Launched today, Holiday Inn Express Ahmedabad is set to meet the needs of today's savvy travellers. The first of the brand in India, the hotel defines smart travel by pairing comfort and convenience with proximity and price. Located in the heart of the commercial and shopping district, with easy access to the city center and airport, Holiday Inn Express Ahmedabad offers the smart traveller an affordable alternative to full service hotels but without compromising on quality.

"Holiday Inn Express Ahmedabad is the first of many hotels we're opening in the country under this brand, helping to meet the need for international standards and value-based hotels", said Naveen Jain, President, Duet India Hotels, owners of the Ahmedabad property.

"As the capital city of one of India's most successful states, Ahmedabad has come into its own. That's why we're confident that Holiday Inn Express is the right brand to fill the gap in a market dominated by full service, luxury offerings. It's a great new alternative that gives you everything you need at the right price."

As travel, both business and leisure, becomes a way of life, purpose-driven trips have become far more of a norm and travellers today are looking to make the most of their trips. They want the comfort and quality of a trusted global brand, but they don't see the need to pay for service and facilities beyond what they absolutely need. Here's what the Holiday Inn Express Ahmedabad has to offer:

• Guests can kick-start their day with breakfast from the complimentary Express Start® breakfast bar. Breakfast includes all the staples you'd expect of a breakfast buffet, but if you're strapped for time, grab a quick muffin and pack a coffee from the hotel's Grab & Go counter for a great start to your morning
• The modern traveller relies on the Internet as a go-to resource for travel information. With the hotel's complimentary Wi-Fi– in both guest rooms as well as throughout the hotel's public areas – guests will never miss work emails, or status updates from their loved ones
• Location is key: Holiday Inn Express facilitates both business and leisure travel in Ahmedabad with everything you need nearby
• The hotel's 173 rooms are equipped with smart fundamentals to provide guests with everything they need for a great stay – an invigorating 3-head massage showerhead, high quality bedding including 200-thread-count sheets and duvet, a choice of soft and firm pillows, 32" LED TV, as well as an ergonomic work space
• Guests are empowered with enabling amenities which they may use if they need: self-service laundry room, self-serve vending machines, gym facilities and takeaway services

"Holiday Inn Express offers the smart traveller everything they need without the frills. There are a growing number of guests who are value-conscious but they don't believe they should compromise on quality – and neither do we. Guests want a first-rate international experience with all the fundamentals done right, empowering them to be self-reliant and to make the most of their trip. This approach has made Holiday Inn Express successful across the world, and we're certain this will be the case in India too, starting right here at Holiday Inn Express Ahmedabad," said Ranganath Budumooru, the hotel's General Manager.

There are over 2,170 Holiday Inn Express hotels around the globe, making it one of the largest and most recognisable hotel brands in the world. There are 37 Holiday Inn Express hotels across Asia Pacific and this will grow to nearly 100 over the next few years, making Holiday Inn Express one of the fastest growing brands in the region.

Following the Ahmedabad opening, another 18 Holiday Inn Express hotels are due to open across key cities in India within five years. Indian travellers can also benefit from the brand's expansion in South East Asia with another 16 hotels expected to open across Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.

To celebrate its opening, Holiday Inn Express Ahmedabad is offering guests a special rate of INR 3600++ for a period of six months from 30 November 2012. As with all Holiday Inn Express rates in Asia, this is inclusive of complimentary breakfast and high-speed Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. For more information, visit www.holidayinnexpress.com.

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