IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a deal on August 26, 2026, to convert 14 hotels in Kyoto, Japan, expanding its presence in the region by adding 1,063 rooms. The portfolio includes 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one unbranded property, marking a significant expansion within one of Japan’s key tourism destinations.
Hotels’ Locations and Management
The 14 hotels are situated in important districts across Kyoto, close to major transport hubs and well-known cultural and tourist sites, ensuring strategic access for visitors. GCP Hospitality, the hospitality division of Gaw Capital Group, was appointed to manage these properties. IHG plans to reopen the converted
hotels in phases over the next 12 months following renovations and rebranding.
Existing Portfolio and Brand Growth
In addition to this new acquisition, IHG’s Kyoto portfolio includes the budget-friendly Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo, the midscale Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, upscale ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, and the luxury Six Senses Kyoto. The Garner brand, a midscale conversion brand launched three years ago, recently reached its 100th hotel globally and is at the center of this rapid expansion.
This deal marks one of the largest hotel portfolio acquisitions seen in Japan recently and enhances IHG’s competitive position in Kyoto, a market historically dominated by domestic hotel
operators.
Official Statement on Strategic Benefits
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director for Japan and Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, commented that the deal reflects growing owner interest in rebranding hotels to leverage IHG’s global platforms. He said, “this deal demonstrates the growing interest from owners to rebrand hotels and benefit from quick access to IHG’s leading enterprise, including our marketing, technology and distribution platforms, and the scale of IHG One Rewards globally.”
