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.


Cygnett Hotels Signs Cozzet Amritsar, Expands Footprint in Punjab

Cygnett Hotels Signs Cozzet Amritsar, Expands Footprint in Punjab

By Hariharan U

Published on February 22, 2026

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Cozzet Amritsar, marking a strategic expansion of its value-driven brand in Punjab’s thriving hospitality market.

The upcoming 54-key property will strengthen the group’s presence in one of North India’s most resilient tourism and commercial hubs, Amritsar.

Cozzet Amritsar will feature 54 well-appointed rooms, an all-day dining restaurant and a banquet facility equipped with modern technology, capable of hosting up to 500 guests.

The hotel is located approximately 20 minutes from the iconic Golden Temple and about 30 minutes from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. Its proximity to religious landmarks, retail districts and commercial zones positions it to cater to a balanced mix of pilgrimage, leisure, wedding and corporate demand.

Amritsar continues to record strong year-round footfall, driven by domestic and international visitors. Improved road infrastructure and enhanced airport connectivity have further strengthened demand across the midscale and upper-midscale hotel segments.

Cozzet Hotels are designed around a simple promise, clean rooms, quality food, reliable service and essential comforts such as Wi-Fi, gym access and hot showers, all at smart price points. Each property reflects a distinct local identity while maintaining consistent service standards.

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Cozzet Amritsar will target value-conscious travellers seeking comfort, efficiency and dependable hospitality without compromising on experience.

Commenting on the signing, Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder and Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, said, “Amritsar is a high-performing hospitality market with strong year-round demand across pilgrimage, leisure and social events. With Cozzet Amritsar, we are strengthening our presence in Punjab by offering a product that balances comfort, efficiency and value. The city's improving infrastructure and expanding commercial activity make it a compelling long-term market for organised hospitality brands.”

The addition of Cozzet Amritsar aligns with Cygnett’s asset-light expansion strategy focused on high-growth secondary cities with strong demand fundamentals and limited organised supply.

Beyond the Golden Temple, the hotel’s location also offers convenient access to the Wagah Border, the War & Partition Museum and Amritsar’s bustling shopping streets, making it an attractive base for both business and leisure travellers.

With this signing, Cygnett continues to deepen its presence in North India, tapping into markets where tourism, weddings and corporate travel converge to drive sustained hospitality growth.


Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Elevates Guest Experience with Renovated Suites Featuring a Private Steam Room

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Elevates Guest Experience with Renovated Suites Featuring a Private Steam Room

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 20, 2026

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida has unveiled its newly renovated suites, thoughtfully designed for business and leisure travellers looking for comfort, style, and modern convenience. These suites reflect the changing expectations of today’s guests, where elegant design meets practical luxury.

Located on the hotel’s higher floors, the suites offer sweeping panoramic views of the city skyline, setting a calm and relaxing tone for the stay. The overall design focuses on comfort, wellness, and functionality, making the suites ideal for guests who value both relaxation and efficiency.

The interiors feature Belgian hardwood flooring, adding warmth and a timeless appeal to the space. Each suite includes a separate living room and dining area, offering ample room to unwind or host informal meetings. The bedrooms are spacious and well-planned, with comfortable seating areas that allow guests to relax while taking in the city views.

To ensure year-round comfort while keeping sustainability in mind, the suites are fitted with advanced energy-efficient air-conditioning systems that provide effective climate control with reduced environmental impact.

For added convenience, the suites include an elegant powder room along with a large bathroom featuring either a walk-in shower or a soaking bathtub. Guests also have access to a well-designed walk-in wardrobe and generous luggage storage space.

One of the most distinctive features of these suites is the private steam room, a rare offering that adds an extra layer of relaxation and wellness for guests seeking a rejuvenating experience during their stay.

Entertainment and refreshments are equally well taken care of. A fully stocked bar cabinet meets all refreshment needs, while 65-inch LED televisions placed in both the living area and bedroom ensure a seamless and immersive viewing experience throughout the suite.

“Our goal has always been to create spaces where guests feel truly at home. These new suites are not just about luxury, they are about thoughtful design, wellness and moments of calm in the midst of a bustling city. Every detail, from the panoramic views to intricate interiors and the private steam room, is intended to make our guests' stay not only comfortable but memorable”. said Anurag Rai, General Manager, Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida.

Hotel Address:

  • Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida, District Centre, 13A, Mayur Vihar, New Delhi - 110091

Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai Retains Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating for 2026

Al Habtoor Palace, Dubai Retains Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating for 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on February 19, 2026

Al Habtoor Palace has retained its prestigious Four-Star rating in the 2026 Star Awards by Forbes Travel Guide, reaffirming its position among the world’s distinguished luxury hospitality destinations. The 68th annual Star Awards span 100 countries and recognise excellence in hotels, restaurants, spas, and cruise experiences.

Overlooking the scenic Dubai Water Canal, Al Habtoor Palace is renowned for its Beaux-Arts-inspired architecture and palatial interiors. The hotel features 182 guest rooms and 52 suites, offering a seamless blend of classical elegance and contemporary comfort. A signature highlight is its bespoke butler service, ensuring personalised attention and a refined guest journey from arrival to departure.

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Culinary excellence remains central to the hotel’s identity, with a curated collection of fine dining venues presenting world-class cuisine in sophisticated settings. Guests can also unwind at the award-winning spa, designed to deliver restorative treatments and holistic relaxation experiences.

Located within Al Habtoor City, the property enjoys prime access to Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai’s cultural and entertainment hubs. With state-of-the-art event spaces and elegant surroundings, the hotel continues to be a sought-after venue for corporate gatherings, weddings, and grand celebrations.

Stefan Radstrom, Complex General Manager of the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, said, “We are truly honoured to be awarded the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating for 2026. This recognition celebrates our continuous dedication to delivering an exceptional experience for every guest. We take pride in offering unmatched service, refined comfort, and world-class amenities with every stay.”

Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide, added, “Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality. This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury, with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities and enhanced well-being.”

The continued recognition underscores Al Habtoor Palace’s commitment to meticulous service, elevated experiences, and timeless luxury in the heart of Dubai.

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