InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has officially opened Staybridge Suites Cairo CityStars, the first upscale extended stay hotel brand to be opened in the Middle East and Africa.

“The extended stay concept, aimed at guests who usually stay for more than five nights, is a fast-growing segment within the hotel industry.  Staybridge Suites has been very successful in the US and we are confident it will be appreciated as we expand globally, especially in the Middle East and Africa,” said John Bamsey, chief operating office, IHG.

“Staybridge Suites accommodates business travellers and tourists looking for a ‘home from home' experience.  We are proud to be the first to introduce this concept within the region.”

The Staybridge Suites Cairo CityStars comprises 140 fully-equipped and spacious suites, including 34 studios, 50 one, 38 two and 10 three bedroom suites. It also houses 8 penthouse apartments.

“The location and constant flow of travellers in Cairo makes it the ideal city to launch Staybridge Suites,” added Bamsey.

CityStars is one of the most important commercial developments in Cairo and, along with Staybridge Suites, it is also home to two other IHG-branded hotels, InterContinental CityStars Cairo and Holiday Inn CityStars Cairo.

The complex also includes a 643-store shopping mall, entertainment centre including a 21 cinema complex and two indoor theme parks, commercial and residential towers, making it one of the Middle East’s largest shopping and entertainment centres.

IHG has another three properties in the pipeline within MEA, including Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, scheduled to be opened by September 2009, Staybridge Suites Kuwait Salmiya by 2010 and Staybridge Suites Kuwait Farnawiya by 2011.-TradeArabia News Service