InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) [LON: IHG, NYSE: IHG (ADRs)] and Maplewood Hotels & Resorts today announced plans to develop 15 new-build Candlewood Suites® properties in target markets throughout Canada over the next few years. Formed in 2013, Maplewood is a joint venture between Driftwood Hospitality Management and Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. “Driftwood is eager to continue our expansion in Canada through our strategic partnership with Pacrim,” said Carlos Rodriguez, EVP for Driftwood. “We’re also keen on strengthening our relationship with IHG, which is why the development of new Candlewood Suites hotels through Maplewood is a perfect fit.”
“We believe that the extended stay business model is largely under-represented in Canada, and our agreement with IHG presents a significant opportunity to introduce extended stay properties across the country,” stated Glenn Squires, CEO of Pacrim.
In 2007, Pacrim opened the first Candlewood Suites hotel for Canada in Montreal and currently owns or operates 11 IHG®-branded hotels in Canada and two in the United States. Driftwood has 12 IHG-branded hotels in its portfolio, through management and franchise agreements with affiliates of IHG, across the United States in markets including Chicago, Denver and Orlando.
“Canada is a key market for growth for IHG,” said Joel Eisemann, Chief Development Officer, IHG. “Both Pacrim and Driftwood are long-time strategic partners for us in Canada and the U.S. They are proven industry leaders. We are proud that they already own and operate a number of IHG-branded hotels. We are excited that the Candlewood Suites brand and IHG are an integral part of Pacrim’s and Driftwood’s growth plans in Canada.”
IHG continues to expand the portfolio of Candlewood Suites hotels in Canada through this relationship and other valued owners.
Candlewood Suites hotels offer travelers, who spend weeks and sometimes months away from home, a relaxed, casual and home-like hotel experience. The brand achieves this by providing a comfortable space guests can make their own and through friendly, but non-intrusive service that offers guests an extended stay experience entirely on their terms.
All Candlewood Suites hotels feature a combination of studio and one-bedroom suite floor plans with a fully equipped kitchen, executive desk, DVD player, recliner in all suites and sofa bed in one-bedroom suites as well as complimentary high-speed Internet access.
