How modern travel is driving a shift at Holiday Inn hotels worldwide

Holiday Inn is one of the world’s most iconic brands. It’s been a staple of the hotel scene for over 70 years, after all. And whether staying for business, leisure or a bit of both, there’s a high chance you’ve checked-in to a Holiday Inn more than once.
Today, the IHG Hotels & Resorts brand boasts almost 1,200 properties, and one of the key reasons for its success is its ability to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of travellers worldwide.
While still ticking all the travel boxes, Holiday Inn’s also been busy evolving with a fresh new look and ‘Open Lobby’ concept at the heart of its new direction.
The best part? It’s already rolling out across Australasia with destinations in Victoria and New Zealand already boasting the fresh look, and more to come.
More than a mere place to check-in and check-out, the open spaces are now tailored for spending time in – a space for people to connect through a love of travel, featuring a lobby, a restaurant, lounge and area for working, all in one.
The concept made its Down Under debut in Melbourne at Holiday Inn Werribee in 2021 and has since expanded its footprint to Holiday Inn Dandenong and Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, both of which opened in 2023.
While every lobby is individual, they’re designed to be integrated, cohesive spaces that exude a sense of connectivity and community to eat, drink, work and play.
Holiday Inn Bangkok, for example, has a Scandi feel with honey timber adorning the walls and ceiling, Oxford (UK) is bright and colourful, while Gdansk City Centre (Poland) doubles down on playfulness with swings and curvaceous circular lounges.
Down Under, Holiday Inn Werribee embraces a retro-chic ‘Art Deco meets pop art’ vibe with plush pastel seating, bold orange carpet and dramatic divider screens – all a subtle nod to the very first Holiday Inn, which opened in Memphis in 1952.
Over in Dandenong, you’ll find a lobby adorned in rich jewel-tone colours, timber and cascading greenery. And as for Geelong, what makes it sing is the whimsy flowing throughout: the curious textures, bright colours and playful illuminations.
And these are just a few of the 15 Holiday Inns dotted around Australia, while just across the ditch in New Zealand are three more – two of them in the ski mecca of Queenstown.
Complementing this bespoke approach to decor are common fixtures like barista coffee and a To Go Café, varied workspaces (power outlets, USB charging points and WiFi are naturally provided), in addition to a variety of comfy lounges and meeting spaces.
As for the reason behind the shift, it’s a simple one: hotels are no longer just places to stay. Modern travellers want more from their experience, whether it’s informal areas for meeting clients, enjoying a coffee or bite to eat, or travelling better with the family in tow.
Plus, kids 12 and under always stay and eat for free.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has invested significant time and research into the evolution, including consumer data to inform the Open Lobby concept and brand refocus, and the response from travellers has been overwhelmingly positive so far.
Of course, signatures of the Holiday Inn brand remain.
Travellers love the consistency, approachability and affordability of Holiday Inn – knowing there’s a global presence from Sydney to San Francisco, Manila to Madrid, where guests can expect a modern, memorable experience.
The freedom of choice and flexibility is also on offer with IHG One Rewards loyalty benefits, including complimentary upgrades with upper-tier membership, milestone rewards and more. It’s just elevated.
Rooms now sport a more contemporary aesthetic and custom approach to décor, often referencing its location, while enhancements such as free and fast WiFi and the option for kids to stay and eat free make it easier to balance work and play.
If it’s been a while since your last visit to the Holiday Inn, now’s the time to rediscover it.
Find out more at ihg.com/holidayinn/