IHG’s Garner Brand Crosses 100 Hotels, India Becomes Growth Focus

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced that its midscale conversion brand, Garner hotels, has reached 100 operational hotels worldwide since its launch in August 2023, making it the fastest-scaling brand in the company’s portfolio.

The milestone reflects the increasing demand for conversion-led hotel models, with Garner positioned to offer a cost-efficient and flexible development approach for owners. The brand is supported by a pipeline of nearly 80 additional properties globally, which is expected to expand its footprint across existing and new markets significantly.

In India, Garner has begun establishing an early presence, with five signed properties including Garner Etawah, Garner Kathua, Garner Bhiwadi, and Garner Kutch. The brand’s entry aligns with rising demand for midscale accommodation across emerging business hubs and secondary cities, where value-driven offerings are gaining traction among both developers and travellers.

Globally, Garner has active or pipeline hotels across 12 countries, including India. The brand’s growth is supported by a broader industry trend favouring conversions, which accounted for 52 percent of all IHG room openings in 2025. Its operating model focuses on reduced cost-per-key, simplified design requirements, lower pre-opening expenses, and faster turnaround timelines. In some cases, properties have completed conversion cycles in just over a month from signing to opening.

The expansion strategy also highlights India as a priority market within IHG’s South West Asia operations, given the country’s evolving midscale hospitality segment and increasing demand for standardized yet affordable stays.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, "Garner reaching 100 hotels globally in such a short span highlights the strong relevance of the brand’s proposition for both owners and guests worldwide. In India, we are already seeing that momentum translate into owner confidence, with five hotels signed and more in active discussion. Garner’s flexible and cost-efficient model is well suited to support the continued evolution of India’s midscale hospitality landscape while strengthening IHG’s mainstream portfolio in the country. This is just the beginning for Garner."

Garner’s positioning is centered on delivering essential services, targeting travellers seeking reliable accommodation at accessible price points. The product framework includes standardised room features, functional workspaces, and core amenities such as comfortable bedding and breakfast options, catering to both business and leisure demand.

With the brand’s global base established, IHG is expected to continue expanding Garner across high-growth regions, with India likely to see gradual scale-up driven by owner-led conversions and demand in non-metro markets.