The Kessler Collection's Castle Hotel on Orlando's International Drive Rebranded as a Holiday Inn Resort

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kessler Collection, a portfolio of boutique four and five-diamond quality properties located in Florida, Georgia, Colorado and New Mexico, and IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announce the transition of The Castle Hotel to a Holiday Inn Resort as of Nov. 1, 2010.

Located in the heart of Orlando, on the famed International Drive, the rebranded Holiday Inn Resort Orlando - The Castle provides guests with a magical experience, full of enchantment, starting with the hotel's storied history. Built as the first Kessler Collection property in 1995, The Castle Hotel fulfilled the childhood wish of Mr. Kessler's daughter, Laura, to have her very own princess castle.

With the rebranding comes refurbishments and improvements for both leisure and business guests. As a Holiday Inn Resort, kids 12 and younger eat free in the Castle Cafe when accompanied by an adult and ordering from the kids' menu. This includes up to four kids per reservation. The property now also offers two new KidSuites, where children have bunk beds and entertainment systems while parents still enjoy plenty of space for comfortable traveling. Additionally, family-friendly activities fit for a prince or princess include scavenger hunts and an outdoor swimming pool with a fountain.

Holiday Inn Resort Orlando - The Castle also offers business travelers brand new "Smart Rooms" a concept developed by IHG. Smart Rooms are available for a $20 upgrade and feature Brother Five-In-One machines with printer, scanner, copier and fax plus use of Roomlinx, featuring business tools that allow sophisticated travelers the chance to leave their personal laptops at home.

"The Kessler Collection's commitment to providing guests with the highest level of service and attention to detail blends well with our relaunch of Holiday Inn hotels across the country," said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Delivery, The Americas, IHG. "This is a wonderful property that has become a favorite of both leisure and business travelers since it opened in 1995."

The agreement between IHG and The Kessler Collection is a testament to the strength of the $1 billion Holiday Inn relaunch. First announced in 2007, the relaunch program creates a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and consistency across the global portfolio. The program focuses on arrival and welcome services, as well as guestroom and guest bath comfort. The global estate of more than 3,400 Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express properties are expected to relaunch by the end of 2010, and nearly 2,800 hotels have already been relaunched to date.

Featuring 216 guest rooms and suites just steps from world-class dining, shopping and entertainment Holiday Inn Resort Orlando - The Castle combines artistic flare and playful luxury within its medieval-inspired walls. From the rare doll collection and castle creatures to the medieval architecture and authentic Austrian castle detailing, the hotel creates an atmosphere guests of all ages are sure to love. The hotel also features newly renovated guest suites of regal décor, a heated outdoor pool with a fountain and stunning rooftop terraces fit for a princess to await her prince. Guests enjoy a menu fit for a king at Castle Cafe, serving fantastic cuisine from the daily continental breakfast with made-to-order omelets to in-room dining options for those who wish to stay within their chamber. Additionally, Jester's Poolside Lounge offers plenty of food and beverage choices for guests to enjoy under the sun.

For more information or to book a stay at the revitalized Holiday Inn Resort Orlando - The Castle, please visit www.thekesslercollection.com or call the hotel directly at 407.345.1511.

Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts participate in IHG's guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards.  The industry's first and largest guest loyalty program has 52 million members.  Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on at priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG's more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Notes to Editors:

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms.  IHG franchises, leases, manages or owns, through various subsidiaries, over 4,500 hotels and more than 650,000 guest rooms in 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 52 million members worldwide.

IHG has over 1,300 hotels in its development pipeline, which will create 160,000 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

About The Kessler Collection:

The Kessler Collection's portfolio of uniquely designed though equally artistically inspired four- and five-diamond boutique properties exude elegance, character and comfort in every expertly detailed touch point, and unmatched personalized service. Whether visiting properties in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Colorado or New Mexico, guests enjoy each hotel's exquisite art, music and cultural influences personally acquired for that hotel by the Kessler family, are decidedly approachable, creating a magical and engaging atmosphere. Whether learning the history behind the art collections or relaxing in the comforts of home, Kessler Collection hotel guests are immersed in stories waiting to be uncovered around every corner.

For more information about the Kessler Collection and its properties, visit www.kesslercollection.com or call (888) 472-6312.

SOURCE The Kessler Collection