Top global hospitality chain InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced the opening of the first Holiday Inn Express in Bahrain.

The 274-room, which cost $40 million to build, will open for service at Exhibition Avenue.

The four-star hotel is operated by Ishraq Hospitality Management, a subsidiary of Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding Company, under a franchise agreement with IHG.

"We are confident that the limited service offer will be extremely popular in Bahrain," said Ishraq Gulf Real Estate Holding chairman Maissan AI Maskati.

"There are currently few options in Manama for price conscious business and leisure travellers seeking ultra-modern accommodation at affordable rates and strategically located in the heart of the central business district community."

Luca De Stefano has been appointed general manager in charge of a team of 70 employees.

"Holiday Inn Express is going from strength to strength across Asia and the Middle East," said IHG India, the Middle East and Africa chief operating officer Pascal Gauvin.

"Following our recent brand launch in Thailand, we're thrilled to see the brand open up in Bahrain, just shortly before we launch in India later this year.

"As Bahrain's first limited service hotel, and with the Ishraq management team behind it, we're confident Holiday Inn Express Bahrain will be a great success." – TradeArabia News Service