intercontinental.com
OUR HISTORY
Immediately following WWII, Pan American World Airways had a vision of mass civilian international business and leisure air travel and so began trailblazing its way across the skies of the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Thus came the birth of the world's first international hotel brand - InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.
The goal was to assist local developers in the design, construction and management/operations of individual hotels in important international gateway destinations and traffic centres. The first truly international hotel brand in the world, each hotel was designed to provide an experience uniquely and distinctly its own. The InterContinental brand became the symbol of glamour, sophistication and success that years later, continue to define international travel and commerce.
From our early days, we've been the hotel brand of choice for foreign dignitaries, heads-of-state, royalty, rock-stars, celebrities and those seeking a unique experience. We count many names among our past and current guest list, including George V and Queen Mary, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, Ava Gardner, Josephine Baker, Nat King Cole, Imelda Marcos, Margaret Thatcher, Louis Armstrong, President and Mrs. Reagan, President Chirac and Prince William... to name just a few.
Our guests, both then and now, have always had a passion for travel. And our hotels have always embraced and celebrated their local cultures. These common values have shaped the spirit of InterContinental over the years. And today our brand and our staff around the world embody this heritage.
With a worldwide portfolio of over 150 hotels in 65 countries, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has been welcoming frequent international travelers for more than half a century. A pioneer in the development of the hotel industry, InterContinental properties successfully blend consistent global standards with the distinctive cultures of their locations to deliver a truly authentic and local experience.
Key Dates
1940s
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is born as the International Hotels Corporation on 4 April, 1946. International changes its name to InterContinental Hotels Corporation in 1947 to reflect its intention to develop around the world. In 1949, the first InterContinental hotel begins operating in Belém, Brazil.
1950s
Early expansion of the hotel brand develops along owner Pan American World Airway's routes in Latin America. InterContinental's first Caribbean properties are also inaugurated in the 1950s.
1960s
InterContinental opens its first hotels outside Latin America and becomes the first international hotel brand to establish a presence in the Middle East, Asia/Pacific and Africa. The group opens its first four hotels in Europe within a two-week period in 1963. The Six Continents Club, the industry's first global guest-recognition program debuts.
1970s
InterContinental breaks into the U.S. market, assuming operations for the Hotel Mark Hopkins in San Francisco (now InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco). InterContinental New York (now InterContinental The Barclay New York) was also added to the brand's U.S. portfolio late in the decade.
1980s
Pan American Airlines sells its interest in InterContinental. The new owners partner with Pan American Life insurance to build and open the 500-room InterContinental New Orleans. The InterContinental Miami and InterContinental The Willard Washington, D.C. are added to the collection.
1990s
InterContinental re-enters the Mexican market by signing a joint venture with Presidente Hotels, adding properties in Cancun, Cozumel, Mexico City, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Ixtapa.
2000s
InterContinental continues plans to drive growth around the world with key focus on resorts and development in the United States.
2006
InterContinental launches Concierge Programme and Aston Martin Racing sponsorship.
InterContinental London Park Lane reopens after £76m refurbishment.
InterContinental opens first-ever hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
2007
InterContinental partners with National Geographic.
For the first time since 1959, Aston Martin has triumphed at the legendary 24-Heures du Mans in France, the world's most prestigious motor sport event.
InterContinental announces 'Insider Experiences.'
