A futuristic 50-metre-high tower overlooking the whole of Brussels, with a high-tech research centre at its feet: this inspiring setting is home to Living Tomorrow, an international organisation specialising in working in the future. Its ambition is to become nothing less than Europe's largest experimental laboratory. Located in Vilvoorde, to the north of the Belgian capital, this campus dedicated to innovation includes a hospitality component in its design, dedicated in particular to welcoming visitors to its conference centre, which includes a digital studio, creative meeting rooms and a 150-seat auditorium, as well as event spaces.
The hotel part of Living Tomorrow has been entrusted to the IHG Group brand. vocowhich will open a 92-room hotel on the site in autumn 2023. Visit voco Brussels City North is part of the British hotelier's expansion in Europe, especially as IHG will also continue to develop this brand, as well as Hotel Indigo and Crowne Plaza. in France, Italy and Spain. Five hotels will soon be added to its network as part of a partnership with Grape Hospitality, an investment platform owned 70% by Eurazeo and 30% by Accor.
Until now, Grape Hospitality has concentrated mainly on the French group's brands, which make up a large part of its network of 110 hotels, and has turned to IHG to diversify its portfolio. " With Indigo, voco hotels and Crowne Plaza, all strong brands in their segment, we will be able to develop our expertise. in catering and MICE and make each hotel a unique place to live" commented Frederic Josenhans, President of Grape Hospitality.
Five hotels recently acquired by Grape Hospitality will be rebranded under one or other of these names, and will primarily strengthen Hotel Indigo's position in Europe. Three establishments of this contemporary brand are part of this partnership, including the arrival of Hotel Indigo in Bordeaux. The third, after Paris and Cagnes-sur-Mer, will be located in the lively Chartrons district, with a 100-room hotel expected to open in May 2023. Through Hotel Indigo, IHG is also preparing to enter a key Italian market this year: Florence. Located in the immediate vicinity of Santa Maria Novella station, not far from the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, the future hotel will offer 160 rooms and conference facilities.
Southern Europe, one of IHG's priorities
In Spain, this boutique brand is preparing to add a second address in Barcelona, following the one opened in the early 2010s in the central Eixample district. Scheduled to open in April 2024, the 189-room Hotel Indigo Barcelona Gran Via Plaza España will be located on Montjuic Hill, close to the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). With this partnership with Grape Hospitality, The IHG Group will also strengthen its presence in Madrid with two hotels also expected to open in April 2024. The Spanish capital will then see the appearance of the first voco hotel to open in Spain, the 193-room voco Madrid Centre Retiro, and a second Crowne Plaza, in addition to the one located near the airport. Also named the "Centre Retiro", this 168-room central hotel will cater for business travellers.
