IHG Hotels & Resorts has reached an agreement to convert 14 properties in Kyoto into its brands, adding more than 1,000 rooms to its presence in one of Japan’s most visited cities. The move gives members of the IHG One Rewards program additional places to stay and earn points in a destination that draws millions of international visitors each year. The properties are scheduled to join the portfolio on a phased basis over the coming 12 months. ([1])
Scope of the Conversion Portfolio
The 1,063-room collection consists of 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one unbranded property. All sit in central districts that place guests near major rail stations and popular cultural sites. The scale of the transaction ranks among the larger hotel rebranding efforts seen in Japan recently.
Garner, a midscale conversion brand launched three years ago, continues its fast expansion with this addition. The brand recently opened its 100th location worldwide, and the Kyoto properties will further accelerate that growth.
Existing IHG Footprint in Kyoto
IHG already operates several hotels across different price points in the city. These include the budget-oriented Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo, the midscale Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, the upscale ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, and the luxury Six Senses Kyoto. The new conversions will strengthen the company’s position in a market long dominated by domestic operators.
Management of the 14 properties will fall to GCP Hospitality, the hospitality division of Gaw Capital Group. The firm has worked with IHG on prior projects and will oversee operations after the rebranding and renovation work is complete.
Timeline and Traveler Impact
Renovations and rebranding are expected to finish in stages, with the hotels becoming available for booking progressively through the next year. Once open, the properties will feed directly into the IHG One Rewards ecosystem, allowing members to earn and redeem points across a wider range of Kyoto addresses.
Key points for travelers:
- 14 properties entering the IHG system in Kyoto
- More than 1,000 additional rooms available for points stays
- Phased openings over the next 12 months
- Locations near transport hubs and major attractions
Strategic Context for IHG
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director for Japan and Micronesia at IHG and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, noted that the agreement reflects growing owner interest in rebranding to gain access to the company’s marketing, technology, and global distribution platforms. The deal also underscores demand for international loyalty programs in the Japanese market.
For travelers planning trips to Kyoto, the expansion increases the number of reliable, points-eligible options in a city where demand often exceeds supply during peak seasons. Bookings are expected to open once each property completes its transition.
