Holiday Inn National Airport Signs On for Worldwide Brand Relaunch

Hotel among First to Feature New Sign and Brand Standards

ARLINGTON, Va., May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The new Holiday Inn sign is making its way around the world. Today the Holiday Inn National Airport in Crystal City announces this "green beacon" of hospitality to light the way for government, business travelers and tourists visiting the Washington, DC metropolitan area. InterContinental Hotels Group selected the hotel as a "Beacon Hotel" to promote the brand re-launch program based on its high visibility and outstanding guest service scores; ranking first in overall guest satisfaction in the immediate area, and 48th of 810 Holiday Inn Hotels in North America. Standing majestically over the Washington National Airport skyline, the hotel received the new sign as the seal of approval they exemplify the standards of the $1 billion Holiday Inn brand family re-launch. The initiative was established to create a more contemporary image, showcase improved quality & products and drive consistency. The modern guestrooms feature complimentary T-1 wired and wireless high speed internet and 32" flat panel HD televisions with HD programming.

"We have set an aggressive pace to re-launch our complete estate of nearly 3,200 hotels, 413,406 guest rooms and 11,000 signs by the end of 2010," said John Merkin, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Brand Management for Holiday Inn brands. "And with the addition of the Holiday Inn National Airport we are off and running on our journey to make every Holiday Inn hotel as great as our best one."

Essentials of the re-launch for the hotel include redesigned brand signage and an evolution of the iconic script logo which energizes the signature color green and eliminating the current shield shape for a more refreshed and contemporary look. Additional elements include a new signature arrival - incorporating new lighting, landscaping and design features - creating a sense that is universally recognizable as part of the new "Warm Welcome" guests will receive.

Tom Gates, General Manager of the hotel states, "Stay Real, a best-in-class service culture was further implemented throughout the hotel to develop the behaviors and skills so all guests receive exemplary service," adding "The Guest Experience Champion, is a newly created position that will be leading the charge by offering an enhanced stay experience with exceptional levels of service to our guests." The hotel is among the first wave of properties to showcase these new Holiday Inn brand family hallmarks.

Additionally, the Holiday Inn National Airport hotel became one of the first Holiday Inns in the DC-Metro area to be re-launched with an emphasis on environmental sustainability. This initiative was all guided by the hotel's "Our Big Green" environmental sustainability program created by B. F. Saul Company - Hotel Division which focuses on three core principles: Conserve, Recycle and Act Now. "We have a clear-cut focus and a very real commitment to protecting the environment for future generations as well as the long-term good of the community," adds Gates.

The hotel, which is Virginia Green certified encourages guests to participate in their sustainable efforts. Each guestroom is equipped with blue recycling baskets and desk cards asking guest to assist the hotel with their sustainability efforts. Compact fluorescent light bulbs, low flow shower heads, faucets and toilets are in all guestrooms. Guests are also asked to help contribute through the towel and linen re-use program and to turn off lights and televisions upon departing their room. Recycling containers are strategically placed throughout the hotel's public space and meeting rooms. The most recent project includes a complete parking garage lighting replacement to energy efficient light fixtures and bulbs.

The Holiday Inn National Airport specializes in satisfying the government, business and leisure travelers seeking first class hotel accommodations, meeting facilities and banquet venues near Washington, DC. Part of a collection of hotels, the facility is owned and managed by the B. F. Saul Company - Hotel Division based in Bethesda, MD. To learn more of the organization's commitment to the environment, click on Big Green Pledge.