IHG Hotels & Resorts announced on 26 August 2026 a deal to convert 14 hotels in Kyoto, Japan, totaling 1,063 rooms. The conversions and phased openings are scheduled within the next 12 months.
Details of the Hotel Portfolio
The 14 hotels comprise 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one unbranded hotel. All properties are in key districts near major transport hubs and popular cultural and tourism attractions.
Management and Existing IHG Presence in Kyoto
GCP Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Gaw Capital Group, will manage the new portfolio. IHG’s existing Kyoto portfolio includes the budget Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo, midscale Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, premium ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto,
and ultra-luxury Six Senses Kyoto.
Owner Interest and Guest Benefits
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director for Japan & Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said the deal demonstrates growing owner interest to rebrand hotels using IHG’s marketing, technology, and distribution platforms, plus the global scale of IHG One Rewards.
Garner, launched three years ago, recently opened its 100th hotel globally and is experiencing rapid growth. After renovations and rebranding, the hotels will be bookable through IHG One Rewards, adding 14 more Kyoto hotels accessible to members.
Strategic Importance
This deal is one of Japan’s largest hotel conversion agreements in recent
years and strengthens IHG’s position as a major international operator in Kyoto’s hotel market, which has been historically dominated by domestic players.
