Kyoto continues to attract travelers drawn to its layered history of temples, seasonal gardens, and refined cultural practices that have endured for centuries. IHG Hotels & Resorts has entered an agreement to convert 14 existing properties in the city, adding new lodging choices across several of its brands. The portfolio totals 1,063 rooms and targets key districts near major transport links and popular attractions. ([1])
Scope of the Conversion Agreement
The properties include twelve Garner hotels, one Holiday Inn Express, and one unbranded hotel. All sit in locations chosen for convenient access to Kyoto’s transport network and its most visited cultural sites. The arrangement represents one of the larger conversion deals Japan has seen in recent years and reflects growing owner interest in rebranding to established international platforms.
GCP Hospitality, the hospitality division of Gaw Capital Group, will manage the properties once conversions are complete. This continues an existing partnership between the two organizations. The move also supports the ongoing development of the Garner brand, which launched three years earlier and recently reached its 100th global opening.
IHG’s Established Presence in the City
IHG already operates several properties in Kyoto that span different price points and service levels. These range from the more accessible Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo and Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma to the ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto and the upscale Six Senses Kyoto. The new conversions will increase the company’s overall capacity and visibility within a market long served primarily by domestic operators.
Travelers familiar with IHG’s portfolio will recognize the range of experiences these additions can support, from straightforward midscale stays to more distinctive properties. The expanded selection aligns with the varied ways visitors approach the city, whether for shorter cultural visits or longer seasonal explorations.
Timeline, Management, and Guest Benefits
Renovations and rebranding will occur on a phased schedule, with openings expected across the coming twelve months. Once complete, the hotels are anticipated to join the IHG One Rewards program, allowing members to earn and redeem points at the new locations. Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director for Japan and Micronesia at IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, noted that the agreement gives owners rapid access to the company’s marketing, technology, and distribution resources along with the reach of the global loyalty program.
For travelers, the practical outcome is a broader set of options in a destination where demand remains steady throughout the year. Properties positioned near transport hubs can simplify movement between temples, gardens, and neighborhoods, while the loyalty integration offers continuity for repeat visitors who value consistent recognition and redemption opportunities. The phased rollout means availability will increase gradually rather than all at once, giving planners time to monitor specific openings that match their travel windows.
Looking Ahead for Visitors to Kyoto
The addition of these hotels occurs against a backdrop of sustained interest in Kyoto’s distinctive blend of heritage and contemporary life. Properties that emphasize proximity to both transport and cultural landmarks can support more measured, less rushed itineraries that respect the city’s rhythms. As the conversions progress, travelers will gain additional choices that fit different budgets and preferences while remaining within the same loyalty ecosystem.
This development underscores how international hospitality groups continue to invest in established destinations through thoughtful conversions rather than new builds alone. For those planning future journeys, the expanded inventory offers one more avenue to engage with Kyoto on its own terms.
AI Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by a human editor.