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.


DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road Unveils Reimagined Menu at Spot 360

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road Unveils Reimagined Menu at Spot 360

By Author

Published on July 30, 2026

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road has introduced a reimagined menu at Spot 360, its signature open-air poolside bar and kitchen, offering guests an elevated dining experience that combines global flavours, Indian culinary traditions, contemporary mixology, and warm Hilton hospitality.

Located atop the hotel with panoramic views of Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road skyline, Spot 360 has refreshed its culinary identity under the philosophy “Curated. Crafted. Elevated. Reinvented.” The new menu focuses on premium ingredients, bold flavours, and innovative techniques designed for modern diners seeking memorable dining experiences.

The refreshed menu brings together progressive global comfort food with the richness of India’s regional cuisines and the artistry of traditional clay oven cooking. Designed around four signature culinary pillars, the experience balances creativity with familiarity.

The Artisanal Green Room features fresh soups and salads crafted with premium ingredients such as burrata, charred peaches, and pearl barley. The High-Octane Small Plates section introduces global lounge favourites enhanced with Indian flavours, incorporating ingredients like Mathania chilli, Kasundi, and wild mushrooms.

The Flame & Fire Grills selection highlights premium proteins including Norwegian salmon and New Zealand lamb chops, paired with refined sauces and expert grilling techniques. Meanwhile, the Comfort Sanctuary celebrates Indian culinary heritage through slow-cooked classics, aromatic dum biryanis, signature lagan preparations, and indulgent desserts.

Complementing the food menu is a new cocktail programme titled “Old Souls – Modern Pours”, which reinterprets seven iconic cocktails using premium spirits, house-made infusions, fresh botanicals, and contemporary mixology techniques.

Signature creations include the Smoky Negroni, Elderflower 75, Mediterranean Fig Old Fashioned, Milk-Washed Mediterranean Picante, Smoked Mary, and The Green Flame. Adding an element of personalisation, The Signature Surprise offers guests an off-menu cocktail experience where mixologists create bespoke drinks based on individual flavour preferences.

The beverage menu also features curated sharing cocktails, sophisticated zero-proof creations, and mindful mixes designed for different occasions.

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The culinary transformation has been led by Executive Chef E. Lokesh, while Food & Beverage Manager Binod Singh has curated the beverage programme, creating a seamless pairing between food and drinks.

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Speaking about the launch, Akash Kalia, General Manager, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, said, “Spot 360 has always been envisioned as more than a restaurant, it is a destination where people come together to celebrate great food, handcrafted cocktails and memorable moments. With this reimagined menu, we have elevated every aspect of the experience, blending global culinary influences with the authenticity of India's rich food heritage.”

With this refreshed offering, Spot 360 strengthens its position as one of Bengaluru’s distinctive open-air dining destinations, providing guests with an ideal setting for sunset cocktails, weekend gatherings, intimate dinners, and evenings under the stars.

The new experience reflects Spot 360’s continued commitment to delivering contemporary hospitality through thoughtfully curated cuisine, innovative beverages, and memorable guest experiences.

About DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru Outer Ring Road is an upscale hotel located in Bengaluru’s Outer Ring Road IT corridor, offering convenient access to major technology parks, corporate offices, and business districts. The hotel features 172 spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities and private balconies.

The property offers three dining destinations: Asia Alive, an all-day dining restaurant serving global favourites with regional influences; Tapeo, a tapas bar offering contemporary small plates and handcrafted beverages; and Spot 360, the open-air poolside bar and kitchen featuring panoramic city views, innovative cuisine, and signature cocktails.

The hotel participates in Hilton Honors®, Hilton’s guest loyalty programme, offering members exclusive benefits when booking directly through preferred Hilton channels.


Vegas Mall Partners with Hindustan Marathon to Mark Kargil Vijay Diwas

Vegas Mall Partners with Hindustan Marathon to Mark Kargil Vijay Diwas

By Hariharan U

Published on July 29, 2026

Vegas Mall, Dwarka partnered as the venue partner for the 5th edition of the Hindustan Marathon, organised to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas, bringing together fitness enthusiasts, families, and running communities for a day dedicated to health, community spirit, and remembrance.

The marathon featured 21.1 km, 10 km, and 5 km race categories, attracting participants from across the city. Beyond promoting fitness, the event served as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of India's armed forces while encouraging individuals to adopt healthier and more active lifestyles.

Commenting on the initiative, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall, said, "At Vegas Mall, we are committed to creating experiences that inspire and unite communities. It was a privilege to partner with the Hindustan Marathon on Kargil Vijay Diwas, an occasion that reminds us of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of our armed forces. The enthusiastic participation reflects the growing spirit of fitness and community engagement, and we are proud to support initiatives that celebrate both national pride and holistic well-being."

The partnership reflects Vegas Mall's continued focus on supporting community-driven initiatives that promote wellness, social engagement, and cultural awareness. Through events such as the Hindustan Marathon, the mall aims to create experiences that extend beyond retail while fostering stronger community connections.


Sayaji Raipur Introduces Curated Monsoon Stay, Wedding and Celebration Experiences

Sayaji Raipur Introduces Curated Monsoon Stay, Wedding and Celebration Experiences

By Hariharan U

Published on July 27, 2026

Sayaji Raipur has launched a new range of curated hospitality experiences for the monsoon season, offering guests customised stay packages, wedding solutions, and event services designed for leisure, business, and celebration needs.

The seasonal offerings include weekend escapes, extended stay packages, Shubh Vivah wedding experiences, and outdoor catering solutions, strengthening the hotel’s positioning as a preferred destination for stays and celebrations in Raipur.

The Weekend Escape Package has been designed for couples and families looking for a relaxing break. The package includes accommodation in Grande Rooms, daily buffet breakfast at Cravings, one buffet lunch or dinner, dining benefits, and flexible check-in and check-out options, subject to availability.

For business travellers and guests planning longer stays, Sayaji Raipur has introduced the Monsoon Long Stay Offer, which includes daily breakfast, one major meal, airport or railway station transfers, complimentary laundry services, welcome refreshments, and personalised guest assistance.

The hotel is also focusing on celebrations through its Shubh Vivah offering, providing customised wedding experiences with banquet venues, wedding lawns, décor solutions, curated menus, and dedicated event planning support. The offering caters to both intimate ceremonies and larger wedding celebrations.

Expanding beyond the hotel premises, Sayaji Raipur’s Outdoor Catering (ODC) services provide customised food and beverage solutions for weddings, corporate events, private gatherings, and social occasions. Supported by experienced chefs and banquet teams, the service aims to deliver the hotel’s hospitality standards across different venues.

Commenting on the initiatives, Mr. Mayank Mandela, Director of Operations, Sayaji Raipur, said, "Hospitality today is about creating experiences that extend far beyond accommodation or dining. Whether guests are planning a weekend getaway, celebrating a wedding, organising a corporate event or looking for an extended stay, we endeavour to offer personalised experiences backed by exceptional service and memorable hospitality."

Through these seasonal offerings, Sayaji Raipur continues to enhance its hospitality portfolio by creating experiences that cater to evolving traveller preferences, from leisure escapes and business stays to weddings and social celebrations.

Experience Highlights:

Weekend Escape Package

  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Buffet lunch or dinner
  • 15% discount on additional F&B
  • Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)

Monsoon Long Stay Offer

  • Daily breakfast and one major meal
  • Airport/Railway station transfers
  • Complimentary laundry

Shubh Vivah

  • Wedding packages starting from ₹25 lakh onwards
  • Venue planning, catering, décor, and event services

Outdoor Catering

  • Customised catering solutions for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events

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