Japan Welcomes IHG's Garner Hotels: A Milestone in Midscale Hospitality

Japan Welcomes IHG's Garner Hotels: A Milestone in Midscale Hospitality

By Author

Published on January 23, 2024

IHG, a titan in the hospitality industry, is gearing up to widen its horizons in Japan with the introduction of its first Garner branded properties. This strategic move, detailed in a press release on HospitalityNet, marks a significant expansion of IHG's portfolio in the Land of the Rising Sun.

A Strategic Partnership for Expansion

The expansion is set to take place in the latter half of this year, starting with three properties in Osaka, which will contribute over 500 rooms to IHG's growing Japanese estate. This venture springs from a letter of intent signed between IHG and Axe Management Partners, symbolising Garner's highly anticipated debut in Japan.

Sam Lau on the Japan Market

Sam Lau, the founder and managing partner of Axe Management Partners, expressed strong confidence in the Japanese real estate and hospitality sectors. He sees a continuous robust market trend and plans further investments in various asset classes, including hospitality, to augment their global portfolio.

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Enhancing the Osaka Properties

Before rebranding under Garner, the three Osaka properties will undergo extensive renovations. These updates aim to elevate the guest experience from arrival to departure, touching upon common areas and guest rooms. This transformation is in line with Garner's ethos, which prioritises guest convenience and value.

Garner's Promise: Comfort and Connectivity

Garner's properties in Osaka will provide an array of guest-focused benefits, such as complimentary breakfast, lobby coffee, and round-the-clock access to snacks at the Garner Shop. Furthermore, guests can enjoy the perks of the IHG One Rewards programme, which includes late check-out, room upgrades, and Milestone Rewards.

Garner's Ambitious Growth Plan

Launched in August 2023, Garner targets a massive expansion, aiming for over 500 hotels in the next decade and 1,000 properties in the following 20 years. The brand made its debut with a hotel in Seattle and now, with its first international letter of intent for Japan, it’s set to become a global player in the midscale hotel segment.

Prime Locations in Osaka

The upcoming Garner hotels in Osaka boast prime locations near key attractions and transport hubs. They are conveniently situated close to the Midosuji shopping street, Dotonbori entertainment area, and Honmachi Station, making them ideal for both leisure and business travellers. Additionally, their proximity to Kansai International and Itami airports, and the 2025 World Expo site on Yumeshima Island, adds to their appeal.

As IHG embarks on this exciting new chapter with Garner in Japan, it’s clear that they are not just opening hotels – they are creating gateways to experiences, comfort, and connectivity, catering to the needs and expectations of modern travellers.


Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, Introduces Kaveri Grills at WelcomCafe Jacaranda

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, Introduces Kaveri Grills at WelcomCafe Jacaranda

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru, invites guests to experience the culinary spirit of southern India with the launch of Kaveri Grills, a special promotion running from 14th to 23rd November 2025 at WelcomCafe Jacaranda.

Inspired by the nurturing flow of the Kaveri River, this unique dining experience pays homage to the waters that sustain the region’s culture, cuisine, and communities. Guests can savour a handpicked selection of river-fresh seafood, grilled to perfection at a live counter, celebrating the authentic flavours of southern India with a refined touch.

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The menu blends local ingredients and traditional cooking styles with the signature craftsmanship of ITC Hotels, offering a feast that is both comforting and contemporary. Complementing this special curation is a revamped dinner buffet, featuring a wide array of Indian and international favourites, crafted with the care, precision, and sustainability ITC Hotels are known for.

Every evening, the aroma of freshly grilled delicacies fills the air, transforming WelcomCafe Jacaranda into a riverside-inspired haven that captures the spirit of the Kaveri in every bite.

Guests can indulge in this immersive dining experience between 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

For reservations, please call +91 9840535520 (9 AM – 11 PM) or email mytable.whbengaluru@itchotels.com.


Zuper Resorts Unveils Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal

Zuper Resorts Unveils Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

Zuper Resorts proudly announces the opening of Empire – The Majestic Stay of Bhopal, a luxurious new destination in Bakaniya, located just an hour’s drive from Bhopal. Designed to capture the natural beauty of its surroundings while offering refined comfort, Empire represents a new benchmark in leisure hospitality for Central India.

