InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG), the world”s largest hotel company by number of rooms with more than 558,000 currently operating, is to introduce its 52nd property in Italy next year when the InterContinental Milan Grand Hotel Duomo opens its doors.
Situated in Milan”s Piazza Duomo in the heart of the city, the building was originally built entirely from marble and dates back to 1860. Following extensive renovations, IHG will re-open the former Grand Hotel Duomo in 2008, with 137 rooms including 17 suites.
Features of the hotel will include: a top floor signature restaurant with views over the square; a spa and health club and meeting rooms for corporate clients. The property is within easy reach of the city”s financial district, is well connected to Milan”s underground system and 20 minutes drive from Milan Linate airport.
Despite the breadth of IHG”s presence in the country, the Grand Hotel Duomo is only the second in the luxury InterContinental brand after the InterContinental Rome, with all other properties spread between Holiday Inn (32), Express by Holiday Inn (14) and Crowne Plaza (five).
”This is a major project for us,” said InterContinental Hotels & Resorts chief operating officer Europe, Jennifer Fox, adding: ”Italy is an extremely important destination for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and we are absolutely delighted we have managed to secure such a great location to further our brand presence in the country.”