Applied to:
This award recognizes the best opening or re-opening of a luxury hotel. The evaluation criteria include investment, architectural design, key performance indicators, concept, and CSR policies implemented. The hotel must have been opened or renovated within the past two years and is currently operational.
(This category specifically applies to franchisees or non-branded hotels and excludes hotels under management contract.)
The project:
The InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest, a historic 1914 landmark in Romania’s capital, reopened in January 2023 following a €40 million renovation and rebranding under the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts flagship. This transformation combined historical charm with modern luxury, featuring 283 guest rooms with panoramic views, enhanced meeting and event spaces, and state-of-the-art amenities like intelligent access systems and energy-efficient technologies.
The driving force behind this renovation, led by ANA Hotels in partnership with IHG, was to restore the hotel's grandeur while meeting contemporary standards of luxury and sustainability. The design blends classic architecture with modern aesthetics, using premium materials and eco-friendly solutions to appeal to high-end leisure and business travelers. Renovation highlights include upgraded dining options, an exclusive wellness area, and the integration of IHG’s Green Engage system, focusing on energy conservation and waste reduction.
A robust marketing campaign launched the reopening, leveraging digital platforms, influencer collaborations, and exclusive events to emphasize the hotel’s historical significance and luxurious enhancements. These efforts were instrumental in positioning the property as a top luxury destination, achieving TripAdvisor’s #1 ranking in Bucharest and earning accolades like "Romania’s Hotel of the Year 2024."
Post-reopening, the hotel achieved notable improvements, including increased revenue, higher average room rates, and exceptional guest satisfaction scores. Business outcomes outpaced pre-pandemic benchmarks, driven by the integration of IHG’s global network and the hotel's upgraded offerings. Awards and recognition further solidified its reputation as a premier hospitality leader.
The InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest now stands as a modernized symbol of timeless elegance, offering guests a unique blend of historical heritage and cutting-edge luxury in the heart of Bucharest.
The Hospitality Awards celebrate innovation and excellence and highlight the most creative initiatives in a sector that is constantly and rapidly changing hospitality.
