Our History

Immediately following WWII, Pan American World Airways had a vision of mass civilian international business and leisure air travel and so began trailblazing its way across the skies of the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Thus came the birth of the world's first international hotel brand - InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.

The goal was to assist local developers in the design, construction and management/operations of individual hotels in important international gateway destinations and traffic centres. The first truly international hotel brand in the world, each hotel was designed to provide an experience uniquely and distinctly its own. The InterContinental brand became the symbol of glamour, sophistication and success that years later, continue to define international travel and commerce.

From our early days, we've been the hotel brand of choice for foreign dignitaries, heads-of-state, royalty, rock-stars, celebrities and those seeking a unique experience. We count many names among our past and current guest list, including George V and Queen Mary, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, Ava Gardner, Josephine Baker, Nat King Cole, Imelda Marcos, Margaret Thatcher, Louis Armstrong, President and Mrs. Reagan, President Chirac and Prince William... to name just a few.