Intercontinental to Open Second Hotel in Kazakhastan
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, September 12. 2006. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announces the luxury brand will be increasing its presence in Kazakhstan with the opening of a second InterContinental hotel in Almaty. Joining the InterContinental Astana, the InterContinental Almaty will bring the total number of IHG hotel rooms in Kazakhstan to nearly 600.
The InterContinental Almaty, a 290 room hotel, is set to convert in October this year, following an agreement recently signed between Ayt-Otel (Ahsel Holding) and IHG. Under this agreement, the former Regent Almaty Hotel, a well known landmark within the city center, will undergo a substantial refurbishment as it converts into the new InterContinental Almaty. Scheduled renovations will take place to bring the property up to InterContinental brand standards, including the refurbishing of meeting and event space, lobby and bars, and the addition of 15 new suites.
Jennifer Fox, Chief Operating Officer, InterContinental Brand Europe commented, "The InterContinental Almaty will strengthen our position in Kazakhstan and complement the InterContinental Astana already successfully operating in the country. With so much international business coming into this region, we are looking forward to offering travelers luxurious facilities and our unique guest service philosophy."
Alper Can Bulcum, who will continue as the General Director of the hotel, bringing a wealth of experience from international luxury hotels, added, "With more and more international competition looking to move into the city, we look forward to securing a lead position in the city with the globally renowned InterContinental brand."
Commanding a prestigious location, opposite the Presidential Palace, with stunning views of the mountains surrounding the city, the InterContinental Almaty will offer extraordinary accommodations and will serve as an ideal base for the increasing number of international travelers visiting Kazakhstan.
The InterContinental Almaty will feature nine executive and two Presidential suites; a grand ball room (hosting up to 400 guests); two large meeting rooms (hosting up to 120 guests); and a spa with an indoor pool, Turkish bath and saunas, outdoor tennis courts, and a fully equipped gym. The hotel will also offer a variety of dining experiences, including the rooftop Belvedere Grill Room, the Bosphorus Turkish restaurant, the Asian Caf'e, an outdoor Tennis bar (during summer), and a Members Bar.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
