Kensington Close Hotel will be redeveloped into Holiday Inn London - Kensington this year

InterContinental Hotels Group has signed for the new Holiday Inn London – Kensington, which will be one of the largest properties from the brand in Europe.

This 694-room franchised hotel will be rebranding from the independent Kensington Close Hotel, one of the largest hotels in London, and is due to open as a Holiday Inn in December 2016.

The hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with Kensington Close Hotel Limited.

Central to the hotel’s refurbishment will be the development of the Holiday Inn Open Lobby, an open space at the centre of our Holiday Inn hotels, which enable dwell time for guests and an inviting environment in which they can work and enjoy leisure time within the heart of the hotel.

Situated less than five minutes’ walk from High Street Kensington and its shops, restaurants and bars, the hotel is perfectly situated for leisure guests wanting to enjoy a central London atmosphere in a relaxed environment.

Philip Lassman, director, Development, UK & Ireland, IHG, said: “IHG is delighted to be partnering with Kensington Close Hotel Limited, owners of this landmark hotel.

“I am delighted that they have chosen IHG as their first franchise partner.

“Holiday Inn is one of the most iconic hotel brands in the world and the Open Lobby is going to create the perfect space for Kensington visitors and residents to come together.

“We are incredibly excited to be opening one of our largest Holiday Inn hotels within Europe with Kensington Close Hotel Limited.”