IHG Hotels & Resorts has officially launched its highly anticipated Generation 5 design concept for Holiday Inn Express. Known as the 5.0 “Dawn” design in select markets, this major rollout marks the next chapter for one of the world’s most recognizable hotel brands. The new design shifts toward a modern, lifestyle-focused aesthetic. It offers flexible public spaces, hyper-local design details, and enhanced accessibility features. It is built to meet the needs of today’s smart travelers.

The core of the Generation 5 concept is a complete transformation of the hotel lobby and dining areas. IHG has broken down traditional barriers to create fluid, multi-functional spaces that adapt throughout the day.

• The EXPRESS Café & Bar: This central social hub serves as the heart of the hotel. Guests can seamlessly transition from breakfast to remote work, evening drinks, or light dining.
• Experiential Work Zones: Recognizing the rise of hybrid work, the layout features spaces like the Focus Studio. These areas offer quiet, semi-private pods for video calls and deep-focus tasks.
• Local Identity Integration: Moving away from a rigid, standardized look, the design requires hotels to incorporate custom artwork, regional textures, and decor inspired by the local community.

A defining element of the Generation 5 rollout is its heavy emphasis on accessibility and diversity. IHG developed these new environments in close partnership with a dedicated disability task force.

The public zones feature intuitive wayfinding, wide pathways, and thoughtful furniture heights. These changes ensure the spaces are genuinely welcoming and fully navigable for travelers with diverse physical needs.

The guest rooms maintain the brand’s promise of efficiency and comfort while adding smart upgrades. The rooms are designed to feel like a clutter-free sanctuary for business and leisure guests alike.

• Effortless Streaming: Smart TVs allow guests to securely cast personal entertainment from their phones or tablets.
• Power on Demand: Strategically placed USB ports and power outlets are situated near the plush bedding and workspaces.
• Ergonomic Workspaces: Flexible desks and comfortable chairs cater directly to business travelers who work from their rooms.

Beyond the guest experience, Generation 5 is a strategic business tool for franchise owners and real estate investors. The architectural blueprints optimize square footage to lower overall building costs.

The streamlined construction process allows for faster project timelines. This efficiency makes it easier to scale the brand across high-density city centers and highway transit hubs alike, maximizing long-term returns.

IHG has laid out an ambitious timeline to scale this design globally over the next few years. The brand aims to bring this new aesthetic to more than 500 hotels over the next three years across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa (EMEAA).

The initial white moon hotel jaipur pipeline is already moving fast. More than 30 properties are already signed and in development across the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. The official global debut of the very first fully built Generation 5 property will take place at the Holiday Inn Express Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Simultaneously, the tailored 5.0 “Dawn” model is being deployed to rapidly expand the brand’s footprint across Greater China.