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.


Taj Chandigarh Secures EarthCheck Platinum for 13 Years

Taj Chandigarh Secures EarthCheck Platinum for 13 Years

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 27, 2026

Taj Chandigarh has marked a major milestone by achieving the EarthCheck Platinum Certification for 13 consecutive years. This recognition highlights the hotel’s consistent efforts towards sustainability and responsible operations, setting it apart as a leader in eco-conscious hospitality.

The certification is awarded by EarthCheck, a globally recognised scientific benchmarking and certification body for the travel and tourism sector. Earning Platinum status is a significant achievement, given that it requires at least 10 continuous years of verified performance across key sustainability measures. By maintaining this level for 13 years, Taj Chandigarh has gone beyond the standard and strengthened its position in responsible hospitality.

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This achievement also reflects the larger vision of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), under which Taj Chandigarh operates. Across its portfolio, IHCL has focused on reducing energy use, conserving water, and cutting down waste, all while ensuring a high-quality guest experience. The EarthCheck framework also aligns with global sustainability goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making these efforts part of a broader purpose.

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Speaking on the milestone, Surinder Singh, Area Director – Operations & General Manager, Taj Chandigarh, said,

“Achieving EarthCheck Platinum Certification for 13 consecutive years is a proud milestone for us. It reflects our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality. At Taj Chandigarh, we believe that luxury and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand and this recognition reinforces our continued efforts towards creating a greener future.”

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Ankur Sharma, Chief Engineer, Taj Chandigarh, added, “This achievement is the result of consistent efforts, innovation and a strong focus on resource efficiency. From energy conservation to water management and waste reduction, our teams work tirelessly to ensure that sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our operations. We remain committed to enhancing our practices and setting new benchmarks in environmental performance.”

With travellers increasingly looking for responsible and sustainable choices, recognitions like this build trust and confidence. Taj Chandigarh’s continued success with EarthCheck Platinum not only celebrates a long-standing achievement but also sets a strong example for the hospitality industry, showing that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.


The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

The Leela Gandhinagar Introduces E-Cycle Experience to Promote Sustainable Luxury

By Hariharan U

Published on April 26, 2026

Marking Earth Day, The Leela Gandhinagar has introduced an immersive e-cycle experience in collaboration with Svitch, reinforcing its focus on sustainability-led luxury.

The initiative is designed to offer guests a low-impact, mindful way to explore Gandhinagar, encouraging slower, more conscious travel while reducing carbon footprint. By integrating eco-friendly mobility into the guest journey, the hotel continues to position sustainability as a core element of its hospitality experience.

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Set against the city’s serene surroundings, the e-cycle experience allows guests to engage more deeply with their environment, blending wellbeing, exploration, and environmental responsibility. The offering reflects a broader shift in luxury travel, where guests are increasingly seeking experiences that are both meaningful and sustainable.

Commenting on the initiative, Vikas Sood, General Manager, highlighted the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that are enriching while embedding responsible practices into everyday operations.

The launch was complemented by an Earth Day cyclethon, bringing together guests, hotel associates, and members of the local community. The activity aimed to foster a shared sense of responsibility towards sustainable living, while encouraging active participation in eco-conscious initiatives.

Following the ride, guests experienced the hotel’s signature Aujasya breakfast, aligning the sustainability narrative with wellness-focused dining.

Through initiatives like this, The Leela Gandhinagar continues to evolve the concept of responsible luxury, where sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the guest experience, enhancing both comfort and awareness.


WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa Elevates Luxury Escapes in Kasauli

By Hariharan U

Published on April 25, 2026

WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa is redefining luxury getaways in the hills with its expansive offering set amidst the scenic Kasauli Hills.

Perched in the lush Shivalik range, the resort blends natural beauty with refined hospitality, offering guests a tranquil escape marked by panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and a thoughtfully curated luxury experience. Designed as a sanctuary for relaxation, the property combines modern amenities with a serene setting that encourages guests to unwind at a leisurely pace.

Operated under the WelcomHeritage umbrella since December 2022, the resort has positioned itself as a full-scale five-star destination in Solan. With 93 well-appointed rooms, the property caters to a wide range of travellers, offering accommodation options that include deluxe rooms, suites, family-friendly cottages, and an exclusive four-bedroom luxury villa.

The resort is equipped with a comprehensive range of amenities, including a luxury spa and salon, wellness centre, and an all-weather heated indoor swimming pool, along with a dedicated children’s pool. These features ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for guests across seasons.

Beyond leisure stays, the property has also emerged as a preferred venue for destination weddings, corporate conferences, and large-scale events, supported by its expansive layout and premium infrastructure.

The design philosophy strikes a balance between modern sophistication and timeless charm, creating a space that feels both elegant and inviting. From intimate vacations to grand celebrations, the resort offers an environment that blends comfort with understated luxury.

With its scenic location, comprehensive facilities, and focus on guest experience, WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa stands out as a premier mountain retreat, offering travellers a refined escape in the hills.

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