Hotels & Accommodations
Bangkok Post – IHG brand targeting independent hotels
Owners urged to turn to new Garner label
International chain IHG Hotels & Resorts aims to persuade independent hotel owners to convert their properties to its new brand, Garner, with the first location in Southeast Asia and second in Asia set to open in Pattaya in November 2025.
Vivek Bhalla, managing director for Southeast Asia and Korea at IHG, said the large number of mid-scale hotels operated by independent owners in Thailand presents a key opportunity for the group.
“Demand in the mid-scale hotel segment is strong, driven by the growing middle class in emerging economies,” he said. “However, it has been very challenging for independent mid-scale hotel owners to compete post-pandemic.”
He said that 68% of mid-scale hotel rooms in Thailand are operated by independent owners.
IHG sees significant opportunities not only in Bangkok, Phuket and Samui, but also in emerging destinations like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Krabi, Hua Hin, Koh Chang, Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao.
According to property consultancy Knight Frank Thailand, Bangkok has 34,326 mid-scale hotel rooms, while Phuket has 20,064. Of these, 66% in Bangkok and 74% in Phuket were operated by independent owners.
After signing with the owner earlier this year, IHG will open Garner Pattaya Central in November 2025, marking the brand’s second location in Asia-Pacific after Garner Osaka Honmachi Kita Semba in Japan, which opened in January 2025.
Converted from Nova Express Pattaya, the hotel will open its first phase with 153 keys, offering room rates below those of Holiday Inn Express Pattaya, which currently averages 1,500 baht a night.
“Pattaya was selected as the first location for Garner in Thailand not only because the owner already partners with IHG under other brands, but also due to the strength of the tourism industry both nationally and in Pattaya,” Mr Bhalla added.
According to hospitality data consultancy STR, overall hotel occupancy in Pattaya, where IHG has now three hotels, averaged 68.5% between July 2024 and July 2025.
Launched in 2023, Garner, IHG’s sixth brand, has 51 hotels globally, with 87 more in the pipeline.
The largest share of existing hotels is in Germany (45%), followed by the US (35%) and other European countries (14%) as of June 30, 2025.
“Converting to Garner can generate high returns for owners, as its cost per key is 20% lower than for Holiday Inn Express, and completion takes less than 12 months,” he added. “Our typical target is at least 100 keys.”
At present, IHG operates 40 hotels in Thailand, half under its mainstream Holiday Inn Express brand, with 41 more in the pipeline, about half of which will also be under the mainstream brand.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has officially opened Hyatt Place Tallinn, marking the brand’s first hotel in Estonia and its first property in the Baltic States. Located in the capital’s harbor district, the 169-room hotel offers guests a base that’s close to the UNESCO-listed Old Town, major cultural venues, and the ferry terminal for quick hops to Helsinki and Stockholm.
Connecting business and leisure
Hyatt Place Tallinn sits within walking distance of the Rotermanni Quarter, Telliskivi Creative City, and Kultuurikatel conference venue, providing access to both corporate and cultural attractions.
Michel Morauw, Managing Director for Hyatt in Northern Europe, said, “The opening of Hyatt Place Tallinn marks an exciting milestone as we introduce the Hyatt brand to the Baltic States for the first time.”
Igor Viskub of Estma HPT, the hotel’s owning company, commented, “We honored the Hyatt Place brand by bringing to life every aspect of its signature comfort and functionality in the Baltics. The ultimate proof of whether we succeeded is really up to our guests, World of Hyatt members, and customers, but we feel we have found the right collaborator, the right brand, and the right location for Hyatt’s successful entry into the growing Estonian market.”
Key features and amenities
- 169 guestrooms with Scandinavian-inspired design, walk‑in showers, and the brand’s signature Cozy Corner
- Zoom restaurant, offering local ingredients with global inspiration, led by Executive Chef Alexander Kaiser
- 24/7 fitness center with high‑performance equipment
- Access to seaside promenade and nearby nature reserve hiking trail
- 890‑square‑foot (82-square-meter) conference space with AV technology, split into two rooms
- 6 Cocktails bar (opening by year-end) with views of the city and harbor
Dining at Zoom blends contemporary décor with a relaxed atmosphere, reflecting Tallinn’s mix of international flavors and Nordic simplicity.
