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.


Lemon Tree Hotels Announces New Signing in Jaipur, Expands Rajasthan Portfolio

Lemon Tree Hotels Announces New Signing in Jaipur, Expands Rajasthan Portfolio

By Hariharan U

Published on December 8, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of its latest property, Lemon Tree Hotel, Pacific Mall, Jaipur. Managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the hotel further strengthens the group’s growing footprint in Rajasthan, catering to both business and leisure travellers looking for a refreshing, value-driven stay.

Located in the heart of the Pink City, the new hotel brings guests closer to Jaipur’s mix of royal heritage and modern vibrancy. From iconic landmarks like Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal to colourful bazaars filled with handicrafts, jewellery, and traditional Rajasthani flavours, visitors can enjoy the charm that makes Jaipur one of India’s most-loved destinations.

The upcoming property will feature 124 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant and lounge, a meeting room, and recreational facilities including a swimming pool and fitness centre. Conveniently located, the hotel is around 8 km from Jaipur International Airport and 8.4 km from Jaipur Railway Station, with smooth connectivity across public and private transport.

Sharing his thoughts, Vilas Pawar, CEO — Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With this signing, we will expand our leisure and business portfolio in Rajasthan, where we have 12 operational and 9 upcoming properties in addition to this one. The state, with its booming commerce, distinct culture and testament to India’s rich heritage, is the perfect destination for hospitality. This signing aligns perfectly with our vision of offering refreshing and comfortable stays across all destinations.”

With this addition, Lemon Tree Hotels continues to strengthen its presence across tiered cities, reinforcing its commitment to accessible, comfortable, and modern hospitality.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Earns EarthCheck Silver Certification for 2025

Hyatt Regency Chennai Earns EarthCheck Silver Certification for 2025

By Hariharan U

Published on December 8, 2025

Hyatt Regency Chennai has achieved a major sustainability milestone by securing the EarthCheck Certified Silver status for 2025, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and eco-friendly hospitality in Tamil Nadu.

EarthCheck is one of the world’s leading certifications for environmental and social responsibility in the tourism sector. Earning Silver status requires rigorous assessments, benchmarking, and continuous improvement across areas such as energy use, waste management, community impact and cultural preservation.

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The hotel’s achievement reflects its ongoing efforts toward green operations. Over the past year, Hyatt Regency Chennai has strengthened its sustainable practices with initiatives such as EV charging facilities, water refill stations, reduced plastic usage and improved eco-efficiency measures. These steps not only support environmental goals but also enhance the guest experience with planet-friendly choices.

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This recognition also aligns closely with Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s global ESG platform, World of Care, which focuses on environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, and responsible business operations. Hyatt has already shown global progress, meeting its target of reducing per-square-meter greenhouse-gas emissions by 25% under its 2020 framework ahead of schedule, a testament to the brand’s long-term sustainability commitment.

As part of the certification, Hyatt Regency Chennai will receive the official EarthCheck Certified Silver digital certificate and will gain permission to use the EarthCheck Silver logo, following the organisation’s branding guidelines. EarthCheck has also shared a Communications Toolkit to help the hotel highlight this achievement to guests, partners and the wider Chennai community.

This milestone reinforces the hotel’s vision of creating a more sustainable future for hospitality in South India, while encouraging travellers to choose responsible stays without compromising on comfort or experience.


Hilton Opens Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, a 20-Acre Urban Retreat

Hilton Opens Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, a 20-Acre Urban Retreat

By Hariharan U

Published on December 8, 2025

Hilton has officially opened Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, marking the brand’s entry into Hyderabad and expanding its footprint in South Asia. Strategically located in India’s Biotech Hub, the resort combines Hilton’s signature hospitality with a design inspired by Telangana’s rich Kakatiya architectural heritage.

Set across 20 acres of greenery with a natural creek, the resort features 115 guest rooms, including 13 pool villas and six suites. Every element, from locally sourced stone and wood to native flora, reflects a commitment to sustainability while creating spaces that honour the region’s culture.

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Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, South Asia, Hilton, said, “This resort brings Hilton’s signature hospitality to a new destination and offers a multi-dimensional experience to guests. From dynamic spaces and energizing environments to exceptional culinary experiences and revitalizing amenities, this property is poised to set a new benchmark for leisure-meets-lifestyle experiences in India.”

The resort is ideal for grand weddings and corporate events, offering 89,000 sq. ft. of versatile event spaces, including pillarless ballrooms, meeting rooms, expansive lawns, and a creekside mandapam. Open-air courtyards, bespoke interiors, and earthy tones provide guests a sense of the Deccan landscape.

Vincent Ong, Vice President, Full Service Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton, added, “Every element of the resort reflects our dedication to hosting guests with charisma, culture and confidence. We are proud to bring Hilton’s global legacy to Hyderabad.”

Wellness and recreation are central to the property. The resort debuts eforea Spa, Hilton’s global spa brand in India, with eight treatment rooms, a sauna, steam and ice shower, and a no-device relaxation zone. Families and guests of all ages can enjoy basketball, pickleball, cricket, futsal, mini golf, tennis, a dedicated children’s arcade, Junior Chef’s Club, farm-to-table experiences, and guided mixology sessions at Grid 78.

Srinivas Chintala Reddy, Managing Director, C.K.R Resorts Pvt. Ltd., said, “Partnering with Hilton to bring this resort to life has been deeply fulfilling. Hyderabad is home to a globally connected community that values culture, wellness, and access, and this resort delivers on all three.”

With the opening of Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, Hyderabad now boasts a world-class urban retreat that combines luxury, culture, and sustainable hospitality, offering both leisure and business travellers a unique destination in the heart of the city’s biotech hub.

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