IHG Signs Deal for First Garner Hotel in Türkiye, Set to Open in 2025

IHG Signs Deal for First Garner Hotel in Türkiye, Set to Open in 2025

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 30, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of its first Garner-branded hotel in Türkiye. The project comes under a franchise agreement with FRT Turizm, with support from AB Consulting led by Ahmet Bilgin. Set to open in 2025, the hotel will feature 126 guest rooms spread across four separate buildings and will be located near the International Istanbul Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports.

This franchise agreement comes just a month after IHG introduced the Garner brand to the Turkish market during its Turkish Investor Day. Garner, a midscale conversion brand, focuses on offering comfortable, relaxed stays at affordable prices while providing guests with essential amenities in convenient locations.

Garner has quickly gained popularity with hotel owners worldwide due to its flexible design standards, which accommodate different footprints, and its ability to minimize pre-opening costs. The brand allows investors to move swiftly from conversion to operational status, making it a highly attractive option in the midscale space. To date, Garner has seen 79 signings and four hotel openings globally.

Each Garner property benefits from IHG’s extensive support, including digital services, a global sales organization, award-winning distribution systems, and the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, which has over 130 million members. These resources help investors maximize returns and ensure operational efficiency throughout the hotel’s lifecycle.

Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development for Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed optimism about the brand’s expansion, stating, “With the first Garner hotel being signed just a month after we introduced the brand to our Turkish investors, it is promising to see the continued confidence our owners have in IHG’s brands. This remarkable achievement would not have been possible without our trusting relationship with FRT Turizm and the support of Ahmet Bilgin and his company AB Consulting.”

The new Garner hotel will be an ideal location for transient travelers, thanks to its proximity to the new Istanbul International Airport, which welcomes over 64 million passengers annually. The brand’s promise of “easy-going stays that get you on your way” aligns perfectly with the needs of travelers in such a busy area.

FRT Turizm board members Fırat Çelebi and Vedat Çelebi added, “Hearing about the Garner brand during IHG’s Investor Day, we knew it would seamlessly fit into our location in Arnavutkoy. We look forward to welcoming travelers to the first Garner in Türkiye once we open our doors next year and becoming the first choice for all transit guests looking for a quick, convenient stay before heading to the airport.”

Türkiye continues to be an important market for IHG, where it currently operates 31 hotels across five brands, including Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and the Holiday Inn brand family. The company also has a robust development pipeline, with 12 more properties expected to open in the coming years.


SaffronStays Introduces ‘X Series’—A New Benchmark in Ultra-Luxury Villas

SaffronStays Introduces ‘X Series’—A New Benchmark in Ultra-Luxury Villas

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 22, 2025

Luxury travel in India just got an upgrade with SaffronStays’ new X Series, a curated collection of ultra-luxury villas designed to offer unparalleled experiences for milestone events. Whether it’s a landmark birthday, an intimate wedding, or a private getaway, these villas provide privacy, exclusivity, and tailor-made services, making each stay unforgettable.

Beyond Luxury: A New Experience in Private Stays

Unlike traditional luxury accommodations, the X Series focuses on creating lasting memories rather than just offering high-end lodging. Each villa is situated in a breathtaking location, combining architectural elegance, interior sophistication, and world-class hospitality.

"The growing demand for luxury stays in India has led us to introduce the X Series, designed to offer distinctive experiences and redefine the luxury stay concept for today’s travellers," says Devendra Parulekar, Founder of SaffronStays.

Signature Villas That Define Exclusivity

Every property in the X Series is a destination in itself, offering unique charm and character:

  • SaffronStays SATORI – A serene retreat overlooking Lake Mulshi, offering panoramic views and peaceful surroundings
  • SaffronStays Stella Maris – A stunning beach house near the Maharashtra-Goa border, perfect for seaside luxury and relaxation.
  • Seven Doors House – A restored 1932 Portuguese villa in Goa, blending heritage charm with modern indulgence.

Tailor-Made Luxury & Bespoke Services

Each villa is designed to offer a seamless fusion of comfort, elegance, and personalized hospitality, featuring:

  • Chef-curated gourmet meals
  • World-class amenities
  • Tranquil settings for relaxation
  • Exclusive privacy for intimate celebrations

With a commitment to quality and immersive experiences, SaffronStays’ X Series is set to redefine India’s luxury hospitality landscape, ensuring every stay is extraordinary and deeply personal.


InterGlobe Foundation Celebrates India's Cultural Legacy with 'Tangible Conversations, Intangible Heritage'

InterGlobe Foundation Celebrates India's Cultural Legacy with 'Tangible Conversations, Intangible Heritage'

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 22, 2025

InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, has unveiled its annual 10-day exhibition, Tangible Conversations, Intangible Heritage, at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi. The event, inaugurated by Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, and Dr. Monica Banerjee, Head of InterGlobe Foundation, is a celebration of India's rich cultural legacy and the efforts of individuals dedicated to its preservation.

