InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) has revealed plans for its biggest Crowne Plaza-branded property in the US, located two miles from Baltimore Washington Airport and due to open early 2009.
Designed to cater for business and leisure travellers alike, the hotel is part of a $350m resort complex that features a bizarre mix of conference and entertainment facilities on a grand scale.
Situated on the site of The Grand Isle Resort, the Crowne Plaza will be connected to a 140,000sq ft (42,672sq m) aquatic centre ” ideal for those on family holidays ” as well as a 90,000sq ft (27,432sq m) conference centre for delegates, with a 50,000sq ft (15,240sq m) ballroom.
Other resort attractions include a 25,000sq ft (7,620sq m) fitness centre, day spa, ten franchised fine dining restaurant options and a dedicated entertainment village. A 200-room Hotel Indigo ” another IHG branded property ” will provide an alternative, ”boutique” hotel experience aside from the 300-room Crowne Plaza.
”This hotel will be our largest new-build property in the US,” explained Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts vice president brand management Kevin Kowalski (pictured). ”We believe its convenient airport location will satisfy both business and leisure travellers, providing Baltimore guests with industry-leading meetings services and a great night”s sleep through our Sleep Advantage programme.”
Dedicated business facilities at the Crowne Plaza hotel include an executive level with private fitness centre, swimming pool and whirlpool spa with numerous treatment rooms. A private business centre will be available on the Business Center Executive level, with complete remote office services, administrative staff and conference facilities.
Crowne Plaza aims to provide a ”seamless planning process” when it comes to meetings, by providing customers with a two-hour response guarantee, a meetings director and daily debriefing services.