Anticipation builds as hotel nears summer opening
February 09, 2010 // Franchising.com // ATLANTA - InterContinental Hotels and Resorts announced today the appointment of Andrew (Drew) Schlesinger as general manager and Linda Hodgson as director of sales and marketing for the InterContinental New York Times Square. Currently under construction, the hotel is scheduled to open in July 2010.
Situated on 44th Street just west of Times Square, the new-build hotel is a short stroll to the Broadway Theatre district and Fifth Avenue shopping making it an ideal location to explore the city. Featuring uninterrupted and expansive views of Manhattan from virtually every guestroom, the new InterContinental New York Times Square will deliver an insider's view of the city by providing a contemporary, vibrant yet intimate experience.
Wrapped with floor-to-ceiling windows, the 36-story InterContinental New York Times Square will total 607 guestrooms each averaging 350 square feet, including an oversized bathroom complete with walk-in rain showers. The hotel boasts 29 corner suites with expansive views of the city that allowing guests to sightsee without moving their feet. Additionally, the hotel's 2,700 square foot duplex Presidential Suite will showcase dramatic panoramic views of Times Square, Broadway, the New York City skyline and the Hudson River.
As one of the closest hotels to Javits Convention Center, the property boasts 10 meeting rooms totaling 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, inclusive of a 4,000 square foot ballroom. Additionally, there are 25 flexible suites that can be utilized as event space.
"With more than 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, Drew and Linda bring a wealth of knowledge to the InterContinental New York Times Square," said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Delivery, The Americas, IHG. "In addition to understanding the New York market, they both have a passion for the InterContinental brand thanks to their previous experience and are committed to driving success for this milestone property."
With 34 years of experience, Schlesinger has served as general manager and director of operations in major metropolitan cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Atlanta. He first joined IHG in 1997 and served as General Manager for two IHG properties in New York City - the InterContinental Central Park South and the Crowne Plaza Manhattan - until 2003. With a sense of pride for the Big Apple, Schlesinger has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results and maintaining high guest satisfaction.
Immediately prior to re-joining IHG, Schlesinger oversaw operations of the The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and The Water Club in Atlantic City; managed the pre-opening and grand opening of 70 Park Avenue Hotel, Kimpton Hotels & Resorts' first hotel in New York City; and served as general manager of Mondrian Hotel Los Angeles, an Ian Schrager Hotel. Schlesinger is a graduate of Boston University.
Complimenting Schlesinger's management experience, Hodgson is no stranger to the hotel business with nearly 20 years of sales and marketing experience. Beginning her career in London, her native home, then moving to Boston and New York City, Hodgson has worked with hotels companies across the industry, including IHG, Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels and Langham Hotels International. Most recently, Hodgson served as Director of Sales and Marketing at the InterContinental New York Barclay. She began with IHG in 1995 working with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts.
"Linda and I are excited to introduce both business and leisure travelers to the InterContinental New York Times Square and are committed to delivering an extraordinary "in the know" experience to each and every guest," said Schlesinger. "Slated to open in July, the hotel will have so much to offer - from being one of the most environmentally responsible hotels in New York City to having a signature restaurant led by celebrity chef Todd English."
Upon completion, the InterContinental New York Times Square will be one of the most environmentally responsible hotels in New York City and the largest new-build hotel to achieve LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Counsel (USGBC). Designed by the global architecture firm Gensler, LEED certification was based on a number of green design and construction features, including the use of sustainable materials such as roofing with low solar heat gain; green roofs with drought-tolerant, low maintenance plants (i.e. moss and sedum plantings); large windows to maximize natural day lighting; and an energy-generating elevator system.
The hotel will showcase a new French bistro-inspired restaurant from Celebrity Chef Todd English who was recently named to James Beard Foundation's "Who's Who in Food and Beverage in America." The restaurant includes an intimate dining space available for private events and a dynamic bar area overlooking Broadway that captures the energy of the Theatre District and the urban appeal of historic Hell's Kitchen.
Additional amenities include a Concierge Lounge; 24-hour business and fitness centers; wired and wireless internet in guestrooms and public areas; 42 inch HDTV flat panel televisions and touch-screen computers in all guestrooms; and a courtyard viewing garden in the lobby complete with reflecting pool and sculptures.
Interior design by Jeffrey Beers International (JBI), the InterContinental New York Times Square combines classic New York Art Deco heritage with contemporary and natural inspiration, providing a refreshing sanctuary from the bustling streets of Manhattan.
About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has 164 hotels, located in more than 60 countries with local insight that comes from over 60 years of experience.
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, nearly 4,400 hotels and over 640,000 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 47 million members worldwide.
IHG has 1,500 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.
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