InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has unveiled its new upper-midscale all-suites brand, Atwell Suites.
As IHG developed its newest hotel brand, research highlighted that many guests are looking for a memorable experience as well as a differentiated, right-sized set of amenities and services falling between those offered by traditional extended stay and traditional select service hotels. This travel trend also meets the desire of IHG owners for a new concept to introduce in local markets.
Guests at Atwell Suites properties are not simply booking a room, but seeking opportunities to discover new things, learn and grow as they travel – perhaps even extending their stay a few days to explore a destination.
With this in mind, IHG designed a hotel for the 'Opportunity Seeker', optimised for a longer stay of four to six nights, integrating flexibility throughout the property with spaces and programs that encourage social interaction and help foster a spirit of kinship among guests.
Initial features of the Atwell Suites brand include:
'Golden Hours' F&B:
Atwell Suites properties will offer F&B options for when the sun is coming up and going down. All hotels will include a complimentary hot breakfast that will feature two to three signature hot items, alongside cold, grab-and-go options and premium coffee. Additionally, guests may enjoy a bar in the lobby at the end of the day that will serve small plates paired with a drink menu.
All-studio suites
Atwell Suites properties will offer all-studio suites which include distinct zones for living and sleeping; a kitchenette area with counter-height refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker and sink; a work area with a high-top desk solution; a pullout sofa; an oversized vanity in the bathroom; and a closet that can be easily accessed from both the guestroom and the bathroom.
Spaces to connect and collaborate
Guests will be able to easily move from their rooms to public spaces in order to relax, work, collaborate and create connections in whatever way works best for them. The Atwell Suites brand’s design allows guests to create their own environment with more flexible meeting spaces – including a meeting room integrated into the lobby, outdoor space, huddle areas and public/private working spaces.
Leading technology
Atwell Suites properties will include IHG’s industry-leading in-hotel Wi-Fi, IHG® Connect. The brand will also offer IHG® Studio, a seamless direct casting of entertainment from guests’ smart phones and personal devices to 55” TVs in each room. Self check-in will be offered at tablets in close proximity to the front desk/bar area.
CEO Keith Barr said, “The Atwell Suites brand is tailor-made to meet the significant demand in the upper-midscale segment for a new all-suites brand.
'Our newest offer gives owners and guests something different to what’s out there today – a stylish suite with the flex for guests to work, socialise or explore over a four-to-six-night stay.
'As we focus on accelerating our growth, the brand will further extend our leading position in the mainstream space.”
Atwell Suites properties will be efficient to build, operate and maintain – consistent with the company’s commitment to ensuring a positive owner experience for all of its brands. IHG expects the Atwell Suites brand to be franchise-ready in the fall of 2019 with the first hotels beginning construction in 2020 and opening in 2021.
