InterContinental Hotels Group Announces Grand Opening of the InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa in Panama

Owned by Empresas Bern under a license agreement withInterContinental Hotels Group, the resort is situated on 20 acres oflush rainforest and is located just 20 minutes outside Panama Citynear the western entrance of the Panama Canal.

It is the third alliance between IHG and Empresas Bern, one ofPanama's most prosperous developers. Bern has had long-standingagreements with IHG; and his Miramar InterContinental Panama and theCrowne Plaza Panama properties are both located in Panama City.

"This magnificent property is a marvelous complement to IHG'sresorts across the globe," says Alvaro Diago, Area President ofInterContinental Hotels Group Latin America. "Herman Bern's vision,once again, surpasses everyone's expectations. This resort is IHG'sfirst in Central America and is destined to be one of the region'spremier properties."

At InterContinental Playa Bonita, luxury begins with its spaciousguestrooms, which feature magnificent views of the ocean and a casualyet elegant West Indies-inspired decor. Every room is thoughtfullyappointed and equipped with luxury bedding, rich wood furnishings, airconditioning, cable television and wireless Internet access. Inaddition, Playa Bonita's prime locale, within a self-contained enclavealong a one mile stretch of golden beach bordered by natural reserves,provides guests with a tranquil oceanfront resort that is isolatedfrom the outside world; yet, it has convenient access to therainforest, Panama Canal, Panama City, the historic colonial city ofCasco Viejo and Amador Causeway for a truly lavish travel experience.

Designed with the well-seasoned traveler in mind, InterContinentalPlaya Bonita's brilliant white Mediterranean-influenced architecture,coupled with sophisticated and imaginative style, surrounds guestswith a refreshing sense of peace and relaxation. White day bedsscatter the grounds overlooking the Pacific Ocean and hammocks hangbetween every palm tree lining the beach. A mist pool provides a quietoasis for adults and Bonita Del Mar, the resort's 10,000 sq ftholistic spa, is the ultimate escape to cool off from the Panama sun.Additionally, the resort boasts four free-form swimming pools, threerestaurants, 12,500 feet of meeting space and a number of outdooractivities.

"Playa Bonita is truly a grand work of art," continued AlvaroDiago. "Herman Bern set out to deliver the luxury product that thisdestination has been missing, and I'm proud to say that Playa Bonitais it."

"This property brings together the best elements of bothcompanies," adds Bern. "We have always been proud of our involvementwith IHG, as their brands lend unparalleled global recognition. Thereis unlimited potential when two companies like ours are workingtogether to develop a property."

For more information or to make a reservation, please call1-800-327-0200 or visit http://www.intercontinental.com .

The InterContinental Playa Bonita participates in Priority ClubRewards, the world's first and most global hotel loyalty programspanning more than 3,600 hotels in nearly 100 countries. Members earntheir choice of points toward free hotel nights or merchandise, orearn frequent flyer miles with more than 40 domestic and internationalairline partners. Enrollment in Priority Club Rewards is free. Guestsenroll online at http://www.priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or at the front desk of any InterContinental Hotels & Resorts property.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts continues to grow its presencein the Americas region. In 2005, the company's flagship hotel, theInterContinental Buckhead, completed its first full year ofoperations. The InterContinental Merida in Mexico joined the portfolioin 2005 and was quickly followed by the opening of theInterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza in January 2006. ThisSpring, the InterContinental Harbor Court Baltimore will open.Currently under construction are the InterContinental Boston,scheduled to open in Fall 2006, the InterContinental San Francisco,scheduled to open in late 2007 and the InterContinental Sacramentoscheduled to open in mid-2008. Plans are also underway for the newInterContinental Resort & Residences Orlando with constructionexpected to begin in late 2006 and the property expected to open inearly 2009.

IHG has been serving Latin America for 60 years -- with hotelssituated in nearly every key market in Central and South America. IHGis one of the leading hotel companies in Central and South America.

Note to Editors:

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom (LON:IHG,NYSE:IHG (ADRs)) is the world's largest hotel group by number ofrooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases orfranchises, through various subsidiaries, over 3,600 hotels and537,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around theworld. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respectedhotel brands including InterContinental(R) Hotels & Resorts, CrownePlaza(R) Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn(R) Hotels and Resorts, HolidayInn Express(R), Staybridge Suites(R), Candlewood Suites(R) and HotelIndigo(TM), and also manages the world's largest hotel loyaltyprogram, Priority Club(R) Rewards.

InterContinental Hotels Group offers information and onlinereservations for all its hotel brands at http://www.ichotelsgroup.comand information for the Priority Club Rewards program athttp://www.priorityclub.com.

For the latest news from InterContinental Hotels Group, visit ouronline Press Office at http://www.ihgplc.com/media