IHG Signs 14 Hotels in Kyoto with GCP Hospitality

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a 14-property conversion portfolio deal in Kyoto, Japan, alongside long-term partner GCP Hospitality, adding 1,063 rooms to the city. The agreement comprises 12 Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one unbranded asset, with phased rebrandings opening over the next 12 months [1].

What are the details of the 14-hotel Kyoto agreement?

The agreement between IHG Hotels & Resorts and GCP Hospitality, the hospitality management arm of Gaw Capital Group, covers 14 properties across Kyoto totalling 1,063 rooms, according to eHotelier [1]. All 14 assets will undergo conversion and phased rebrandings within the next 12 months to embed brand hallmarks [1]. GCP Hospitality will lead the on-the-ground management team across the entire portfolio [1].

The portfolio breakdown consists of 12 midscale Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express property, and one unbranded hotel [1]. This agreement marks one of the largest hotel conversion portfolio transactions completed in Japan in recent years [1].

Where are the properties located in Kyoto?

The 14 hotels are positioned in primary commercial and tourism districts across Kyoto, including areas surrounding Kyoto Station, Shijo, and Gojo [1]. According to eHotelier, these locations place the properties near major transport interchanges, cultural destinations, and high-footfall tourist districts [1].

The newly signed assets will join IHG's existing footprint in Kyoto across various tiers, which already includes Six Senses Kyoto, ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo, and Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma [1]. This expansion establishes IHG as one of the largest international operators in the Kyoto market [1].

How does this deal advance IHG's mainstream strategy in Japan?

This transaction accelerates IHG's expansion into Japan's domestic business hotel segment, a category traditionally dominated by domestic operators rather than international chains, as reported by eHotelier [1]. IHG debuted the midscale conversion brand Garner in Japan in 2025 by opening three properties in Osaka [1].

Garner represents IHG's fastest-scaling brand globally, reaching 100 open hotels worldwide since its initial launch in August 2023 [1]. The Kyoto deal also introduces IHG's third Holiday Inn Express in Japan, complementing existing operations at Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre – Midosuji and Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino [1].

Why are conversion brands gaining traction in Japan?

Owners are seeking conversion brands to secure rapid integration into international distribution networks, marketing systems, and the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme [1]. According to Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director for Japan & Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts, the business hotel segment in Japan remains underpenetrated by international hotel groups, creating opportunities for multi-asset conversion packages across the country [1].

GCP Hospitality CEO Erwann Mahé noted that the management group will reposition the assets in Kyoto supported by IHG's enterprise distribution and brand reach, catering to sustained domestic and international visitor traffic [1].