Hyatt Place Tallinn’s opening represents the company’s continued expansion in Europe and commitment to serving the evolving needs of modern travelers. With its prime location and balance of work-friendly features and leisure opportunities, it aims to make each stay feel as practical as it is engaging.
UK: Independent hotel collection Classic British Hotels has added two properties from The Alexander Hotel Collection.
The Alexander Hotel Collection is a group of four and five-star country house hotels and spas, located in Surrey, Sussex and Kent. Barnett Hill and Langshott Manor have now joined Classic British Hotels.
Set within a 26-acre estate in the Surrey Hills near Guildford, Barnett Hill offers 56 rooms, suites and residences. Head chef Steven Newton leads The Oak Room restaurant, the 1905 Bar and private dining menus. Additional amenities include nine meeting rooms.
Also in Surrey, Langshott Manor features 22 rooms and suites, the two AA Rosette restaurant The Mulberry, alongside four meeting rooms.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Barnett Hill and Langshott Manor into the Classic British Hotels family,” said Phillip Allsopp, managing director of Classic British Hotels. “These two hotels perfectly embody the unique character, exceptional service, and sophisticated yet playful spirit that our collection represents. Their addition significantly enhances our offering of country house properties within easy reach of London and provides even more enchanting options for our guests seeking a memorable British break. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration, working closely with The Alexander Hotel Collection to showcase these magnificent properties.”
Matt Linkin, revenue manager at The Alexander Hotel Collection, added: “Joining Classic British Hotels is a natural fit for Barnett Hill and Langshott Manor. We share a mutual dedication to delivering unparalleled guest experiences and celebrating the distinctive charm of British hospitality. This collaboration will allow our beautiful hotels to reach a wider audience who appreciate quality, individuality and the independent spirit that defines us.”
Highlights:
• Classic British Hotels has added Barnett Hill and Langshott Manor from The Alexander Hotel Collection.
• Barnett Hill offers 56 rooms, dining led by chef Steven Newton, and nine meeting spaces in the Surrey Hills.
• Langshott Manor features 22 rooms, the two AA Rosette Mulberry restaurant, and four meeting rooms.
• Classic British Hotels said the additions strengthen its country house portfolio near London.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has entered a management agreement with Hotel Chetan International to develop two new hotels in Bengaluru, India.
The hotels under the Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express brands will be developed at the KIADB Aerospace Park. This will add more than 420 rooms to IHG’s portfolio in India.
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Both hotels are scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2028.
Situated in Bengaluru’s industrial and aerospace parks, near Kempegowda International Airport, the hotels aim to attract clients from aerospace and technology companies, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and corporates.
According to IHG, the proximity to the upcoming BCCI Centre of Excellence and National Cricket Academy will further enhance the location’s appeal for business, leisure and MICE segments.
IHG Hotels & Resorts South West Asia managing director Sudeep Jain said: “We are delighted to strengthen our presence in Bengaluru with the addition of two strategically located hotels in the thriving KIADB Aerospace Park.
“The presence of leading aerospace and technology companies, coupled with the upcoming BCCI Centre of Excellence, makes this location a key demand generator across business, leisure, and social segments. With the introduction of Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express in this hub, we are confident of catering to a wide spectrum of travellers seeking both premium experiences and smart, convenient stays.”
The 210-key Crowne Plaza hotel will have four dining venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, a restaurant, a pool bar and a lobby lounge.
The hotel will also feature various meeting spaces across four venues, including a ballroom for weddings, conferences and social gatherings.
The 210-key Holiday Inn Express hotel will provide a fitness centre and parking spaces.
Hotel Chetan International managing partner HC Byregowda said: “The strategic location, coupled with IHG’s strong global systems and the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme, gives us great confidence in the success of these hotels. Together, we aim to deliver high-quality hospitality experiences that will cater to both domestic and international travellers.”
Last month, IHG entered a management agreement with Hotel Eastern Nepal to open a new Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Dhulabari, Nepal.
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