IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world’s largest hotel companies, today announced the opening of the Crowne Plaza Houston Galleria Area, located near the heart of Houston and within five miles of major businesses and corporate offices, shopping areas and sports venues.

Close to the intersection of Interstate 10 and Interstate 610 at 7611 Katy Freeway, and less than three miles from the Houston Galleria Mall, the property recently underwent a $20 million renovation to both the interior and exterior. The six-story, 207-room hotel includes 29 regular suites plus two presidential suites and three hospitality suites. It features an outdoor heated pool and cabana bar, with a large fire pit for socializing, as well as a fitness center and business center.

For meetings and events, the hotel’s 14,000 square feet of meeting space has been remodeled. It includes 10 meeting rooms and two ballrooms, the largest of which can accommodate a banquet for up to 500 guests. Wireless high-speed Internet service is available throughout the hotel and is complimentary to members of the Priority Club rewards program.

“We’re pleased to bring our seventh Crowne Plaza hotel to the Houston area in such a convenient location for business and leisure travelers,” said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Americas Brand Management, IHG. “There are several major employers in the area that will benefit from the meetings-savvy products and services that only a Crowne Plaza provides.”

Major corporations with nearby locations include Marathon Oil, Conoco Phillips, Exxon Mobil, IBM, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Cameron Oil. The hotel is also just four miles from the George R. Brown Convention Center. Shuttle service to some businesses, as well as the Galleria Mall, is also available. Leisure travelers will enjoy the hotel’s close proximity to the Marque Entertainment Center, the Houston Arboretum, Minute Maid Park and Memorial Park.

“It’s exciting to be opening as a Crowne Plaza hotel in an area that is so conveniently located,” said Mark Peck, general manager. “The Crowne Plaza brand is well-regarded for providing guests with a unique upscale experience that appeals to quality-minded business and leisure travelers.”

The hotel includes The Red Oak Room Restaurant and Lounge, featuring American cuisine served in a casual environment. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Crowne Plaza offers a signature comprehensive meetings program that ensures a seamless planning process and exceptional meeting experience consisting of three key components: a Two-Hour Response Guarantee, a Crowne Meetings Director, and a Daily Meetings Debrief.

Consistent with the Crowne Plaza brand, the hotel features the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage®, which encompasses the entire sleep experience, from training staff on how to create and maintain a restful environment to providing innovative products and services. Program components include signature bedding, guaranteed wake-up calls, designated quiet zones and aromatherapy.