IHG Enhances Upper-Midscale Portfolio in Greater China

Shanghai, March 31, 2025 — IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced a series of targeted enhancements to its four upper-midscale brands in Greater China — Atwell Suites, EVEN Hotels, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. Focused on optimizing solutions for hotel owners and ongoing brand refreshments, these initiatives are designed to deliver more efficient and higher-return solutions for hotel owners in this dynamic market.

Mr. Kent Sun, Chief Development Officer of IHG Greater China, said: “China’s hospitality industry is entering a new era of structural transformation and quality-driven growth. With the upper-midscale segment expected to double in size over the next decade, hotel owners are demanding smarter investment models with lower entry barriers, proven operations, and sustainable returns. Through these enhancements, we’re offering a practical, replicable, and efficient solution tailored to local needs. Together with forward-thinking hotel owners, we aim to set new benchmarks in this golden window of opportunity.”

The four brands cater to diverse market needs across city tiers, project sizes, and guest segments:

• Atwell Suites: Inspired by local culture, delivering home-like comfort for guests.
• EVEN Hotels: Championing holistic wellness through healthy travel and balanced living.
• Holiday Inn: Creating warm, engaging social spaces that foster emotional connections.
• Holiday Inn Express: Built for “Recharge and Restart” with efficient, comfortable stays.

Backed by optimized hotel owner solutions, these brands balance quality, value, and flexibility — offering hotel owners a compelling and competitive return on investment.

Four Dimensions of Empowerment: Designed for End-to-End Success

To help hotel owners enhance performance throughout the hotel lifecycle, IHG Greater China has introduced a four-dimensional support system — Efficient Build & Design, Smart Operations, Revenue Growth, and Procurement Support — all powered by IHG’s scale and local know-how.

• Efficient Build & Design: Quality, Speed, and Savings

In 2024, IHG launched the IHG Design & Innovation Lab in Greater China — a one-stop showroom featuring the latest design standards, materials, and technologies for all four brands. With standardized, modular, and productized design packages, hotel owners benefit from faster decision-making, lower design and build costs, and shorter project timelines — without compromising global quality or local competitiveness.

• Smart Operations: Digital Efficiency from Day One

Integrated digital solutions are deployed early in development to reduce upfront costs and drive long-term operational efficiency. IHG provides localized, effective digital systems for hotels, ensuring smooth guest journeys and staff operations. Features include IHG Connect, AI operator, delivery robots, IHG Studio in-room TV entertainment, and mobile room controls.

• Revenue Growth: High-Quality Business, Sustainable Returns

With over 145 million members, IHG One Rewards brings loyal, high-spending, repeat guests. Localized digital tools and enhanced direct channels improve acquisition and conversion. IHG’s deep integration with leading Chinese travel platforms ensures a dual-track sales strategy that combines international and domestic demand. Targeted roadshows and marketing campaigns further boost brand visibility and performance for hotel owners.

• Procurement Support: Transparent, and Flexible

IHG’s centralized, digital procurement platform allows hotel owners to cross-check prices across IHG hotels, access supplier base rates, and maintain purchasing autonomy while meeting brand standards and guest experience needs. In addition, IHG offers tailored financial solutions — including leasing, bank factoring, and co-investment in energy infrastructure — to help hotel owners manage upfront capital needs and improve cash flow.

Three Operating Models with Local Insights

With 50 years of experience in Greater China, IHG offers three flexible partnership models: Managed, Franchise, and the locally tailored Franchise+. The Franchise+ model includes IHG-appointed general manager support at the initial stage, ensuring standard delivery before full hotel owner operational independence. Since its launch in 2016, this model has been widely recognized by local owners and fueled IHG’s business growth in the region.

Brand Enhancements and New Openings

As part of this enhancement effort, EVEN Hotels, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express will undergo comprehensive brand updates — with refreshed visuals, room designs, product offerings, and service touchpoints. Meanwhile, Atwell Suites will open its first properties in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou this year — offering lifestyle-savvy travelers a stylish and refined “home away from home.” These initiatives reflect evolving guest expectations and a more efficient investment model for hotel owners, reinforcing IHG’s leadership in the upper-midscale space.