Lucky Number Seven for IHG Hotels & Resorts in Montenegro

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has announced the signing of Crowne Plaza Podgorica – its seventh hotel in Montenegro, and second in the capital city. The converted property, owned by BIG CEE, is set to open by the end of 2024.

Crowne Plaza Podgorica

The 122-key hotel is situated within the Capital Plaza mixed-use development and surrounded by the regional headquarters of several banks and multinational companies including Deloitte, PWC and The World Bank. Other features include residential properties and commercial, retail and restaurant spaces. The Capital Plaza has influenced Podgorica’s business district over last decade, with its office tower to lifestyle features. Alongside several meeting and events spaces, the hotel will feature one main restaurant on the first floor, and a bar and signature lounge on the ground and fifth floor respectively.

Crowne Plaza Podgorica joins the 93-room Crowne Plaza Kolasin – due to open in the second half of 2025 – as part of IHG’s growing estate in Montenegro. Crowne Plaza offers design underpinned by flexible spaces to work, meet and relax, while meeting the needs of guests seeking productivity, relaxation and an opportunity to connect. Crowne Plaza Podgorica adds to the brand’s growing portfolio which is expected to reach 100 open hotels in Europe by the of 2025.

Statements

Willemijn Geels, vice president, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “It’s wonderful to sign Crowne Plaza Podgorica, which is an important moment for IHG as we continue to grow our presence across the Balkans. The hotel will fit seamlessly into the existing Capital Plaza development in the prime location of Podgorica and is a great example of our ability to sign and convert properties across our brand portfolio at speed.

“The popularity of conversion opportunities across Europe reflects the attractiveness of IHG’s brands and the value of our global enterprise – including our growing IHG One Rewards programme – amongst our owners, who are looking to capture the growing demand of travellers in top locations. We look forward to working alongside our trusted partners at BIG CEE to bring this project to fruition and welcome guests at Crowne Plaza Podgorica before the end of the year.”

Lev Weiss, CEO of BIG CEE said: “This unique and cosmopolitan property is one of very few that have transformed the business image of the Montenegrin capital. Since its acquisition in 2023, we have constantly been improving the service versatility and the offer of The Capital Plaza. Hence, we are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts. It is great to welcome the first Crowne Plaza in Podgorica, and we, together with IHG look forward to welcoming domestic and international guests to this superb hotel by the end of 2024.”

IHG has two open hotels in Montenegro – Regent Porto Montenegro and voco Podgorica – as well as one Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi. Crowne Plaza Podgorica joins three other properties in its development pipeline due to open in the next 3- 5 years in the country – InterContinental Resort Cjan, Crowne Plaza Kolasin and Holiday Inn Mojkovac. The hotel also joins a pipeline of 19 Crowne Plaza properties in development across Europe, and 146 around the world.