IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced a landmark portfolio agreement with long-term partner GCP Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Gaw Capital Group.
The milestone deal covers 14 hotels in Kyoto, totalling 1,063 rooms.
The portfolio includes 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express and one currently unbranded hotel.
All 14 properties will undergo conversion. Renovations and rebranding will take place in phases, with openings scheduled across the next 12 months.
The programme will introduce the signature experiences and brand standards of Garner and Holiday Inn Express to the portfolio.
One of Japan’s Largest Recent Hotel Conversion Deals
The agreement represents one of the largest hotel conversion portfolio deals signed in Japan in recent years.
It also highlights the strong growth momentum of Garner, IHG’s midscale conversion brand.
Garner has become IHG’s fastest-ever brand to scale globally. The brand recently celebrated reaching 100 open hotels since its launch in August 2023.
Meanwhile, the agreement also marks the signing of IHG’s third Holiday Inn Express hotel in Japan.
The existing two properties are Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre – Midosuji and Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino.
IHG Strengthens Its Position in Kyoto
The expansion will further strengthen IHG’s presence in Kyoto.
Its existing portfolio in the city spans the Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium and Essentials segments.
Current properties include Six Senses Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo and Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma.
With this latest agreement, IHG will further strengthen its position as one of the largest international hotel companies operating in Kyoto.
Growing Confidence in Garner in Japan
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said:
“This is a true milestone signing for IHG in Japan with one of our long-term partners, GCP Hospitality.
“With this agreement, we are expanding our mainstream presence quickly in Japan, reflecting both the strength of our brands and the growing confidence of owners in our business and our strong in-market team.
“Following the successful Garner brand launch in Japan around 18 months ago in Osaka, this deal demonstrates the growing interest from owners to rebrand hotels and benefit from quick access to IHG’s leading enterprise, including our marketing, technology and distribution platforms, and the scale of IHG One Rewards globally.
“We are just starting to tap into Garner’s full growth potential in Japan as the business hotel segment is underpenetrated by international brands.
“There is an opportunity to grow across the country in this space, and we are ready to work on more portfolios.
“We look forward to introducing the brand’s offering to more owners and travellers in the years ahead.”
GCP Hospitality to Lead Management of the Portfolio
Erwann Mahé, CEO of GCP Hospitality, commented:
“Building on GCP Hospitality’s successful track record in Japan, we are pleased to expand our partnership with IHG through this historic portfolio agreement.
“GCP Hospitality has been appointed to lead the management team across the 14-hotel portfolio, supported by IHG’s global scale, brand strength and distribution capabilities as we reposition the portfolio in one of Japan’s most important tourism markets.”
Hotels Located Across Key Kyoto Districts
Kyoto remains one of Japan’s most sought-after destinations.
The city attracts strong international and domestic demand throughout the year.
All hotels in the portfolio are located across key districts, including areas around Kyoto Station, Shijo and Gojo.
As a result, guests will remain close to major transport hubs as well as some of Kyoto’s most popular cultural and tourism attractions.
Garner Targets Japan’s Business Hotel Market
IHG introduced Garner to Japan in 2025 with the opening of three hotels in Osaka.
The brand plays a distinctive role in Japan’s hotel landscape. It offers an affordable, high-quality option for both business and leisure travellers.
Japan’s well-established business hotel segment is known for efficient and functional properties that maintain consistently high standards.
However, domestic operators have traditionally dominated the sector.
That creates a significant opportunity for international brands.
IHG’s growing presence through Garner is therefore distinctive within Japan’s business hotel market and signals further potential for expansion across the country.
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