InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta: Market Research Report

Background

Overview

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta was a luxury hotel located in Atlanta's affluent Buckhead neighborhood. Established in November 2004, it was the first newly built luxury hotel in the area in over a decade. The hotel featured 422 guest rooms, including 21 suites and 93 Club InterContinental rooms. Amenities included 31,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, a 5,000-square-foot wellness spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and an outdoor pool with poolside bar service.

Mission and Vision

The hotel's mission was to provide a sophisticated and luxurious experience for both business and leisure travelers, offering exceptional service and amenities in the heart of Atlanta's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment district.

Industry Significance

As a flagship property of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta played a significant role in elevating the brand's presence in the U.S. market, particularly in the competitive Atlanta hospitality sector.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Deliver unparalleled luxury and service to guests.

• Provide versatile meeting and event spaces to cater to various corporate and social gatherings.

• Enhance brand recognition and market share within the luxury hotel segment.

Areas of Specialization

• Luxury accommodations with personalized services.

• State-of-the-art meeting and event facilities.

• Culinary excellence through on-site dining venues.

Key Technologies Utilized

• High-speed wired and wireless internet access throughout the property.

• Advanced audio/visual equipment in meeting spaces.

• State-of-the-art wellness spa facilities.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Corporate clients seeking premium meeting and event venues.

• Leisure travelers desiring luxury accommodations in Atlanta.

• Event planners and organizers for large-scale conferences and social events.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta was developed by IHG with an investment of $115 million, marking the brand's first newly built luxury hotel in Atlanta since 1991.

Sale to Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

In July 2010, IHG sold the hotel to Pebblebrook Hotel Trust for $105 million in cash, with IHG continuing to manage the property under a long-term management contract.

Recent Sale

In March 2020, Pebblebrook Hotel Trust sold the hotel to a third party for $331 million, reflecting a 13.0x EBITDA multiple based on the hotel's operating performance for 2019.

Pipeline Development

As of the latest available information, InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta has been sold and is no longer part of IHG's portfolio. Therefore, there are no current pipeline developments associated with this property.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• IHG Studio: A cloud-based in-room entertainment system allowing guests to stream content from personal devices directly to the room's television.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Implementation of advanced audio/visual equipment in meeting spaces to enhance event experiences.

Leadership Team

Specific details about the leadership team at InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta are not publicly available. However, the hotel operated under the management of IHG, which had a dedicated team overseeing its operations.

Leadership Changes

Following the sale of the hotel in 2010, the leadership and management structure would have transitioned to the new ownership under Pebblebrook Hotel Trust. Subsequent to the 2020 sale, further leadership changes would have occurred under the new ownership.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Atlanta's hospitality market is characterized by a mix of luxury and mid-range hotels catering to both business and leisure travelers. The Buckhead neighborhood, in particular, is known for its upscale hotels, shopping centers, and dining establishments, making it a competitive area for luxury accommodations.

Competitor Analysis

• Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead: A 25-story hotel offering 439 guest rooms and 20 luxury suites, with two restaurants and extensive meeting facilities.

• The St. Regis Atlanta: A luxury hotel featuring 151 guest rooms and 31 suites, renowned for its fine dining restaurant, Atlas, which received a Michelin star in 2023.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta collaborated with various partners to enhance its offerings, including:

• Jurlique: Managed the hotel's spa, fitness center, and pool, providing luxury wellness services.

• Au Pied de Cochon: Operated the hotel's French-style brasserie, offering 24-hour dining options.

Operational Insights

InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta's strategic location in the heart of Buckhead provided a competitive advantage, offering guests proximity to high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. The hotel's extensive meeting and event spaces, combined with luxury accommodations, positioned it as a premier choice for both corporate and social events in the area.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

With the sale of InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta in 2020, the property is now under new ownership. Future strategic opportunities and directions would be determined by the current owners and management team.