IHG's Garner Brand Makes Its Mark in Seattle with First Hotel Opening

IHG's Garner Brand Makes Its Mark in Seattle with First Hotel Opening

By Author

Published on December 24, 2023

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a leader in the hospitality industry, has proudly unveiled its first Garner hotel in the United States, setting a new benchmark in the midscale hotel segment. This inaugural property, Garner Auburn – Seattle, located in the suburb of Auburn near Seattle, officially opened on December 18, 2023. The launch comes just three months after the official introduction of the Garner brand, highlighting IHG's rapid progress in expanding its portfolio.

The Garner Auburn – Seattle stands as a testament to the brand's appeal and potential in the midscale market. The hotel, featuring 95 rooms, underwent a swift conversion and reopening, demonstrating Garner's strong allure and revenue potential. IHG has designed the Garner brand to prioritize affordability while delivering all the essentials for a hassle-free stay. This includes a prime location, ensuring restful nights, and a commitment to consistent, top-tier service, catering to the needs of travelers looking for quality accommodations without the high costs.

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Strategically located near various popular entertainment venues and business campuses, the Garner Auburn – Seattle is well-positioned to attract a diverse range of visitors. Its convenient location makes it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers, offering easy access to local attractions and corporate centers.

The hotel is operated under the ownership of S1 Hospitality Management, marking their debut within the IHG brand family. This collaboration is significant, as it brings together IHG's global hospitality expertise and S1 Hospitality Management's local market insights. Andy Cho, president of S1 Hospitality Management, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the Garner brand's suitability for capitalizing on the growing potential in the midscale market. He is confident that this hotel will set a high standard for guests seeking quality stays and serve as a model for future owners looking for a flexible conversion option in the hospitality sector.

Looking ahead, IHG has ambitious plans for the Garner brand. The company aims for global expansion starting in 2024, with projections of having 500 Garner hotels in the US within the next decade, and doubling that number by 2043. This expansion strategy underlines IHG's commitment to growing its presence in the midscale hotel segment, offering both guests and owners unique opportunities.

The introduction of Garner Auburn – Seattle is just the beginning of IHG's journey with its 19th brand. Jolyon Bulley, CEO – Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, praised the team's hard work in bringing the brand to life and the owners' enthusiasm for embracing this transformative offering in the midscale space. This debut is a significant step for IHG, showcasing its track record of successfully launching and growing brands in the competitive hospitality market.


IHCL’s Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass Expands Global Reach with Shangri-La and Millennium Collaborations

IHCL’s Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass Expands Global Reach with Shangri-La and Millennium Collaborations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 25, 2025

Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, has announced strategic marketing collaborations for its loyalty programme, Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass, with Shangri-La Circle, the loyalty platform of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and MyMillennium, the loyalty programme of Millennium Hotels & Resorts. These collaborations aim to enhance global access and offer enriched travel and stay benefits for members across participating hotels worldwide.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said that Taj joining hands with Shangri-La and Millennium unlocks powerful synergies through a global loyalty network. He noted that the addition of these two partners will create a seamless experience for members by extending exclusive reciprocal benefits, reinforcing IHCL’s focus on shaping the future of travel through meaningful alliances that deliver long-term value to guests and partners.

Under the collaborations, members of Taj InnerCircle – NeuPass, Shangri-La Circle, and MyMillennium will gain access to each other’s extensive global portfolios. The partnerships offer reciprocal privileges, including preferred rates across participating hotels worldwide, enabled through authenticated journeys across respective brand platforms, strengthening exclusivity and ease of access for loyal travellers.

Shangri-La Group, established in 1971 and a subsidiary of Kerry Properties, operates 105 luxury hotels across 78 destinations, offering more than 40,000 rooms across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Oceania. Shangri-La Circle extends beyond a traditional hotel loyalty programme, positioning itself as a contemporary travel and lifestyle platform focused on delivering personalised and meaningful experiences to its members.

Millennium Hotels & Resorts, recognised as Singapore’s Most Valuable Hotel Brand by Brand Finance in 2025 for the second consecutive year, continues to strengthen its global presence. Its award-winning loyalty programme, MyMillennium, combines the brand’s international footprint with a compelling and value-driven loyalty proposition for frequent travellers.

