Richard Solomons CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's largest hotel companies, landed in Manchester this month to celebrate the recent refurbishment of the Holiday Inn Express® hotel at Manchester Airport.
The hotel received a £2 million makeover and rebrand earlier this year, transforming the property into a 199 bedroom Holiday Inn Express hotel which will cater to the airport's 20 million annual passengers.
During the visit, IHG's CEO joined the hotel's General Manager and other hotel staff in a tour of the new property, before recognising a member of the team who has made an outstanding contribution to the renovation project.
Owned by M.A.G Property and operated by management company RBH, the Holiday Inn Express Manchester Airport is one of over 4,700 IHG hotels worldwide.
During his visit Richard presented Guest Service Manager Matthew Creswell with a Celebrate Service award in acknowledgment of his hard work throughout the period of closure.
Celebrate Service Awards recognise employees who work at IHG franchise properties across the world for their hard work and exceptional customer service.
Richard's visit came just days before the hotel held its official launch ceremony. The grand opening saw staff and guests treated to drinks and nibbles as they explored the transformed building.
Martin Howard, General Manager at Holiday Inn Express Manchester, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Richard to the newly refurbished hotel to see its remarkable transformation first hand.
"It's wonderful to have so many of our staff join him in celebrating the success and hard work of our Guest Service Manager Matthew Creswell, whose dedication has helped to ensure the project's success.
"We're excited to celebrate the £2 million investment that has been made to provide guests flying to and from Manchester airport with a modern, convenient and comfortable place to rest their heads."
Situated just off the M56, the hotel employs 26 full and part-time members of staff and offers guests a range of amenities including free Wi-Fi and free Express Start Breakfast.