Set across twelve acres of lush greenery, the resort greets guests with a sense of space, serenity, and understated elegance. With 38 well-appointed accommodations including 2 Tulip Exclusive Rooms, 2 Lillian Exclusive Rooms, 17 Magnolia Rooms, and 17 Azalea Rooms, each features a private portico that opens to panoramic views of the landscape.

Guests can indulge their taste buds at Savor, the resort’s all-day multi-cuisine restaurant serving global favourites, or unwind at Chaska, a stylish rooftop brasserie with expansive views and an inviting ambiance. For intimate gatherings, a private dining room seating up to 12 guests offers an ideal setting for celebrations and conversations.

The resort also features a bar with expertly crafted cocktails, indoor recreation facilities such as carrom and table tennis, and a well-equipped fitness area. Every detail at Empire is designed to provide comfort, modernity, and a deep connection to nature.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Akaal Singh Manchanda, Director of Zuper Hotels & Resorts, shared, “Empire by Zuper is a refreshing perspective to hospitality and reveals an unseen side of India. It is more than a resort, it’s a landmark where design and world-class comfort culminate. This is one of our most progressive ventures yet, positioning the region prominently on India’s leisure map.”

He added, “Empire stands out as one of the finest resorts in Bhopal, ideal for weddings, private gatherings, and grand celebrations. Thoughtfully crafted for the people of Bhopal, the resort blends luxurious spaces with warm hospitality to make every stay truly memorable.”

About Zuper Hotels & Resorts

Zuper Resorts is a reputed hospitality management company known for curating boutique resorts and premium getaways across Maharashtra and beyond. With over a decade of expertise, Zuper has built a strong reputation in leisure and event hospitality, managing weddings, corporate events, and exclusive celebrations with precision and creativity.


SAii Phi Phi Island Village Launches New “Astro Moments” to Bring Guests Closer to the Stars

SAii Phi Phi Island Village Launches New “Astro Moments” to Bring Guests Closer to the Stars

By Hariharan U

Published on November 12, 2025

SAii Phi Phi Island Village, part of SAii Hotels & Resorts, has unveiled an enhanced version of its popular “Astro Moments” experience, a stargazing-inspired escape that connects guests with the cosmos on the resort’s private beach.

Following the recent repositioning of SAii Hotels & Resorts as a lifestyle brand centred on the belief that peace of mind is the ultimate luxury, this new chapter of Astro Moments combines scientific discovery with soulful relaxation.

Once a month, on Saturday evenings during the third week, guests gather on the island’s pristine stretch of sand for guided stargazing sessions led by astronomy experts from the BCIS Planetarium in Phuket. With clear skies most of the year and almost no light pollution, the resort’s remote location offers perfect conditions for spotting constellations, planets, and other celestial wonders through a telescope.

As twilight sets in, guests can choose to elevate the evening with a Starry Picnic by the Beach, a romantic basket of gourmet bites and celestial-themed drinks. The curated hamper includes Asian-inspired delights like tortilla wraps with wok-minced chicken and chilli basil, and herb-marinated pork neck, complemented by sparkling wine.

Adding a personal touch, the resort has also introduced a Zodiac-to-Experience Guide, helping guests discover activities that match their astrological signs. Adventurous Aries can explore kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkelling vibrant reefs; nurturing Cancers are encouraged to reconnect with nature through forest walks and marine discoveries; and focused Capricorns can unwind with sea-view spa rituals or wellness sessions overlooking the horizon.

Bart Callens, Cluster General Manager, SAii Phi Phi Island Village & SAii Laguna Phuket, shared, “A cherished haven for nature lovers, SAii Phi Phi Island Village continues to create experiences that resonate deeply, inviting guests to reconnect with themselves and the natural world, one starry night at a time. Whether one is drawn to the science of astronomy or the spirit of astrology, the stars offer the perfect guide.”

The stargazing sessions are complimentary for in-house guests, while the Starry Picnic by the Beach can be booked for an additional charge.

For reservations or more information, visit SAii Phi Phi Astro Moments

About SAii Hotels & Resorts:

SAii Hotels & Resorts is an upper-upscale lifestyle brand by Thailand-based S Hotels and Resorts PCL, known for blending sustainable hospitality with heartfelt service. The brand redefines affordable luxury through personalised experiences set amidst serene, nature-inspired destinations in Thailand and the Maldives.

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