GULF SHORES, Ala. – The Staybridge Suites in Gulf Shores. received the IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) 2012 Torchbearer Award, the company's most prestigious award.

The Staybridge Suites is one of only 102 properties within the Americas chosen from the IHG system of more than 4,500 hotels for achieving the highest levels of excellence in all aspects of operation -- from quality to customer satisfaction. A 2012 Torchbearer trophy, the company's symbol of excellence, will be on permanent display at the hotel.

"It is my pleasure to name the Staybridge Suites, Gulf Shores AL. as one of the top-notch hotels in our industry," said Kirk Kinsell, President, the Americas, IHG. "This hotel embodies the heart of our brand promise and continues to make IHG properties known and admired throughout the world, continuing our mission to deliver Great Hotels Guests Love."

Nearly 5,000 franchise owners, operators and company officials attended the 2012 IHG Americas Investors & Leadership Conference.