Intercontinental Hotels Group has opened its first Even Hotels property.
The four-storey Even Hotel Norwalk in Connecticut contains 129 rooms, flexible public workspaces, dining and social areas, and a "three-zone" gym.
The concept behind the new IHG lifestyle brand is to encourage and facilitate wellbeing and is focused around four key areas — exercise, eat, work and rest.
The brand has a further four properties in the pipeline in Rockville, Maryland; Brooklyn, New York; and two hotels in midtown Manhattan.
Kirk Kinsell, IHG's president of the Americas, said: "[This] is truly a milestone for IHG as we announce the opening of our first Even Hotels property in Norwalk and prepare to open our second in Rockville, Maryland later this month.
"We know that for the traveling public, the ability to maintain their health routine while on the road is becoming more and more important and Even Hotels provides the tools and encouragement to make healthier choices while on the road at an approachable price point."
He added: "Through a carefully designed hotel and service culture, created with the needs of our target guest at the core, we know Even Hotels can deliver a better experience to travellers for whom wellness is so important."
Earlier this month, it emerged that IHG Rewards is changing its points awards system. From July 1, members will accrue ten points for every dollar spent when booking and also on items charged to the room (see news, June 11).
Graham Smith
