11 Facts About Holiday Inn

1.

Kemmons Wilson, a resident of Memphis, Tennessee, was inspired to build a motel after being disappointed by the poor quality of roadside accommodations during a family road trip to Washington, D C During construction, the name "Holiday Inn" was coined by Wilson's architect Eddie Bluestein as a joking reference to the 1942 musical film Holiday Inn.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,016
2.

In 1965, the chain launched Holidex, a centralized reservation system where a visitor to any Holiday Inn could obtain reservations, by teleprinter, for any other Holiday Inn location.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,017
3.

In 1963, Holiday Inn signed a long-term deal with Gulf Oil Corporation where it agreed to accept Gulf credit cards to charge food and lodging at all of its American and Canadian hotels, in return for Gulf building service stations on many Holiday Inn properties, particularly near major U S and Interstate highways.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,018
4.

Holiday Inn wanted a changeable marquee to welcome different groups.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,019
5.

Holiday Inn loved the "Great Sign" so much that it was engraved on his tombstone, with the marquee reading "FOUNDER" and the arrow aimed at his name.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,020
6.

The remainder of Holiday Corporation was spun off to shareholders as Promus Companies Incorporated.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,021
7.

In 1990, Bass launched Holiday Inn Express, a complementary brand in the limited service segment.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,022
8.

In 1997, Bass created and launched a new hotel brand, Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn, entering the North American upscale extended stay market.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,023
9.

Brand name Holiday Inn is owned by IHG, which in turn licenses the name to franchisees and third parties who operate hotels under management agreements.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,024
10.

Holiday Inn Magazine was a monthly publication for guests during the 1970s.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,025
11.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin composed the song "Holiday Inn" which was released on the Madman Across the Water album in 1971.

FactSnippet No. 1,015,026