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.


Hyatt Place Butwal Announces Opening in Western Nepal

Hyatt Place Butwal Announces Opening in Western Nepal

By Hariharan U

Published on January 17, 2026

Hyatt Place Butwal has officially announced its opening, marking a significant milestone in the hospitality landscape of western Nepal. The property becomes Butwal’s first internationally branded five-star hotel, introducing global hospitality standards to a market witnessing rapid economic and tourism-led growth.

The opening reflects Butwal’s rising importance as a regional hub, supported by expanding industrial activity, improving infrastructure, and growing international connectivity. With the operationalisation of Gautam Buddha International Airport in nearby Bhairahawa, demand for international-standard accommodation has increased across business, leisure, and trade segments.

Hyatt Place Butwal has already made an impact on the city’s evolving social and lifestyle scene with the successful hosting of its grand opening celebration, “New Year’s Eve Under the Stars.” The event brought together prominent business leaders, influencers, and local patrons, highlighting the hotel’s ability to curate large-scale, world-class experiences and position itself as a premium lifestyle destination in the region.

Commenting on the opening, Tushar Nagar, General Manager, Hyatt Place Butwal, said, “The overwhelming response to our New Year’s Eve celebration reflects that Butwal is ready for a premium hospitality and lifestyle experience. With improving air connectivity and a rapidly expanding industrial base, the need for international-standard accommodation has grown significantly. Hyatt Place Butwal aims to bridge this gap while supporting the region’s evolving business and tourism ecosystem.”

Strategically located at the intersection of the Mahendra Highway (Asian Highway) and the Siddhartha Highway, Butwal is transforming from a transit town into a commercial and industrial powerhouse. Its strategic highway access, growing industrial zones, and international air connectivity position the city as a key connector for trade, tourism, and transit in western Nepal.


Espire Hospitality Expands with Country Inn Launch in Varanasi

Espire Hospitality Expands with Country Inn Launch in Varanasi

By Hariharan U

Published on January 16, 2026

Espire Hospitality Limited, one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality companies, has announced the launch of Country Inn, Varanasi, marking another milestone in the expansion of its Country Inn Hotels & Resorts portfolio. The new opening strengthens the group’s presence in high-potential destinations and reinforces its focus on culturally significant cities.

Situated in the heart of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, the hotel is set against the city’s spiritual energy and timeless charm. Designed to offer a balance between contemporary living and warm hospitality, Country Inn, Varanasi provides a calm and comfortable retreat for both leisure and business travellers. Its proximity to the city’s renowned ghats and sacred temples makes it an ideal base for guests seeking convenience alongside comfort.

The property features thoughtfully designed guestrooms with fresh interiors, soothing colour palettes, high-speed Wi-Fi and premium amenities. Guests can also enjoy curated dining experiences at SUTRA By Banaras, the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian and international flavours in a welcoming indoor and outdoor setting.

Commenting on the launch, Akhil Arora, CEO & Managing Director, Espire Hospitality Limited, said, “Varanasi is a city of unparalleled spiritual depth, shaped by its cultural richness, history and tradition. We are proud to bring Country Inn to this sacred destination, creating a space that reflects the city’s timeless spirit while offering contemporary comfort and our signature warm hospitality.” He added that the hotel aims to offer travellers a modern space to pause, unwind and immerse themselves in the essence of the city.

The opening of Country Inn, Varanasi further adds momentum to Espire Hospitality Limited’s growth journey. The company has recently signed properties in destinations including Rishikesh, Udaipur, Jalandhar, North Goa and Dehradun, and continues to move steadily towards its vision of operating 30 hotels by FY26.

With a diversified brand portfolio ranging from boutique luxury offerings under ZANA Luxury Resorts to the well-recognised Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, Espire Hospitality Limited continues to strengthen its position as a dynamic and fast-evolving player in India’s hospitality landscape.


Sayaji Hotels Launches Enrise by Sayaji in Bareilly

Sayaji Hotels Launches Enrise by Sayaji in Bareilly

By Hariharan U

Published on January 13, 2026

Sayaji Hotels Limited has announced the launch of Enrise by Sayaji, Bareilly, strengthening its footprint in Uttar Pradesh and bringing contemporary hospitality to one of the region’s culturally rich cities. Located at Station Road, Civil Lines, the hotel offers convenient access for travellers, situated just 13 km from Bareilly Airport and 500 metres from Bareilly Railway Station.

The property features 36 well-appointed rooms across four categories, designed to meet the needs of business, transit, and leisure guests. The room mix includes Deluxe Rooms, Superior Rooms, Superior Balcony Rooms, and Suites, each reflecting modern design sensibilities while staying true to Sayaji’s signature “Yours Truly” service philosophy.

Enrise by Sayaji, Bareilly also brings together a diverse food and beverage offering under one roof. Guests can choose from Horizon, a rooftop multicuisine fine-dining restaurant; Momentt, a relaxed coffee shop; 99 Degree, a classic bar suited for evening conversations; and Infinity Club & Bar, positioned as a lively social and celebration space. Together, these outlets aim to make the hotel a dining and social hub for both residents and visitors.

The hotel is equipped with two banqueting venues designed to host weddings, corporate meetings, and social events. Jewel Hall and Crystal Hall offer flexible layouts and capacities, supported by tailored food and beverage services and professional event management, enabling seamless execution for gatherings of varying scales.

Commenting on the launch, Rajendra Joshi, Associate General Manager, Sayaji Hotels, said the Enrise by Sayaji brand has been developed for modern travellers seeking comfort, functionality, and value, adding that Bareilly is a strong addition to the company’s growing portfolio across emerging Indian cities.

Ankur Vig, Managing Director, Unique Complex Private Limited, noted that Bareilly’s rising commercial and travel significance makes the timing of the hotel’s launch particularly relevant, with the partnership aiming to deliver national hospitality standards while staying connected to local sensibilities.

With Bareilly’s increasing demand for organised hospitality infrastructure, Enrise by Sayaji is positioned as a preferred choice for business stays, leisure travel, dining, and social celebrations, reinforcing Sayaji Hotels’ broader strategy of expanding into high-potential markets across India.

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