- IHG Hotels & Resorts signed a portfolio deal with GCP Hospitality for 14 hotels in Kyoto, Japan.
- The agreement covers 1,063 rooms, including 12 Garner hotels and one Holiday Inn Express, IHG said.
- Hotels will be converted and rebranded with phased openings over the next 12 months, according to IHG.
TOKYO, Japan — IHG Hotels & Resorts announced a portfolio deal with GCP Hospitality to add 14 hotels in Kyoto, Japan. The agreement includes 1,063 rooms, primarily under the Garner brand, and aims to expand IHG’s presence in the Japanese market.
The hotels will undergo renovations and rebranding, with phased openings scheduled over the next 12 months, IHG said in an emailed press release today. This deal marks one of the largest conversion portfolio agreements in Japan recently.
Portfolio Details
The portfolio comprises 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one unbranded hotel. All properties are slated for conversion and rebranding to integrate Garner and Holiday Inn Express standards. Garner is IHG’s fastest-growing brand globally, having reached 100 open hotels since its August 2023 launch. This deal also represents the third Holiday Inn Express signing in Japan for IHG.
Strategic Expansion
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director for Japan & Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated the agreement expands IHG’s mainstream presence in Japan. He cited the strength of IHG’s brands and owner confidence in its business. The deal leverages IHG’s enterprise, including marketing, technology, and distribution platforms, and its IHG One Rewards program. Sandilya noted the business hotel segment in Japan is underpenetrated by international brands, presenting growth opportunities. Erwann Mahé, CEO of GCP Hospitality, said his company will lead the management team for the 14-hotel portfolio.
Kyoto Market
The new hotels are located in key Kyoto districts, including areas near Kyoto Station, Shijo, and Gojo. Kyoto is a significant tourist destination, attracting both international and domestic visitors. IHG already operates several brands in Kyoto, including Six Senses Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo, and Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. IHG debuted the Garner brand in Japan in 2025 with three hotels in Osaka. The brand offers affordable, high-quality options for business and leisure travelers in a segment traditionally dominated by domestic operators.