

Manage travel profiles.

Receive communication about the latest promotions and offers.

Priority Club Rewards members have the ability to earn points and redeem for stays.

Enroll in Priority Club Rewards (membership is not required to use the apps).

IHG’s mobile channels and programmes continue to be recognized throughout the industry. Recently, IHG won TravelCom’s Mobile Marketer of the Year; Web Marketing Associations’ Best Mobile Travel Application in the Interactive Advertising Competition; and Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association’s “Most Effective Mobile Campaign.”

IHG’s iPhone apps for each of its hotels brands are now available in English at the iPhone app store.

Background Information

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

At IHG, we’re committed to delivering True Hospitality for everyone. We believe in making you feel welcome and valued, wherever you are in the world. That’s because we truly care about people and the communities we serve, and because we pride ourselves on providing the highest quality of service.

Each of our hotel brands caters to guests in their own distinct way. And our reach spans the globe. So, whether you’re travelling for business, fun with friends and family, or pure luxury, we have a hotel for you.