IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with GCP Hospitality to renovate and reposition 14 hotels comprising 1,063 rooms in Kyoto, Japan. Most of the portfolio will operate under the Garner brand.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a new portfolio agreement with its long-term partner GCP Hospitality covering 14 hotels in Kyoto. Described as one of Japan’s largest hotel conversion deals in recent years, the portfolio comprises 1,063 rooms.

According to IHG, the portfolio includes 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express and one unbranded property. All 14 hotels will undergo renovation and conversion work, with phased reopenings planned over the next 12 months.

Garner at the centre of the portfolio

The agreement will significantly expand IHG’s presence in Japan’s business hotel market. Twelve of the properties will operate under Garner, the group’s midscale conversion brand.

Garner enables existing hotels to join an international hotel system within a relatively short period and gain access to IHG’s marketing, technology, distribution and loyalty programme infrastructure. The brand targets both business and leisure travellers seeking affordable accommodation.

IHG introduced Garner to Japan in 2025 with three hotels in Osaka. Launched globally in August 2023, the brand has since reached 100 open hotels worldwide.

Third Holiday Inn Express in Japan

The Holiday Inn Express included in the Kyoto portfolio will become the brand’s third hotel in Japan. IHG’s other Holiday Inn Express properties in the country are Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre-Midosuji and Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino.

Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director for Japan and Micronesia at IHG, said international brands remain underrepresented in Japan’s established business hotel market, leaving significant room for Garner to expand across the country.

Japan’s business hotel market has traditionally been dominated by domestic operators offering efficient and functional accommodation. IHG’s expansion through Garner reflects the growing interest among international hotel groups in entering the market by converting existing properties.

Properties located across key areas of Kyoto

The hotels covered by the agreement are spread across several parts of Kyoto, including areas around Kyoto Station, Shijo and Gojo. The properties are located close to major transport links and some of the city’s leading cultural and tourism attractions.

The new portfolio will complement IHG’s existing properties in Kyoto: Six Senses Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo and Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. Once the conversion programme is completed, IHG will become one of the largest international hotel companies operating in Kyoto.

GCP Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Gaw Capital Group, will lead the management team across the 14-hotel portfolio. The properties are expected to reopen in phases over the coming year following renovation and rebranding.