IHG expands its Italian portfolio with the signing of Venetian boutique property Hotel Indigo Venice Sant’Elena, which will be operated under a franchise agreement.

Authentic Italian experience
The signing of boutique hotel Hotel Indigo Venice Sant’Elena expands InterContinental Hotel’s portfolio in Europe. They have partnered with H.n.H. Hotels & Resorts S.p.A under a franchise agreement that marks the third Hotel Indigo signed in Italy. Slated to open in 2019, Hotel Indigo is situated in a low key neighbourhood close to Venice’s Castello district. This is only a short walk from St. Mark’s Square, giving guests the true Venetian experience – a local community on your doorstep but all the sights and sounds of Venice nearby. This fits neatly into Hotel Indigo’s concept: as one of IHG’s lifestyle brands, it offers guests unique experiences in properties which boast an individual character in desirable locations all over the world. Appealing to the curious traveler, Hotel Indigo allows its clients to really get to know the soul of the place where the hotel is located, and each hotel is inspired by the particular identity of their location. Hotel Indigo Venice Sant’Elena is no different. Situated in a converted convent dating back to the 1930’s, Hotel Indigo Venice will have 77 rooms spread out over two wings which come together in the middle of the hotel where the former chapel is located. In typical Italian style, Hotel Indigo Venice will have large windows and high ceilinged rooms, allowing light and air into the interior spaces. The hotel will be decorated in a sophisticated style that draws on local design and the classical architecture of the city.

The bonds of hospitality
Both parties, IHG and H.n.h. Hotels & Resorts S.p.A, are excited about the new Venetian venture. Luca Boccato, CEO of H.n.h. Hotels & Resorts S.p.A, said of the project “We are very pleased to be working with IHG to open this hotel. We have managed and owned the Hotel Sant’Elena since 2005 but we believe that the high quality and services of the Hotel Indigo brand will add tremendous value. Venice is a unique location that has a lot to offer travellers and we look forward to bringing the local neighbourhood to life through the design and décor of Hotel Indigo Venice Sant’Elena.” IHG’s Associate Vice President of Development Southern Europe, Hylko Versteeg, was similarly enthusiastic, saying, “We are delighted to be partnering with H.n.h. Hotels & Resorts S.p.A to be opening another Hotel Indigo in Italy, especially in such a popular and iconic location as Venice. It is an exciting time for Hotel Indigo, Hotel Indigo Milan – Corso Monforte is set to open next year and the number of hotels open across Europe is set to double in the next 3 to 5 years. It is clear that the Hotel Indigo brand is resonating with guests and owners alike and we look forward further expanding our footprint across the industry’s fastest growing segment.” Currently Hotel Indigo operates 80 hotels with another 83 in the pipeline.