InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, one of the most iconic hospitality brands in the world, is undergoing a major rebranding to position itself as a luxury leader in the industry. A full global brand evolution will elevate its messaging and underscore its commitment to guests, cultures, and the environment. Hospitality Design will explore the changes and how they’re creating a luxury experience that is both thoughtful and timeless.
1. Pioneering Hospitality Design – InterContinental’s Global Brand Evolution
InterContinental has been a hallmark of hospitality for over 80 years, truly pioneering the luxury hotel experience. Their commitment to create an extraordinary experience for their guests, where they can feel comfortable and their needs are catered for, has driven their journey of steady innovation.
As one of the most renowned hotel brands in the world, InterContinental has evolved significantly over their long history. They have introduced many benefits to their guests, from the Club InterContinental privilege programme to recent features such as accessibility for all and state-of-the-art gym equipment. However, the core tenet of providing an exceptional experience has remained the same.
- Club InterContinental: A personalised concierge service with exclusive access to benefits and rewards
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: Enjoy free high-speed internet during your stay
- Accessibility for all: InterContinental caters for guests with special requirements and makes sure they have everything they need
- State-of-the-art gym equipment: Get the workout you need with the best gym equipment available
2. A Spark of Innovation to Refresh Hospitality Design
Hotels have been around for centuries and have changed drastically over time. In recent years, the design of hotels has gone from traditional and classic to modern and innovative. A Spark of Innovation has emerged to refresh the look and feel of hotel spaces. Here are a few of the ideas trending in the hospitality design world:
- Unique Architectural Features – Creative use of space and eye-catching shapes and volumes.
- High-Tech Solutions - Using technology to improve the guest experience and optimize the flow of operations.
- Green Initiatives - Sustainability in all aspects of the design, and using eco-friendly materials.
- Multi-Purpose Venues – Public areas designed for both large- and small-scale experiences.
Designers are exploring different ways to express a brand’s persona through interior design. This extends to the public areas such as lobbies, restaurants, bars, and Gyms. Bold colours, artwork, and expressive furniture are used to create an inviting atmosphere that feels comfortable and inviting. Balancing practicality with luxurious comfort is a must in hospitality design, and now, more and more hotels are embracing the challenge to make their guests feel special while making a statement.
3. International Impacts of InterContinental’s Brand Evolution
The Global Phenomenon
The InterContinental brand has become a global phenomenon, and its brand evolution has had serious implications for nations around the world.
- Influence on Local and National Cuisine: InterContinental’s luxurious hotels and their numerous restaurants have had a major influence on the food culture of the countries they are found in. From cross-cultural cuisine to adapting traditional dishes from their new home, the InterContinental brand has updated an assortment of local and national dishes to keep up with global trends.
- Economic Stimulation of Countries:InterContinental have also had a significant influence on the economy of the countries they’ve been established in. By investing in local talent and resources, they have created thousands of jobs allowing for local economic development. The brand also prides itself on voicing an ethical stance on business, ensuring that the countries and citizens they are working with are treated fairly.
The Environmental Impacts
The international environmental effects of the InterContinental brand’s presence should not be overlooked.
- Environmental Sustainability: InterContinental take environmental sustainability very seriously and work closely with international non-profit organisations to reduce their ecological impact. The brand works constantly to reduce the use of energy, paper, water and encourage the use of recycled materials.
- Support of Local Communities: Taking their corporate responsibilities very seriously, InterContinental is known for their support of local communities in the countries they have a presence in. Through donating time, efforts and funding the brand has created positive changes in some of the poorest countries on the planet, making a real difference to people’s lives.
4. New Approaches to Hospitality Design - The Future Looks Bright
The world is moving fast and the contemporary hospitality industry is required to keep up. Architects, interior designers, and business owners have recognized the power of innovation and thus are embracing the implementation of new approaches to hospitality design. These innovative solutions seek to make the environment both more comfortable and more functional.
Innovative ideas like the use of bold colors for maximum impact, interactive displays with ambient lighting, and the use of ‘dreamy’ textures create a unique experience that modern customers are looking for. Business owners need to think outside the box when it comes to creating a transformative hospitality environment for their clients.
- Bold Colors: Build inviting interiors with bold colors, which don’t necessarily need to be the traditional ones. Use colors to tie together elements of design and create memorable experiences.
- Interactive Displays: Create interactive displays, which make use of sensory and technology-driven features to make the customer engagement both fun and informative.
- Dreamy Textures: Experiment with different materials, such as velvet or natural stone, to create inviting atmospheres for customers.
The InterContinental brand has been evolving throughout the decades, and the most recent changes reflect this. With its new global identity, the hotel chain will be sure to be the travel destination of choice for years to come. So get ready for an experience like no other, as InterContinental brings together the best of both worlds from modern comforts to luxurious touches.
