InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Hotels & Resorts announced on August 26, 2026, the acquisition and planned conversion of 14 hotels in Kyoto, Japan, comprising 1,063 rooms. The portfolio includes 12 Garner brand hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one unbranded property, with phased reopenings scheduled over the next 12 months.
Portfolio Composition and Location
The 14 hotels are located in key districts of Kyoto near major transport hubs and prominent cultural and tourist sites. This strategic location aims to ensure guests have convenient access to the city’s main attractions. The portfolio is made up predominantly of Garner midscale hotels, supplemented by a Holiday Inn
Express and an unbranded hotel.
Garner Brand Growth and Existing IHG Properties
Garner, launched three years ago as a midscale conversion brand within IHG’s portfolio, has grown rapidly and recently reached its 100th hotel opening worldwide. IHG’s current properties in Kyoto include a range of offerings from budget-friendly Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo to midscale Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, premium ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, and ultra-luxury Six Senses Kyoto.
Management and Opening Schedule
GCP Hospitality, the hospitality division of Gaw Capital Group, has been appointed to manage the 14 newly acquired hotels. Following renovations and rebranding, the properties will open in phases throughout the next 12 months.
Owner Interest and Business Benefits
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director
for Japan & Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, commented that the deal reflects rising owner interest in rebranding to leverage IHG’s marketing, technology, distribution platforms, and the global reach of IHG One Rewards. This approach aligns with the rapid growth of the Garner brand and IHG’s broader strategy in Japan.
Impact on Travelers
The expanded portfolio will increase lodging options for travelers visiting Kyoto. The newly rebranded hotels will soon be bookable through the IHG One Rewards program after their phased openings, offering guests more choices across various market segments.