IHCL’s iconic brand Taj, recognised as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand for the fourth time and India’s Strongest Brand for the fifth time by Brand Finance in 2025, offers a diverse portfolio of experiences ranging from grand palaces and landmark city hotels to wildlife lodges, beach resorts, and luxury serviced residences. The brand currently operates over 130 hotels across 14 countries, reinforcing its position as a global leader in hospitality.


Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Unveils Thoughtfully Curated Christmas Hampers for the Festive Season

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Unveils Thoughtfully Curated Christmas Hampers for the Festive Season

By Hariharan U

Published on December 25, 2025

This Christmas, Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore brings the joy of the season to life with a thoughtfully curated range of festive hampers and classic holiday treats. Designed with warmth, care, and a sense of togetherness, these Christmas offerings are perfect for sharing moments of cheer with family, friends, and colleagues.

Each festive hamper blends timeless Christmas favourites with indulgent sweet treats, capturing the essence of celebration and gratitude that defines the holiday season. From traditional festive bakes and rich plum delights to handcrafted chocolates and charming Christmas accents, every element has been carefully chosen to add comfort and joy to the festivities.

Guests can choose from two specially curated Christmas hampers. Christmas Hamper 1, offers a luxurious assortment that includes Panettone, Stollen, Dundee Cake, Plum Pudding, Plum Cake, Ginger Cookies, Mince Pie, Chocolate Santa, Almond Hazelnut Praline, Liquor Chocolates, a bottle of wine, and festive Christmas decorations. It is ideal for those looking to gift something truly indulgent.

Christmas Hamper 2, features a classic festive selection including Panettone, Stollen, Plum Pudding, Plum Cake, Ginger Cookies, Mince Pie, Pistachio Nougat, Chocolate Santa, and Christmas decorations, a perfect blend of tradition and celebration.

In addition to the hampers, Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is also offering a wide range of Christmas goodies available à la carte, allowing guests to curate their own festive selections. Highlights include Stollen, Dundee Cup Cakes, Panettone, Plum Pudding, Plum Cake, Mince Pie, Pistachio Nougat, Almond Hazelnut Praline, Red Velvet Cookies, Ginger Cookies, decorative Christmas chocolate bars, Stuffed Santa chocolates, and Madeleines.

Whether it’s for personal celebrations, festive hosting, or thoughtful corporate gifting, these Christmas delights are crafted to add a touch of magic and sweetness to the season. Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore hopes these festive offerings fill homes with warmth, joy, and the unmistakable spirit of Christmas.

To place orders for Christmas hampers, festive goodies, or for bulk and corporate gifting enquiries, guests can contact +91 6370716589.


Popeyes Opens Its First Airport Outlet at Mumbai T2

Popeyes Opens Its First Airport Outlet at Mumbai T2

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 25, 2025

Popeyes, the iconic Louisiana-born fried chicken brand, has officially launched its first airport outlet at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Terminal 2. The opening marks a strategic step in Popeyes’ expansion across India following its debut in Mumbai earlier this year in August.

The Mumbai T2 store has been launched in partnership with AMRL, reflecting Popeyes’ focus on premium, high-footfall locations and its intent to bring globally loved flavours to travellers. Visitors at Terminal 2 can now enjoy signature offerings such as the Chicken Sandwich, Signature Fried Chicken, Boneless Chicken, and the Hot & Messy range, specially curated for the Indian palate. Staying true to its Louisiana Cajun roots, all chicken is fresh, hand-battered, hand-breaded, and marinated for 12 hours, ensuring bold and distinctive flavours in every bite.

Speaking on the expansion, Sameer Khetarpal, CEO & MD of Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, said, “Airports have become critical touchpoints for brand discovery and repeat engagement. Launching at Mumbai T2 allows us to reach a high-intent, high-frequency audience and take Popeyes beyond the high street. After a strong response in Mumbai since August, this opening is a deliberate move to scale the brand in premium travel-led locations.”

Highlighting the importance of F&B in the airport experience, a spokesperson from AMRL added, “The launch of Popeyes at CSMIA marks a significant milestone in AMRL’s F&B growth. Airports are evolving into lifestyle destinations, and partnering with a globally iconic brand like Popeyes aligns strongly with our vision of offering world-class choices to travellers. This collaboration reflects our focus on quality, consistency, and global relevance.”

The Popeyes Mumbai T2 outlet is now open for travellers, offering both dine-in and takeaway options for domestic and international passengers, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Louisiana at India’s busiest airport.

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