Holiday Inn London-Chessington opens
	IHG's first themed hotel opens at Chessington World of Adventures
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Merlin Entertainment are announced the opening of a new Holiday Inn located adjacent to one of Europe's best loved theme parks; Chessington World of Adventures. To be managed by the BDL Group, this is the first time that these two key leisure industry names have joined forces on such a project, offering outstanding accommodation and facilities to both business and leisure guests alike. Opened 4 July, the contemporary design-led hotel Holiday Inn London-Chessington offers 150 contemporary bedrooms with 'safari' touches to complement the hotel's unique location alongside Chessington's zoo area and landscaped gardens. These include 56 specially designed family rooms, planned to give parents and their children their own personal space, with a private children's sleeping area with flat screen TVs and games consoles. In addition, 30 executive rooms offer luxurious bathrooms and king-size beds while seven specially equipped rooms ensure the hotel is accessible for all guests. Visitors benefit further with free on-site parking provided for 120 cars. After enjoying a day at Chessington World of Adventures, guests can relax at the hotel's state-of-the-art leisure club, incorporating an 18m� indoor heated pool, with zoned-off children's swimming area and spa bath. Story continues below ↓ Advertisement The hotel provides two eating options for its guests, Langata Brasserie and Grill plus the Marula Bar and Lounge. Offering scenic views across the landscaped areas at the rear of the hotel and the views beyond, the exclusive Langata restaurant offers contemporary surroundings with a menu served fresh from an open-display grill kitchen. Terraced seating areas over-looking the gardens at the rear of the hotel also provide the perfect location for alfresco dining. The Marula Bar and Lounge, meanwhile, provides a relaxed atmosphere and a range of light snacks and refreshments. For business guests, the hotel has the benefit of offering an International Meeting Centre with six modern, well-equipped meeting rooms, all offering natural daylight. The rooms offer state-of-the-art equipment such as ISDN lines, working walls, projection screens and mood lighting. High speed broadband access is also available and there are four on-site professionals to ensure the smooth running of any event, while all conference suites benefit from a dedicated meetings network host. These function rooms ensure the hotel can cater for a wide range of meetings and events, private dinners and weddings. The main room - the Serengeti Suite - can accommodate up to 300 people for a reception or 150 people banquet style. All rooms benefit from the Meeting Network Lounge, a dedicated bar and reception area suitable for networking or evening events which is available for breakout sessions or individual business meetings and features high-speed internet access. Due to the hotel's relationship with the park, private events such as 'animal encounters' and exclusive access to Chessington's many rides and attractions can be arranged. The hotel is located just off the M25 at junction 9 and is only 2 miles from the A3, ensuring close proximity and a half hour drive to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Furthermore, the property is 12 miles from central London and just half a mile from Chessington South mainline station, offering direct links to Clapham Junction and London Waterloo. As an added incentive, Priority Club members staying at the property before 31 August 2007 will have the chance to earn an extra 5,000 bonus points. Alexi Hakim, IHG's Chief Operating Officer for UK & Ireland, said: "I am thrilled about the opening of the hotel and the exciting opportunity it represents for both IHG and Merlin Entertainment. The hotel is not only ideally situated for leisure travellers, but our cutting edge business facilities make it the perfect option for business visitors too. This is also the first time we have a 'themed' hotel and we anticipate that our guests will greatly enjoy the benefits of being located next to one of Europe's most popular theme parks." The range of packages available to business and leisure guests include: Conference Packages: - Day delegate rates start from £55pp including hire of the main meeting room, lunch and free parking. - Residential delegate rates start from £165pp including accommodation, three course dinner, lunch and breakfast. Corporate Hospitality Packages: - Packages can be tailored to your individual needs and include animal interaction experiences such as 'Train the Sea-lion' and 'Feed the penguins', along with private ride access to the Vampire and Dragons Fury rides. Leisure Packages: - Family rooms will be available from £122 per night including entry to the park, dinner and breakfast. - There will also be day packages which will include animal experiences, such as being a zookeeper for the day and the chance to train Sea-lions.