Conversion of Express by HI (UK) to Innkeepers Lodge
Oct 8, 2006, 12:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: UK
Programs: IC Plat Amb, Hyatt Diamond, HHonors Gold, Accor Platinum, SPG Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 44
Conversion of Express by HI (UK) to Innkeepers Lodge
Recently I tried to book a family member into the Express by Holiday Inn Leeds East, UK. Unfortunately the hotel did not appear on the web even as unavailable. When contacting the hotel directly I was informed it was becoming an Innkeepers Lodge www.innkeeperslodge.co.uk There are many Express by Holiday Inns which are located next to M&B pubs (Vintage Inns, Harvester, Toby Carvery) I enquired as to the change where I was told since the demerger of 6C to Intercontinental and M&B, M&B are converting the Express by HI to Innkeepers Lodge when the franchise agreement on the individual hotel expires. This will affect a significant number (About 50) of the sites across the UK with the older properties probably converting first. Even less opportunities to get PC points in the UK now. Has anyone else heard anything about this?
Oct 9, 2006, 3:59 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: East Lothian
Programs: SMWS
Posts: 733
Originally Posted by ttw
Recently I tried to book a family member into the Express by Holiday Inn Leeds East, UK. Unfortunately the hotel did not appear on the web even as unavailable. When contacting the hotel directly I was informed it was becoming an Innkeepers Lodge www.innkeeperslodge.co.uk There are many Express by Holiday Inns which are located next to M&B pubs (Vintage Inns, Harvester, Toby Carvery) I enquired as to the change where I was told since the demerger of 6C to Intercontinental and M&B, M&B are converting the Express by HI to Innkeepers Lodge when the franchise agreement on the individual hotel expires. This will affect a significant number (About 50) of the sites across the UK with the older properties probably converting first. Even less opportunities to get PC points in the UK now. Has anyone else heard anything about this?
Oct 9, 2006, 4:43 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: UK
Programs: SPG Platinum, IC Platinum RA, Emirates Gold, BA Silver
Posts: 575
Hopefully the franchise agreements on the affected properties will have long terms (e.g. 10 years or more), so that the properties will still be in the IHG portfolio a while longer.
Jan 18, 2010, 2:58 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: UK
Programs: IC Plat Amb, Hyatt Diamond, HHonors Gold, Accor Platinum, SPG Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 44
Just noticed whilst booking another stay, that the Express by Holiday Inn Leeds East has now rejoined the system after 3 years as an Innkeepers Lodge. I assume it hasnt worked out hence going back to IHG.