InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is extending its portfolio of long-stay accommodation in the UK with two Staybridge Suites in Birmingham and Newcastle, due to open in 2008.
Staybridge Suites Aston in Birmingham will be situated in the Aston Science Park, close to the city centre. Subject to planning approval, construction of the 120-suite property will begin in autumn 2007.
Newcastle”s Melbourne Street, in the heart of the city”s business district, is to be home to the new Staybridge Suites Newcastle property. It too will have 120 suites, with building set to begin in July.
All rooms will be fitted with a fully equipped kitchen and each property will feature public areas including a Hub Kitchen, living room with an open fire, a ”pantry”, a 24-hour general shop and an outdoor terrace with barbeque.
Already a popular brand in the US with 100 properties, IHG introduced its long-stay brand to the UK in 2005 with the announcement to open hotels in Brentford and London”s South Bank.
Vice president of the brand, John Wagner, talked of the future success of long-stay accommodation in the UK: ”We plan to open 22 Staybridge Suites hotels across the UK within four years,” he said. ”With four projects now signed and others in the pipeline, I am confident that Staybridge Suites will soon become in demand by today”s business travellers.
”Birmingham and Newcastle are economic hubs with a diversity of local and international businesses and industries, so we are confident that long-term business travellers will be attracted by accommodation specifically designed for their needs.”