Holiday Inn Express
| Company type | Brand |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Founder | Bass |
| Headquarters | Atlanta and Memphis, Tennessee , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Hotel lodging |
| Parent | IHG Hotels & Resorts |
Holiday Inn Express by IHG represents a mid-tier American hotel brand within the portfolio of IHG Hotels & Resorts. Introduced in 1990 as a streamlined lodging option, it prioritizes essential services at affordable rates, catering primarily to business travelers and guests on brief stays. As of September 2019, the brand managed 2,826 locations worldwide, offering more than 292,000 rooms. Its business approach targets the "upper economy" segment, focusing on functional features that strike a balance between price and convenience.
In the European market, the chain operated under the name Express by Holiday Inn until a rebranding initiative in 2006 unified its identity globally.
History
Holiday Inn Express was established in 1990 by Bass, with an objective to launch 250 hotels by 1995. The inaugural properties opened that same year in Nashville, Tennessee, Abilene, Texas, and Poughkeepsie, New York, each converted from existing Holiday Inn locations.
The brand ventured into international markets in 1996, debuting its first European hotel in Scotland.
Beginning in 1998, Holiday Inn Express introduced a unique advertising campaign showcasing everyday individuals accomplishing remarkable achievements, crediting their stay at the hotel. The original slogan, "It won't make you smarter. But you'll feel smarter," was updated in 2000 to "Stay smart, Stay at Holiday Inn Express." Developed by Fallon Minneapolis of the Publicis Group, these advertisements significantly enhanced brand recognition and became part of popular culture until 2009. The campaign was later revived in 2014 featuring comedian Jim Gaffigan, followed by commercials starring Rob Riggle in 2015.
Properties
Typically comprising between 60 and 80 rooms that mix suites with standard guest accommodations, Holiday Inn Express hotels are primarily located throughout North America. Reflecting rapid expansion, most establishments are either newly constructed or recently refurbished. Originally classified as two-star, no-frills hotels, these venues provided limited amenities such as continental breakfast and basic fitness facilities but lacked on-site dining, bars, or meeting spaces.
More recent developments have broadened their offerings to include features commonly found in higher-tier Holiday Inn hotels—such as restaurants, bars, conference facilities, fitness centers, and swimming pools—resulting in many properties achieving three-star ratings. The brand’s strategic positioning distinguishes itself geographically: Holiday Inn Express locations are generally situated near suburban areas or along highways, whereas traditional Holiday Inns focus on urban centers and tourist destinations.