What we did
- Interior Design
- Public Area Shopfit
- Lighting Design
- Interior Architecture
- Furniture Design
- FF&E Specification
- Bedroom Casegoods
- Client
-
Queensway Hospitality
- Completed
-
September 2004
Description
The first of many projects for IHG under the Holiday Inn Express brand, Occa Design completed three sites for Queensway Hospitality in 2004. Located in Stevenage, Croydon and Walsall, these new build projects were developed as IHG Holiday Inn Express Generation II properties, owned and operated by Queensway Hospitality. The distinctive yellow and red branded bedroom scheme would be rolled out across the hotel with Occa Design providing drawing services. Public Areas would have a full interior design service implemented.
The public area spaces operate as large open plan lobbies, merging reception, bar and restaurant as one flexible space. This approach enables hotel guests to move freely and seamlessly through the space, finding intimate corners or the more buzzy bar, where they can eat, drink, relax or work.
The three sites had a consistent approach to the design of the main finishes palette and the core shopfit items, from the reception desk to the buffet area. Light and bright spaces with crisp architectural finishes including painted walls, feature wallcoverings and floor tiles.
A curation of contemporary furniture shapes helps to define the spaces, creating a casual and relaxed ambience. Vibrant accent colours and a mix of upholstery fabrics further enhance the informal and inviting appeal of the spaces.
The three sites opened successfully in 2004 and were owned by Queensway Hospitality until around 2014. The popular hotels offered a new and contemporary take on the Public Areas concept with interiors that were contemporary and appealing, comfortably welcoming both business and leisure guests alike. Guests felt encouraged to spend time in the hotel, enjoying the bar, a meal or holding informal meetings. Much of the original interior concept remains in the hotels which is testament to the longevity of the design. Occa went on to successfully complete a number of projects with Queensway Hospitality.
Love these projects? See our Holiday Inn London Docklands project here
