Holiday Inn is a flagship brand owned by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's largest hotel companies. Founded by Kemmons Wilson in 1952 as a standardized, family-friendly roadside motel chain, it has grown into a massive global portfolio that includes several sub-brands. These include Holiday Inn Express (focused on limited service and value), Holiday Inn Resort (focused on vacation destinations), and Holiday Inn Club Vacations (timeshare properties). As of 2026, IHG manages Holiday Inn alongside other well-known brands like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, and Hotel Indigo. The Holiday Inn brand itself underwent a significant "Green Sign" refresh and modernization effort over the last decade to shed its "old motel" image and compete with mid-scale rivals like Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. Despite the changes, it remains famous for its "Kids Stay and Eat Free" program, which has been a staple of the brand's identity for decades, making it a go-to choice for middle-class families and business travelers seeking reliable, mid-tier accommodations worldwide.