Kew Green Hotels (KGH), which operates 17 hotels under franchise agreements, has announced that its 11 Courtyard by Marriott hotels in the UK will be re-branded as Holiday Inns.

The deal will see the properties being operated under a 20 year license agreement with Inter Continental Hotels Group (IHG).

The conversion of the 11 sites will include refurbishments at most hotels and will see banqueting suites being upgraded and air-conditioning being added to all bedrooms within 18 months.

The decision will not affect KGH’s future plans with the Marriott brand and is still on course to open a Courtyard by Marriott hotel at Gatwick Airport in late 2008.

Paul Johnson, KHG’s managing director, said: “This move strengthens our relationship with IHG and builds on the three Express by Holiday Inns that we already operate.

“The Holiday Inn brand is a perfect fit for these full service hotels and we will also open a new 150 bedroom Holiday Inn in Norwich City this April.”