IHG Lays the Foundation Stone of the Crowne Plaza Mazatlan

The complex of Hotel Crowne Plaza® Marina Mazatlan will have an estimated commercial value of mo

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. October 14, 2008

MAZATLAN, Mexico, June 4, 2007. IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [Lon: IHG; NYSE: IHG (ADRs)], the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms and Grupo Marina Mazatlan, have laid the foundation stone of the Crowne Plaza Marina Mazatlan (Mexico).

The ceremony was attended by distinguished personalities from the government, tourism and social sectors, as well as owners and investors. Those in attendance included Mr. Jesus A. Aguilar Padilla, Governor of Sinaloa; Mr. Alejandro Higuera Osuna, Mayor of Mazatlan; IHG representatives, Mr. Kevin Kowalski, VP, Brand Management, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Mr. Jorge Apaez, SVP and managing director, IHG, Mexico; and members of the board of Grupo Marina Mazatlan.

The Crowne Plaza Marina Mazatlan is the first hotel scheduled to open in the Marina Mazatlan complex, which will become the largest tourism community on the Mexican Pacific coast, with a surface area of 600 hectares, an 18-hole golf course, a 1,000-boat marina, shopping malls, office buildings and residential areas with houses and condos.

The new complex will have a direct impact on the economy of Sinaloa, contributing 300 direct jobs and 1,200 indirect jobs once the two stages are completed. During construction, 1,000 direct jobs will be generated, which will contribute to the national commitment to tourism.

The Crowne Plaza Marina Mazatlan is strategically located in the Port of Mazatlan and was carefully designed for modern business travelers. Through its top-notch technology and functionality in guestrooms, the Crowne Plaza Marina Mazatlan sets a new quality parameter for tourism and hotels in Mexico, particularly in Mazatlan. In addition, the hotel's architecture renews and sets a new quality standard for construction works in the Port of Mazatlan.

The Crowne Plaza Marina Mazatlan is expected to open in the winter of 2008 with an overall investment of more than $20 million.

The hotel will feature 161 guestrooms, comprised of 90 regular guestrooms, 66 condominium apartments, three Penthouses and two Presidential Penthouses. Each guestroom will have an advanced computer system, which will control various amenities, including:

---|In room business center TM: Guests will be able to work comfortably in-room with unlimited Internet access and computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, so they won't need to bring laptops and accessories.

---|Customized background music: Guests will be able to program their favorite music, which will start playing from the moment they enter the room.

---|Customized temperature: The computer memorizes the guest's preferred temperature, to alleviate annoying thermostat adjustments.

---|Automatic tourist information system: Provides a thorough system of tourist and geographical information.

---|Shower & Tub emergency stringsTM: To provide a full safety service, the bathtub and shower will have alarms in case the guest has a special need.

---|Touch service TM The guest will have all needed services at the touch of a button, including: Do not disturb, room service cleanup, housekeeping, etc.)

---|Movie Center: The hotel will have a complete movie library, and the guest can choose a movie through the computer and watch it as many times as desired.

---|Account statement: The guest can check their statement at any time.

Other amenities include:

---|Jacuzzis: 90% of all guestrooms have a Jacuzzi, independent from the shower.

---|Sleep Experience: The hotel will boast all the standards of the exclusive Crowne Plaza "Sleep AdvantageTM" program. It includes a total sleep experience, with duvet cover, blanket, mattresses and scientifically designed pillows to guarantee a good night's sleep, as well as a sleeping accessories kit.

---|Pillows Menu: Besides providing top quality pillows according to Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage standards, the hotel will offer a menu of pillows with varying levels of softness in order to match personal sleeping needs and habits.

Quiet Sound Room: The hotel structure guarantees a completely quiet environment in guestrooms.

---|VIP Floor: The hotel will have a VIP floor with a dedicated front desk and facilities for an executive breakfast.

---|The Crowne Plaza Marina Mazatlan will also feature wireless high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel, a spa, gym, business center, meeting space for 400 people, a restaurant and lobby bar and lounge.

Jorge Apaez, SVP and managing director, IHG, Mexico, said, "This project is the first Crowne Plaza hotel located in a Marina in Mexico, and its construction is a reality thanks to the vision, enthusiasm and support of our franchisees."