A Dialogue on Cultural Conservation

The exhibition launch featured an insightful panel discussion on Cultural Continuity: Conserving, Mapping, Documenting Heritage. Moderated by Ratish Nanda (CEO, Aga Khan Trust for Culture), the discussion brought together prominent voices in the field:

  • Laila Tyabji (Chairperson and Founder Member, DASTKAR)
  • Soity Banerjee (Journalist & Responsible Tourism Strategist)
  • Tara Sharma (Director, Jungwa Foundation)

The conversation emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring that India’s rich traditions continue to thrive for future generations.

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An Immersive Heritage Experience

Tangible Conversations, Intangible Heritage serves as the annual showcase for the InterGlobe Heritage Fellowships, a program dedicated to exploring and documenting India's often-overlooked cultural treasures. The exhibition features:

  • Photographs & Photo Essays capturing India's diverse heritage
  • Artistic Installations showcasing tangible and intangible cultural assets
  • Community Engagement Initiatives focused on heritage preservation

With society, tangible heritage, and intangible heritage as its core themes, the exhibition aims to spark conversations about India's architectural marvels, craftsmanship, and traditions.

Public Access & Engagement

  • Venue: Sunken Gardens, Sunder Nursery, New Delhi
  •  Dates: March 21 - March 30, 2025
  • Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM

Visitors can experience a visual and intellectual journey through India’s cultural landscape and gain a deeper appreciation of the country’s rich artistic and historical traditions.

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A Vision for Heritage Preservation

Speaking at the event, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, shared:
"Through the InterGlobe Heritage Fellowships, we aim to empower individuals to explore and document hidden narratives, traditions, and craftsmanship. By celebrating the remarkable work of our Fellows, we hope to ignite a larger movement towards heritage preservation."

InterGlobe Foundation’s Commitment to Cultural Conservation

InterGlobe Foundation has been instrumental in several heritage conservation initiatives, including:

  • Restoration of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi
  • Cultural mapping of 14 cities under the ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign
  • Revival of historic sites such as Indra Kund Stepwell in Delwara & Qutb Shahi Mausoleum’s tile restoration

By engaging local communities, mapping cultural assets, and restoring heritage sites, the foundation continues to strengthen India's cultural identity while fostering sustainable development.

For more information, visit www.interglobe.com/foundation.


InterGlobe Hotels and Accor Unveil ibis Mumbai BKC in Bandra Kurla Complex

InterGlobe Hotels and Accor Unveil ibis Mumbai BKC in Bandra Kurla Complex

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 22, 2025

InterGlobe Hotels, in partnership with Accor, has launched their latest venture with the opening of ibis Mumbai BKC, adding a new address to Mumbai’s bustling Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This marks the 23rd property under their joint venture in India.

Positioned strategically in BKC, one of Mumbai’s most vibrant business districts, ibis Mumbai BKC offers excellent connectivity to major business hubs and the airport. The property is tailored to meet the demands of both corporate and leisure travelers seeking modern convenience and comfort.

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JB Singh, president & CEO of InterGlobe Hotels, shared his thoughts on the launch: “We are delighted to announce the opening of ibis Mumbai BKC, marking another milestone in our growing portfolio in India. From thoughtfully designed public spaces to well-appointed rooms and curated dining, every aspect has been carefully crafted to enhance the guest experience.”

The hotel stays true to ibis’ global brand values, focusing on inclusivity and smart design. “Designed to match the lifestyle needs and aspirations of modern travellers, the hotel offers a seamless blend of style and convenience,” Singh added, highlighting the company’s commitment to guest-centric experiences and high-quality design.

Tejus Jose, director of operations, ibis India, said, “Pioneering accessible travel since 1974, ibis has redefined economy hospitality with forward-looking design and a vibrant guest experience. ibis Mumbai BKC embodies this vision, offering contemporary comfort, quality service, and exceptional value.”

The property features 206 guestrooms designed with functionality and comfort in mind. Each room is equipped with the brand’s signature 'Sweet Bed', spacious wardrobes, modern furnishings, and workspaces. Guests can also enjoy integrated digital amenities, including OTT entertainment and digital menus.

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For culinary options, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Spice It, serves an array of local dishes and international favorites, alongside a selection of beverages and bar snacks. Guests looking to stay active can access a fully equipped gym, while a dedicated indoor games area adds a fun, social element to the stay.

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InterGlobe Hotels, a joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises Private Limited and Accor Asia Pacific, has been expanding its footprint since 2004 and now operates 23 ibis properties across India.

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