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.

image

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.


Alisha Shirodkar Rejoins Tamarind Global as Vice President – Strategy

Alisha Shirodkar Rejoins Tamarind Global as Vice President – Strategy

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 18, 2024

Tamarind Global, a renowned full-service luxury agency specializing in hospitality, travel, and events, has announced the appointment of Alisha Shirodkar as Vice President – Strategy. In her second stint with the company, Alisha will play a pivotal role in driving the company's growth strategy, expanding business prospects, and enhancing immersive marketing across various channels.

Alisha brings a wealth of experience from her diverse career in the hospitality and travel industry. A graduate in Finance and Marketing from NYU Stern, she previously worked with Hindustan Unilever in the Skin Care category, where she honed her marketing expertise. During her first tenure at Tamarind Global, Alisha played a key role in Marketing and Event Planning. Additionally, she co-founded the popular waffle brand The Belgian Waffle Co., serving as its Chief Marketing Officer, and is currently the Co-Founder and CEO of gourmet retail startup Hotchaa.

image

Speaking on her return, Alisha said, “I am excited to join the Tamarind Global family again, especially in this leadership role which will help me test my mettle a notch higher. The company has always held a special place in my career journey, and I'm excited to contribute to its next growth phase. With Tamarind's robust ethos backed by an enthusiastic team, I look forward to amplifying our brand's reach, tapping new potential markets, and elevating the company's success through the travel, hospitality, and events sectors.”

In her new role, Alisha will focus on leveraging Tamarind Global’s legacy, credibility, and vast industry expertise to achieve significant growth across business verticals. She aims to broaden the company's audience reach and solidify its brand presence as India’s leading luxury service provider. Under her leadership, Tamarind Global is set to strengthen its marketing and digital capabilities, ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry trends.

Louis D'Souza, Director of Tamarind Global, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are pleased to welcome Alisha back to the Tamarind family. Her undisputed strategic insights backed by her innovative thought process integrally make her the ideal leader to drive the company's success through the upcoming times of growth. Alisha’s deep understanding of the industry combined with her hands-on experience in building brands will help us to position Tamarind Global better on the global canvas.”

image

Alisha's appointment comes at a crucial time as the sectors Tamarind Global operates in, including luxury travel, hospitality, and events, are rapidly growing. With Tamarind's expertise, strong industry relationships, and operational strengths, the company is well-positioned to seize new opportunities and expand its digital and marketing capabilities. Alisha’s leadership is expected to propel Tamarind Global into its next phase of growth, further establishing it as a top player in the luxury services industry.


The Leela Gandhinagar Appoints Prakash Shah as Director of Engineering

The Leela Gandhinagar Appoints Prakash Shah as Director of Engineering

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 18, 2024

The Leela Gandhinagar has announced the appointment of Prakash Shah as its new Director of Engineering. In his new role, Mr. Shah will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s engineering operations, as well as the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, which is managed by The Leela Gandhinagar.

With over 32 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Shah has an extensive background, having worked with prominent hotel brands such as Oberoi, Taj, Accor, and Radisson Hotels. His most recent position was as Corporate Head of Engineering at Radisson Blu MBD Hotel, where he oversaw engineering and maintenance operations across multiple properties.

Mr. Shah’s vast expertise includes hotel pre-opening setups, project handovers, and facility management. He has led numerous initiatives in procurement, contract management, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. Additionally, he has been at the forefront of energy conservation efforts, leveraging cutting-edge systems and technologies to optimize operational efficiency.

Vikas Sood, General Manager of The Leela Gandhinagar, expressed his enthusiasm for Mr. Shah’s appointment, saying, "We are excited to welcome Prakash Shah as our new Director of Engineering. His vast experience and expertise in engineering, combined with his commitment to energy conservation and sustainable practices, align perfectly with The Leela Gandhinagar's values of excellence and innovation. We are confident his leadership will further elevate our engineering standards and operational efficiency."

image

Commenting on his new role, Prakash Shah said, "I am thrilled to join The Leela Gandhinagar and I look forward to contributing to the exceptional standards of engineering and sustainability that are integral to this iconic property. It is a privilege to be part of such a prestigious brand, and I am keen to lead the team in further enhancing the guest experience through engineering excellence."

Mr. Shah holds a diploma in electrical engineering and a certificate in electrical service technology from the Technical Examination Board in Gujarat. His commitment to excellence and energy conservation makes him an ideal fit for The Leela Gandhinagar, known for its innovative approach to hospitality and sustainability.

The Leela Gandhinagar is confident that with Mr. Shah at the helm of its engineering department, the hotel will continue to set benchmarks in operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.


Join the Breast Cancer Awareness Talk Show at Eros Hotel

Join the Breast Cancer Awareness Talk Show at Eros Hotel

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 18, 2024

In a meaningful initiative to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Eros Hotel, Nehru Place, is hosting an informative talk show on breast cancer awareness. The event, scheduled for October 21st, 2024, will be held at the Lyutens Lounge from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

The talk show will be hosted by Ms. Rekha Gulabani, a dedicated representative of the Indian Cancer Society, who has been actively working to spread awareness about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and support for those affected.

Eros Hotel aims to bring the community together in this critical effort to educate and inspire people about the importance of breast cancer awareness. With breast cancer being one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, this event provides an essential platform to learn, engage, and take action.

The hotel invites guests, local residents, and supporters to join this impactful event. Together, we can make a difference by promoting awareness and early detection, which could potentially save lives.

image

Event Details:

  • Date: October 21st, 2024
  • Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Venue: Lyutens Lounge, Eros Hotel, Nehru Place

In the words of the Eros Hotel team:
"We are excited to welcome our guests to this vital event and hope that by uniting in this mission, we can contribute to raising awareness and supporting a cause that touches many lives."

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s stand together, learn, and take action to support those impacted by breast cancer and work toward a future where early detection and effective treatment become a reality for everyone.

For more information and participation details, please contact the Eros Hotel team at Nehru Place.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.