Holiday Inn Express debuts in Japan

IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced its brand Holiday Inn Express to Japan for the first time with the opening of Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre Midosuji in December this year.

Following a landmark agreement with owner Baring Private Equity Asia, in what is their first-ever hotel partnership globally, IHG will add Japan to Holiday Inn Express’ growing list of global destinations, building on its globally-renowned status.

The 306-room Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre Midosuji will make a stunning first for the brand in Japan, with fresh, bold and modern design and an unmatched location – which will be further enhanced by a full refurbishment in the first six months after opening.

The hotel is located in the heart of Osaka on its most famous Boulevard, Midosuji, just minutes’ walk from the world-famous Shinsaibashi retail and Namba entertainment districts. 

The hotel will embrace the brand’s hallmark of simple, smart travel, based on the idea that travel should be free from hassle and complication. Guests will have access to high-speed WiFi along with high-quality bedding, choice of pillows and – importantly - a cooked buffet breakfast and coffee, or takeout for those in a hurry. With all this, and more, it is destined to be the first choice for the increasing number of travellers who need a simple, engaging place to rest, recharge and get a little work done.

“We are honoured to launch Holiday Inn Express in Japan in partnership with Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA), one of the largest independent private equity firms in Asia. We have been committed for some time to bringing this world-class brand to Japan when the time is right and now, with a great partner in BPEA, an amazing asset, and the world poised to reopen, we are thrilled to introduce Holiday Inn Express to the Japanese market,” said Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director - Japan, IHG Hotels & Resorts.