IHG Hotels & Resorts boosts growth of UK & Ireland portfolio with addition of 900 rooms

Windsor, UK - IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, continues to deliver accelerated growth across its UK & Ireland (UK&I) market with the signing of eight hotels, adding more than 900 rooms in key locations such as Leeds, London and Reading.

The hotels span brands such as Hotel Indigo in IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio and Crowne Plaza in its Premium space, to the market’s first signings for IHG’s Garner hotels, which launched 18 months ago as part of the group’s Essentials collection. The signings notably increase IHG’s UK&I footprint, where it has 362* open hotels and a pipeline of 25 properties.

According to a report from Cushman & Wakefield, UK hotel investment hit a five-year high by the end of 2024, and with the continued decline in the number of new developments breaking ground since 2020, the focus on conversion opportunities has been reinforced. This is reflected by the growth seen by IHG’s premium conversion brand, voco, whose UK&I pipeline is currently almost half the size of its open hotels, as well as new midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, whose UK&I pipeline is triple its open hotel footprint.

IHG also sees continued appetite and investment in its well-known brands such as Hotel Indigo, which aims to immerse guests in authentic experiences and forge genuine connections, with its 19 open hotels in must-visit destinations across UK&I. Additionally, IHG’s Holiday Inn Express brand, with more than 146* open UK&I hotels, launched its new Generation 5 public space design at the start of the year to embrace a more lifestyle-oriented experience.

2024 was a truly exciting year for growth across our UK&I portfolio, where high demand for our brands led to growth across all our brand segments together with our trusted partners. This growth is powered by our strong enterprise which positions IHG as the first choice for owners as well as the guests we welcome, and colleagues who work with us. From innovating our brands and new hotel technology, to the ever-increasing appeal and growth of our IHG One Rewards loyalty programme, we continuously look to deepen guest experiences and deliver more business to our hotels.

I am particularly encouraged to see two new IHG hotels come to London – a city where we are seeing healthy growth. All of this fantastic progress positions us well for a successful long-term future across the country, and I look forward to seeing us welcome guests to all of these wonderful hotels. Joanna Kurowska, VP and Managing Director UK & Ireland, IHG Hotels & Resorts

The latest signings span all corners of the UK:

Luxury and lifestyle

• Hotel Indigo Leeds: Located in the bustling city centre and featuring 107 guest rooms, Hotel Indigo Leeds is signed with Belfont Hotels Ltd. Scheduled to open in Q2 2025, this property, which has undergone a full renovation, converts from the oldest hotel in the city, and will offer a stylish stay catering to those seeking a central Leeds location.

Premium

• voco London – Marylebone: Signed and opened in the second half of 2024, travellers seeking a refined stay in London can head to voco London – Marylebone – the first hotel for the brand in the capital city. Owned by J Marylebone Limited and operated by RBH, this hotel offers 93 guest rooms and combines charm, comfort and an inviting experience with the reliability of a global brand.
• voco Corby: Expected to open in late 2025, voco Rockingham Forest Corby will offer 104 guest rooms, a stylish bar, restaurant and the largest events space in the local area suitable for celebratory events and corporate meetings alike. This conversion hotel will be well-situated near the 1,000-year-old Rockingham Castle and Corby, a town that has undergone vast regeneration in the last decade. Owned by Avidity Hotels (Corby) Ltd, the property will undergo a full refurbishment.
• Crowne Plaza East Midlands Airport: Located adjacent to East Midlands Airport, this 114-room conversion hotel has been signed with Yew Lodge Limited, their first with IHG. With an anticipated opening in Q2 2025, this hotel will provide seamless airport access, 17 meeting rooms, a Marco-Pierre restaurant and a fitness suite.

Essentials

• Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury: Signed in the second half of 2024 and opened at the start of March, the hotel is operated by KRO Hospitality. Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury is a contemporary hotel with 80 stylish guestrooms spread across three floors as well as several F&B options including the Village Brasserie, offering locally sourced British cuisine, and the Lounge Bar providing a relaxed atmosphere for socialising or unwinding.
• Garner Hotel Reading – City Centre: Garner Reading – City Centre is set to be a 53-room conversion hotel signed with Nilvip Hotels. Expected to open in early 2025, the hotel is located in a listed traditional townhouse and features coveted town centre parking space.
• Garner Hotel Nottingham – City Centre: Garner Nottingham – City Centre is a 100-room conversion hotel signed with Harpine Investments Limited, expected to open in Q4 2025. Found in the heart of the city – which is the ninth largest in the UK – the hotel features a bar and reception area, breakfast space and a bright, naturally lit environment for guests.
• Holiday Inn Express London – Woolwich: Converting from a five-storey office building, the 265-room Holiday Inn Express London – Woolwich has been signed with Riverside House East Limited. Set to open in late 2029, the hotel will become a flagship for the Holiday Inn Express brand in London, offering three different room types, including urban, standard, and suites – providing excellent options for guests visiting London’s Royal Borough of Greenwich.

IHG has 362* hotels currently in operation across the UK and Ireland, and a further 25* in development spanning across its brand portfolio. This year, IHG will see the opening of properties such as Garner Preston, Garner Reading – City Centre, voco London Marylebone, Hotel Indigo Leeds and more. This is a testament of our commitment to sustainable growth in the UK&I as both our home market and the largest market within Europe.

*Numbers as at 31 December 2024 unless otherwise stated