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.


Kamat Hotels Strengthens Goa Presence with Launch of IRA Porvorim

Kamat Hotels Strengthens Goa Presence with Launch of IRA Porvorim

By Hariharan U

Published on August 31, 2025

 Kamat Hotels India Ltd (KHIL) has announced the launch of its latest property, IRA Porvorim, Goa, further strengthening the IRA by Orchid Hotels portfolio. Scheduled to open in September 2025, the new hotel adds to the brand’s fast-paced expansion across India.

Following the successful debut of Orchid Passaros in Benaulim earlier this year, IRA Porvorim will offer 43 well-designed guest rooms, catering to both business travellers and leisure seekers. The hotel will also feature a banquet hall for events, a swimming pool, an in-house restaurant, and a fully equipped health club creating a complete hospitality experience in the heart of Porvorim.

KHIL has been steadily building its IRA brand presence in key tier-2 and tier-3 markets, including Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, Ayodhya, Noida, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The brand philosophy revolves around delivering value, comfort, and prime locations for mid-market travellers.

Reflecting its commitment beyond hospitality, IRA by Orchid has pledged to donate one percent of its sales towards community initiatives, with a focus on supporting the education of the girl child.

Sharing his thoughts, Vishal Vithal Kamat, Executive Director of KHIL, said, “Goa continues to attract both domestic and international travellers, and with IRA Porvorim, we aim to redefine hospitality in the city. From curated experiences to modern comforts, this property will serve as a preferred choice for families, corporates, and event planners alike.”

Adding to this, Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, Chairman of KHIL, commented, “Each new IRA hotel defines our growth blueprint. Porvorim reflects the essence of our brand: sustainable, stylish, and guest-centric.”

With its strategic location and curated offerings, IRA Porvorim is set to become a go-to destination for vibrant celebrations, corporate gatherings, and relaxed getaways, further boosting KHIL’s footprint in Goa’s thriving hospitality market.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands in Gurugram with Two New ‘The Hoften’ Properties

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands in Gurugram with Two New ‘The Hoften’ Properties

By Hariharan U

Published on August 30, 2025

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has announced a major boost to its Gurugram portfolio with the addition of two hotels Elite Millennium (South City 1) and Elite 32 Mile Stone. Both properties will now operate under “The Hoften” brand, taking ALIVAA’s total footprint in the city to four operating hotels.

Known for its smart service and youthful vibe, The Hoften brand caters to modern travellers who prefer contemporary amenities and a seamless experience. With these new signings, ALIVAA continues its mission to strengthen its presence in India’s fast-growing hospitality market.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Elite Millennium and Elite 32 Mile Stone into The Hoften family and the wider ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection”, said Akash Bhatia, CEO – ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise Business). “Gurugram is a truly dynamic destination, experiencing remarkable growth and attracting a diverse range of travellers. This strategic partnership significantly enhances our offerings, allowing us to provide our guests with an even broader range of exceptional experiences”.

Echoing this, Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted Gurugram’s importance in the company’s expansion journey. “As we strategically move towards becoming a leading national player in India’s hospitality sector, Gurugram holds a critical position in our roadmap. The city’s corporate sector, vibrant youth culture, and rising tourism make it an indispensable market for our growth, particularly for brands like The Hoften”.

For Harshal Sharma, owner of Elite Hotels, this partnership opens exciting possibilities. “Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing our hotels under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion for us. Their deep expertise, innovative approach, and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision for providing outstanding stays in Gurugram,” he said.

With these two additions, ALIVAA now operates one ALIVAA Hotel and two Hoften hotels in Gurugram, further cementing its position in the city’s hospitality landscape.

About ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts
ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts is a growing hospitality group known for curating exceptional guest experiences. Its collection includes properties under the ALIVAA and The Hoften brands, focusing on quality, innovation, and guest delight. The group aims to create memorable stays across both established and emerging destinations in India


Summit Hotels & Resorts Launches Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahata

Summit Hotels & Resorts Launches Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahata

By Hariharan U

Published on August 30, 2025

Summit Hotels & Resorts, one of Eastern India’s leading hospitality groups, has unveiled its newest gem, Summit Enigma Resort & Spa in Lamahata. Positioned as West Bengal’s latest luxury mountain retreat, the property is just 22 kilometers from Darjeeling and offers the rare balance of easy accessibility with unmatched tranquility.

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What makes the resort stand out is its uninterrupted views of the entire Kanchenjunga range. Guests can now enjoy what is usually reserved for early-morning treks to Tiger Hill,  all from the comfort of their private balcony. The boutique property features 16 elegant rooms, including cozy Premium Rooms and spacious Balcony Rooms, each designed to showcase the grandeur of the Himalayas.

Wellness sits at the heart of Summit Enigma’s philosophy. The signature Meta Spa blends local inspirations into its therapies, alongside facilities like steam, sauna, and a Kanchenjunga-facing Jacuzzi that offers an indulgent yet immersive mountain experience. Dining is equally thoughtful at CloudSong Restaurant, where menus focus on farm-to-table freshness, local produce, and specialties such as the popular Desi Kukkad Curry.

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Beyond luxury, the resort emphasizes authentic cultural and ecological connections. Guests can walk to nearby farms, experience sustainable mountain agriculture, and engage with local communities where traditions still thrive in harmony with nature. Wildlife too adds its charm, with deer sightings on the property reminding guests of the region’s natural richness.

Lamahata’s location further enhances the appeal. While Darjeeling offers its bustling hill-station vibe, Lamahata provides a peaceful alternative, yet remains close to monasteries, tea gardens, the Lamahata Eco Park, and heritage attractions. This balance allows travelers to enjoy serenity without missing out on iconic experiences.

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“Enigma is more than just a property launch, it is Summit’s boldest interpretation of mountain hospitality to date. We have created a retreat where every moment, every view, and every detail reflects the mystery and beauty of the Himalayas”. said Sumit Mitruka, CEO and Founder of Summit Hotels & Resorts.

With this opening, Summit Hotels & Resorts strengthens its position in India’s premium hospitality market. Guided by Mitruka’s vision, the group now operates over 30 hotels and resorts across 17 destinations, employing more than 1,000 people, most from local communities. Looking ahead, Summit plans to expand to 50 properties by 2030 while continuing to blend luxury, sustainability, and authentic regional experiences.

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