IHG to bring voco hotels to Mexico

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed two new voco hotels in Guadalajara and Saltillo, Mexico. The signings mark the introduction of the upscale hospitality brand to the Mexico market, and an extension of its global reach beyond its current foothold in major cities in the U.S., Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

Scheduled to open later this year under the ownership of Vertex Ophthalmic Group, the voco hotel Guadalajara Neruda will occupy five floors of the 11-story Neruda 2828 mixed-use project within the city’s financial district. It will feature 104 guestrooms; a neighborhood restaurant and bar; rooftop terrace; and business and fitness centers.

Jorge Celis, COO, Vertex Ophthalmic Group, said, “The new voco hotel is an ideal fit for the Guadalajara Neruda complex, which will bring a modern vibe and a host of professional, commercial and leisure visitors to the area. We are honored to open Mexico’s first voco hotel in Guadalajara and offer our guests a high-quality, special and memorable experience.”

The voco hotel Saltillo is projected to open in 2023, with owner and developer American Hotels Group leading the conversion of a property originally built as an independent hotel in 2006. Located among Saltillo’s automotive and manufacturing district and adjacent to the American Sports Center recreation complex, voco hotel Saltillo will feature 125 guest suites, more than 700 sq. ft. of meeting space, a fitness center, indoor pool, a restaurant and a bar.

Juan Carlos Saade, general director, American Hotels Group, said, “Whether visiting for business or recreation, guests of voco Saltillo will enjoy a unique blend of the familiar feels of home and the curiosity and potential for discovery of the area. We look forward to working with the IHG team to open and grow this hotel.”

German Ongay, regional VP development, Mexico, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said, “voco hotels maintain the local character and history of an independent hotel, paired with the quality and reassurance of a respected global brand. Guadalajara and Saltillo are the ideal locations to introduce our newest and fastest-growing premium brand to Mexico, and we are thrilled to partner with Vertex Ophthalmic Group and American Hotels Group to make these two properties a reality.”