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.


Moscow Welcomes Indian Travellers with a Month-Long “Journey to Christmas” Festival

Moscow Welcomes Indian Travellers with a Month-Long “Journey to Christmas” Festival

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

Moscow is opening its festive doors to travellers from India with the return of its much-loved “Journey to Christmas” festival, running from 12 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. Part of the larger “Winter in Moscow” project, the month-long celebration transforms Russia’s capital into a grand winter stage filled with lights, traditions, fairy tales, and seasonal cheer.

For an entire month, Moscow’s streets, squares, and boulevards come alive with sparkling decorations, festive markets, cultural performances, and the comforting aromas of holiday food. Indian travellers, who are increasingly exploring Moscow for its snow-filled winters and rich heritage, will find the festival an immersive way to experience the city’s authentic Christmas and New Year celebrations.

At Manezhnaya Square, visitors can step into the “City of Christmas Tree Ornaments”, a nostalgic market inspired by early 20th-century cotton toys. The space features classic Russian New Year characters like Ded Moroz and Snegurochka, along with vintage fairy-tale figures, mini performances, and traditional Soviet-era festive dishes. The setting feels like a walk through an old holiday storybook, perfect for photographs and family-friendly experiences.

Tverskaya Square showcases decorations inspired by Moscow’s most iconic landmarks. At its heart stands an eight-metre Christmas tree, handcrafted by local artisans and adorned with oversized hand-painted ornaments and glowing golden icicles. Miniature silhouettes of the Bolshoi Theatre, VDNH pavilions, and Kremlin towers turn the installation into a living tribute to the city’s architectural heritage.

One of the festival’s biggest highlights is the 22-metre natural fir tree at Manezhnaya Square — the city’s second-tallest after the Kremlin tree. Decorated with over 10,000 ornaments and five kilometres of lights, the tree celebrates traditional Russian festive art. Hand-painted decorations, silk pennants, silver and gold icicles, and classic cotton figurines give it a warm, nostalgic charm that appeals to visitors of all ages.

The festival offers a packed calendar of activities for children and adults alike. Young guests can enjoy hands-on workshops such as ornament making, candle crafting, glass painting, and New Year cooking studios. Visitors can also enjoy theatrical performances based on Russian fairy tales, sports zones, curling schools, and over 170 festive ice shows, including classics like Swan Lake, Snow White, and The Twelve Months.

Adding an interactive touch is the “Journey for the Dream Gift” quest, where visitors collect stamps from different festival zones and exchange them for prizes, learning about traditions from across Russia along the way.

Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy, with festive markets across the city offering traditional Russian dishes, fresh pastries, aromatic teas, signature winter drinks, and special grill menus. Tverskoy Boulevard and areas near TSUM will also host exhibitions of designer Christmas trees and artisanal gift stalls selling ceramics, handmade souvenirs, and seasonal treats. The charitable initiative “The Kind Christmas Tree” invites visitors to help fulfil holiday wishes by scanning QR codes placed on festive trees.

As the centrepiece of the “Winter in Moscow” celebrations, Journey to Christmas brings together tradition, culture, entertainment, and warm hospitality. For Indian travellers looking for a true winter holiday — complete with snow, festive markets, cultural performances, and family-friendly fun Moscow’s Christmas festival promises a memorable and magical seasonal escape.


Jockey Strengthens Youth Fashion Play with New JKY Groove™ Winter Drop

Jockey Strengthens Youth Fashion Play with New JKY Groove™ Winter Drop

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

Jockey India, operated by Page Industries Ltd, has launched the latest winter drop of its athleisure line JKY Groove™, continuing its push to strengthen connect with Gen Z consumers across India. The new collection blends everyday comfort with fresh seasonal tones and relaxed silhouettes that mirror the easygoing style of today’s youth.

Designed for the winter season, the latest drop features a curated range of modern essentials for both men and women. The collection includes oversized T-shirts, hybrid sweatshirts, wide-leg pants, and utility-inspired pieces, all crafted using comfort-focused fabrics and functional design details.imageThe new range reflects how athleisure has become a key part of youth culture, shaped by relaxed dressing, streetwear influences, and the growing preference for versatile, functional clothing. For Gen Z, fashion is not just about comfort but also self-expression, a shift that JKY Groove™ aims to address through trend-right colours and contemporary silhouettes.

Speaking on the launch, Nihal Rajan, Chief Marketing Officer, Jockey India, said, JKY Groove™ has quickly become one of our strongest youth propositions, and this drop builds on that momentum. We’re sharpening silhouettes, refreshing the colour palette, and focusing on functionality to match how young consumers style themselves across college, work, travel, and social settings.”

The latest JKY Groove™ collection is now available at select Jockey Exclusive Brand Outlets, leading online marketplaces, and on www.jockey.in, with a focused rollout across major metro cities. Supporting the launch is a youth-centric, multi-platform campaign featuring an energetic brand film, strong digital storytelling, and immersive in-store experiences aimed at spotlighting the collection’s blend of comfort, versatility, and modern style.


Comfort Meets Craft at Anardana with a Winter Menu Inspired by Indian Classics

Comfort Meets Craft at Anardana with a Winter Menu Inspired by Indian Classics

By Hariharan U

Published on December 16, 2025

As winter sets in, Anardana welcomes the season with a specially curated Winter Menu that celebrates India’s much-loved seasonal dishes, reimagined with a contemporary approach. Rooted in freshness and familiar flavours, the menu reflects the restaurant’s focus on comfort-driven food crafted with care and balance.

The winter offering opens with the Lamb Bone Marrow Soup, a slow-simmered broth that delivers deep, layered flavours and comforting warmth, making it a perfect start to a cold evening. For those who enjoy rich yet delicate preparations, the Murgh Methi Malai stands out with tender chicken gently cooked with fenugreek and malai, finished with charcoal parmesan shards that add a subtle smoky note.

Vegetarian diners can enjoy the Tandoori Broccoli with Masoor Dal Hummus, where smoky, tandoor-roasted broccoli is paired with a smooth and mildly spiced lentil hummus. The dish brings together familiar Indian flavours with a modern presentation, offering balance and depth in every bite.

A true winter favourite, Makke di Roti and Sarson da Saag, anchors the menu with nostalgia and warmth, capturing the essence of the season and the comfort of traditional Indian kitchens.

To complement the food, Anardana also introduces winter beverages designed to warm and soothe. The Anardana Special Mulled Wine is served warm with citrus and spice notes, while the Kashmiri Kahwa offers a lighter option with saffron, green tea, and almonds.

Every dish on the Winter Menu reflects Anardana’s philosophy of honouring Indian culinary heritage while adding thoughtful, contemporary touches. The result is a dining experience that feels familiar, comforting, and quietly elevated — ideal for the winter months.

Address: Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

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