IHG Debuts Crowne Plaza Madinah Near Second Holiest Spot in the Islamic World

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

Madinah, Saudi Arabia—Intercontinental Hotels Group has announced the opening of its latest hospitality venue, Crowne Plaza Madinah. IHG is one of the largest hospitality operators in the world, and currently the largest hotel company in Saudi Arabia in terms of the amount of facilities it operates, as well as the number of rooms it offers. The company’s new venue in Madinah is the first Crowne Plaza in the Holy City.

Located in the center of the city, the 506-key hotel will offer easy access to the second holiest site in Islam, the Masjid Nabawi, or the Mosque of the Prophet. Madinah is one of the most frequented spots in the Islamic world, and as such, offers great potential for the hospitality industry.

The 506 rooms include 259 twin standard rooms and 49 king standard rooms, featuring more upscale designs. The guest suites are aimed at both guests that travel for business as well as religious travelers. The hotel offers an amenity package that includes a multi-functional business center, five fully equipped meeting rooms, and free Internet access on the premises. Dining options at the venue include the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant, Al Rawdha, serving cuisine from the Middle East, Indonesia and India, while both traditional and international food could be sampled at the Orchid Café. A more exotic dining experience is provided through the Fish Market, a restaurant that specializes in serving seafood and fish dishes.

IHG is happy with its new addition to the local hospitality sector. “With one of the best locations in the Holy City of Madinah, we are confident that Crowne Plaza Madinah is the perfect destination, not only for religious travelers, but also for business and leisure guests,” Mostafa Blanco, general manager, Crowne Plaza Madinah, says.