InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has announced the commencement of commercial operations of InterContinental Dhaka in partnership with state-run Bangladesh Services Limited (BSL).

The opening of InterContinental Dhaka, formerly known as Ruposhi Bangla and Sheraton, came following four years of renovations.

Vivek Bhalla, regional vice president for southwest Asia at IHG, said, "Today is a milestone occasion for us as we announce the opening of InterContinental Dhaka - a stunning property that will offer the guests a luxurious experience with signature facilities and high standards of service that we have become renowned for."

"We are confident that the hotel will be a great success and we look forward to welcoming our guests from around the world. The opening also aligns with our strategy to expand our presence across brands, and key cities in the southwest Asia region," he said in a statement on Monday.

InterContinental had run the iconic Dhaka hotel from 1966 to 1983 before Sheraton took over.

Though Sheraton's agreement ended in 2008, the BSL requested it to continue operations until April 30, 2011 for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

In February 2012, the BSLsigned a 30-year deal with IHG, paving the way for the British multinational hospitality company to undertake the hotel's management. The BSL ran it as Ruposhi Bangla Hotel from May 2011 till its closure for refurbishment in September 2014. “We are delighted to partner with a global hospitality company such as IHG to open InterContinental," said the BSL in the statement. The hotel is located in a prime and one of the most prestigious locations in the capital city, Minto Road, with easy access to the downtown business district.

Dhaka has witnessed significant economic development in recent years with a rise in both domestic and international travellers. With the opening of InterContinental Dhaka, the IHG aims to provide the discerning travellers the best in luxury in its signature style.

The hotel offers 226 stylish guest rooms, including 201 premium rooms, 10 deluxe suites, five superior suites, five diplomatic suites and five presidential suites.

It has two designed ballrooms and seven spacious meeting rooms equipped with modern technologies. With more than

21,000 square feet of space for meetings and events, the hotel promises flawlessly executed corporate and social events.

Its facilities and amenities include a temperature-controlled swimming pool, a gymnasium, a steam room, a sauna and a spa. It also offers dining options with an array of local and international cuisines, including an all-day dining, a specialty restaurant, a cafe in the lobby and a pool bar.

Guests can also enjoy carefully curated cocktails and canapes at the club bar and restaurant.

The IHG currently operates 32 hotels across southwest aAsia under the brands InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express and is aiming for rapid expansion with 60 hotels across cities, according to the statement.