IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to convert 14 hotels in Kyoto, Japan, over the upcoming year. The portfolio comprises 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one unbranded hotel, totaling 1,063 rooms situated in key districts near major transport hubs and prominent cultural and tourism sites.
Management and Existing Portfolio
GCP Hospitality, the hospitality division of Gaw Capital Group, will manage these 14 properties following their conversion. Prior to this deal, IHG’s holdings in Kyoto include the budget Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo, midscale Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, the premium ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, and the ultra-luxury Six Senses Kyoto,
offering a diverse range across market segments.
Garner Brand Growth
The Garner brand, launched three years ago as IHG’s midscale concept, has rapidly expanded and recently reached its 100th global property. This conversion deal in Kyoto further supports Garner’s accelerated growth within Japan and IHG’s strategic emphasis on international brand presence.
Industry Significance and Official Commentary
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director for Japan & Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, stated the deal reflects increasing owner interest in rebranding to leverage IHG’s marketing, technology, distribution platforms, and global IHG One Rewards loyalty program. This portfolio acquisition positions IHG as a significant
international competitor within Kyoto’s hotel market, historically dominated by domestic operators.
Renovations, Rebranding, and Traveler Impact
The 14 properties will undergo renovations and rebranding with phased reopenings planned throughout the coming 12 months. According to the IHG press release, these hotels’ locations ensure guests’ proximity to major transport hubs and notable cultural and tourist attractions in Kyoto. This expansion will provide IHG One Rewards members with substantially more accommodation options within the city.
