IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has opened the first Garner hotel less than three months after the midscale conversion brand’s launch.
Located in the Seattle suburb of Auburn, WA, Garner Auburn – Seattle’s accelerated conversion and reopening signifies owners’ recognition of the brand’s strength, revenue potential and offer for travelers in the midscale space, the company reports.
The 95-room hotel offers a complimentary “Make it Yours” hot breakfast bar, flavor-infused water at check-in and a cookie ‘happy hour.’ It is hotel also is conveniently located near many of the area’s most visited entertainment venues and business campuses.
The property will operate under the ownership and oversight of S1 Hospitality Management, a locally based full-service hotel and franchise management company. The hotel marks the first for S1 Hospitality Management within the IHG brand family.
Andy Cho, president, S1 Hospitality Management, said, “We’re honored to collaborate with IHG to introduce the first Garner hotel to the Auburn community and the world. The Garner brand is an ideal fit to capitalize on the growing potential in the midscale market, and we have no doubt this hotel will become both a leading choice for guests seeking a high-quality stay and a blueprint for future owners wanting a flexible conversion option.”
The opening of hotel is the first of several planned for the midscale conversion brand in the coming months. With a goal to expand globally in 2024, IHG expects the brand to reach an estate of more than 500 hotels during the next 10 years and 1,000 hotels during the next 20 years in the U.S. alone.
Jolyon Bulley, CEO – Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “The debut of Garner hotels less than three months after its launch speaks volumes about the hard work of our team to bring the brand to life, and the interest of owners to become part of a transformational conversion offering in the midscale space. Garner Auburn – Seattle is just the beginning of a great journey ahead for our 19th brand and underlines our track record for launching and growing brands successfully.”