I stayed at some CPs, such as Berlin Potsdamer Platz, Hamburg, Venice East, Heidelberg (now becoming an Hilton), and always thought the brand would have potential as a luxury light brand (not necessarily „lifestyle“, I avoid these concepts, as they are for me empty shells).

In newer ones like Potsdamer Platz I felt like staying at a nicely decorated „Hilton light“.

IHG should upgrade the Crowne Plaza brand to an „IC light“ (with consistent brand standards), which would be in my imagination of brand positioning in direct competition to Hilton and Marriott. IC should be the grand hotel luxury brand (JW, Conrad). Regent the upper luxury class (RC, WA). Indigo I do not need really, itīs „boutique light‘, maybe I am to old for this. Kimpton looks good. Kind of „W“, a luxury boutique brand, but more classic luxury style compared to what I see at Ws (I am not a fan of the W brand).

So IMHO Crowne Plaza should remain and IHG should invest into the brand substantially (not only marketing gags). Spire benefits to attract elite guests. And everything should be done faster. Always have the impression things move slowly in IHG except with HIX and Indigo and China and Asia.