IHG Hotels and Resorts, a British multinational hospitality company, has announced the signing of four new Garner hotels, expanding the brand’s footprint across Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria and Türkiye. 

In a press statement, IHG says that Garner, a brand of the group that was launched in August 2023, occupies the midscale conversion space and aims to provide both owners and guests with flexibility, operational ease and cost-effective stays.

IHG says that since its debut, the Garner brand has seen significant growth. In the first half of 2024 alone, IHG signed 76 new Garner properties, 58 of which are in Europe. 

The statement adds that this expansion is driven by the increasing demand for conversion opportunities that leverage IHG’s enterprise platform, offering owners access to revenue-generating systems, marketing, and loyalty programmes. Notably, 55 pc of IHG’s signings in 2024 were conversions.

IHG says that the first Garner properties to open in Europe include Garner Hotel Reading Centre and Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury, both located in the UK. 

In Germany, IHG has partnered with Novum Hospitality to convert over 50 hotels, including locations in Hamburg, Mannheim, and Berlin. Garner will also debut in Austria’s capital, Vienna, and in Maastricht, the Netherlands. 

Meanwhile, a 126-room property in Istanbul is scheduled to open in 2025, marking Garner’s entry into Türkiye.

Willemijn Geels

“We are delighted by the rapid expansion of Garner and the interest shown by our partners in this exciting new brand. We know our owners seek stronger returns on investments with an ability to reduce pre-opening costs by quickly moving to operational and now-open status, which is exactly what our newest brand, Garner, delivers,” says Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels and Resorts.

“As with all conversion opportunities, Owners also benefit from a quicker access to IHG’s enterprise, including our digital capabilities, global sales organisation, and award-winning distribution systems and loyalty programme, IHG One Rewards. We also know many travellers increasingly value straightforward; no-fuss stays that help them get on with their journeys. We look forward to welcoming guests to the first Garner properties to open in Europe in the coming months,” she adds.

IHG says that since its launch, Garner has signed 79 properties globally, with four already open, establishing the brand as a key player in the midscale hotel market.