Staybridge Suites Ranked Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Extended Stay Hotel Chains by J.D. Power and Associates

ATLANTA - IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announced that Staybridge Suites was ranked highest in guest satisfaction among extended stay hotel chains, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study^SM.

"This tremendous and prestigious honor is the result of hard work and dedication by Staybridge Suites team members across our portfolio," said Robert Radomski, vice president, Global Brand Management, Extended-Stay Brands, IHG. "It's especially meaningful that during our 10^th anniversary year, feedback from our guests shows that they continue to be satisfied by the high-quality service and accommodations they receive at Staybridge Suites."

To earn the top satisfaction ranking, Staybridge Suites outperformed all other extended stay hotel chains in the study, scoring highest in overall guest satisfaction, as determined by seven key measures: reservations; check-in/check-out; guest room; food and beverage; hotel services; hotel facilities; and cost and fees.  The 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study is based on responses gathered between June 2008 and June 2009 from more than 66,000 guests who stayed in a hotel between May 2008 and June 2009.

Over the past few years, Staybridge Suites has introduced several key innovations, including an innovative décor redesign by graduate students at Savannah College of Art and Design, home to one of the top five interior design programs in the nation, that will be implemented in 2010.  The brand was first in its category to offer free wireless Internet access at every hotel and the first in the upscale extended-stay segment to introduce energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs as a brand standard.  Staybridge Suites continues to encourage guest interaction by fostering a sense of residential community among long-stay guests.  The Outdoor Living Room, Gathering Table and Just Like Home Theater are some of the latest brand hallmarks that serve as places for guests to socialize during their stay.

Staybridge Suites was also named best in customer satisfaction within the upscale hotel segment during the first quarter of 2009 by Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI), surpassing 23 other hotel brands in this category.  This marks the third first-place finish in the MMHI for Staybridge Suites in the past six quarters.

About Staybridge Suites Hotels

Staybridge Suites^® is an innovative all-suite hotel brand designed to meet the needs of extended-stay guests.  It is ideal for travelers seeking a residential-style hotel that is perfect for business, relocation and vacations.  Staybridge Suites was ranked highest in guest satisfaction among extended stay hotel chains, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study^SM. 

Amenities include: three suite types (deluxe studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom/2 bath) with fully equipped kitchens, highly functional work areas, speaker phone with voicemail and direct dial access and free high-speed internet access. Staybridge Suites offers free "Wireless Anywhere", complimentary daily deluxe breakfast buffet and evening Sundowner reception three days a week, and 24-hour business services featuring complimentary PC work stations and free Internet access.

The Staybridge Suites brand continues to grow rapidly with more than 160 hotels open across the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.  There are nearly 150 Staybridge Suites in the pipeline, including 7 outside of the Americas.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

Media Contact:
Caroline Sanfilippo, Staybridge Suites, [email protected], +1(770) 604-2495

Notes to Editors:

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms. IHG owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, over 4,300 hotels and almost 630,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognized and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites®, and also manages the world’s largest hotel loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards with 44 million members worldwide.

IHG has nearly 1,600 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 140,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated in Great Britain and registered in England and Wales.

IHG offers information and online reservations for all its hotel brands at www.ihg.com and information for the Priority Club Rewards program at www.priorityclub.com. For the latest news from IHG, visit our online Press Office at www.ihg.com/media