IHG Hotels & Resorts is making a bold move into Scotland’s hospitality market with the upcoming opening of Garner Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh. The 195-room property, slated for launch in late 2025, will mark the brand’s first foray into Scotland, further expanding its footprint across Europe. Partnering with Palm Holdings, IHG aims to provide travelers with an attractive blend of affordability and quality, catering to both business and leisure guests.
Expanding the Garner Hotels Footprint
Garner Hotels debuted in 2023, focusing on midscale accommodations that deliver on comfort and convenience without excess frills. The Haymarket Edinburgh property will be the latest addition to a rapidly growing network, which already includes 10 operational locations and 51 more in various stages of development. The recent opening of Garner Hotel Preston Samlesbury highlights the brand’s momentum across the UK and Europe.
The Edinburgh hotel will feature key amenities that define the Garner Hotels experience:
- 24/7 Bar/To Go cafe for convenient snacks and drinks.
- Comfortable, well-designed rooms for a restful stay.
- Complimentary breakfast options to kickstart the day.
- Strategic location near major transport hubs for easy accessibility.
Prime Location in Edinburgh’s Haymarket
Situated directly across from Haymarket Station, the new hotel will offer exceptional access to Edinburgh’s public transport system, making it an ideal base for visitors. Whether guests are in town for business at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) or exploring the city’s renowned cultural sites, the location provides a convenient starting point.
The Haymarket district itself has evolved into a vibrant area, offering a mix of dining, entertainment, and historic attractions. The hotel’s proximity to Edinburgh’s West End ensures guests can enjoy the city’s bustling energy while having a comfortable retreat to return to at the end of the day.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
IHG’s Garner Hotels brand isn’t just about delivering great stays—it’s also about making a positive impact. The Haymarket Edinburgh property will continue its tradition of working with the City of Edinburgh Council and Bethany Trust to provide temporary accommodation for those in need. Additionally, for a limited time after opening, the hotel will donate £1 per guest stay to Action Against Hunger, reinforcing IHG’s broader commitment to tackling food insecurity.
Industry Leaders Weigh In on the Expansion
Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development for IHG Hotels & Resorts in Europe, emphasized the significance of the brand’s rapid growth. “We’ve launched Garner Hotels in multiple cities across Europe in just a few months, which speaks volumes about the demand in this segment. Haymarket Edinburgh will be a flagship for the brand, thanks to its prime location and thoughtful design.”
Palm Holdings, the development partner for the Edinburgh project, is equally enthusiastic. CEO Sheetal Kapoor highlighted the transformation of the existing Haymarket Hub Hotel into a Garner property as a strategic investment. “This move underscores our commitment to modern design and sustainability while meeting the needs of both business and leisure travelers.”
Managing Director Ricky Kapoor echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our partnership with IHG, alongside Fitzsimons and Spacebrand, has ensured that every detail of this refurbishment aligns with our shared vision for quality and innovation.”
A Model for Fast and Efficient Growth
Garner Hotels has quickly gained traction among property owners thanks to its flexible conversion model, allowing hotels to transition efficiently with minimal downtime. This efficiency, coupled with IHG’s extensive support network, has made the brand a popular choice for developers looking to enter the midscale market.
Every Garner property benefits from IHG’s:
- Global sales and distribution network.
- Cutting-edge digital booking and management tools.
- Access to IHG One Rewards’ 145 million loyal members.
These advantages make it easier for new hotels to achieve rapid market entry and long-term success.
Garner Hotels’ Global Expansion
The upcoming Edinburgh opening is just one part of Garner Hotels’ ambitious global expansion strategy. As of now, the brand boasts 23 operational hotels, with an additional 94 in development worldwide. In Europe, 61 properties are either open or in the pipeline, spanning the UK, Italy, Turkey, and Germany, among others.
With its steady growth and commitment to guest satisfaction, Garner Hotels is set to become a major player in the midscale hospitality sector. The Haymarket Edinburgh property represents a key milestone in this expansion, reinforcing IHG’s dedication to quality, accessibility, and responsible hospitality.
