IHG adds 13 upscale hotels to UK portfolio

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has announced it is to expand its luxury and upscale estate in the UK by 13 hotels.

IHG has entered into a conditional agreement with Foncière des Régions (‘FdR’), to rebrand and operate 12 high quality open hotels and one pipeline hotel (185 rooms) into its portfolio across the UK.

This deal will establish IHG as the leading luxury hotel operator in the UK, taking its offering to more than 2,200 rooms.

The hotels will be rebranded under its leading luxury boutique brand, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, with hotels located in major city centres, including London, Manchester and Edinburgh.  

The agreement forms part of IHG’s plans to take the brand global, building on the first signings for Asia and China last year, and is aimed to be a catalyst for Kimpton’s growth in Europe.

The brand, principally focused on conversion opportunities, will offer consumers an “informal but differentiated experience in the upscale segment, whilst offering owners a strong return on investment”.  

These hotels will provide representation for the brand in IHG’s largest market within the Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa (EMEAA) region, where it will initially be launched.

Keith Barr, chief executive officer for IHG, said: “We are focused on continuing to expand our leadership in luxury and upscale, which are both high-value segments with significant growth potential.

“Bringing Kimpton to such an important market as the UK is a key part of our plans, as is the introduction of our new upscale brand, which will provide an exciting, differentiated offering to both guests and owners.

“Together with the recent addition of Regent Hotels & Resorts to our portfolio, we are building real momentum behind our plans to deliver industry-leading net rooms growth.”