Tuesday, March 25, 2025
In a significant milestone for Scotland’s hospitality landscape, IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to introduce its newest midscale brand, Garner Hotels, to the country with the upcoming launch of Garner Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh. Backed by Palm Holdings, this 195-room property will officially mark the brand’s Scottish debut when it opens its doors in the latter half of 2025.
Garner Hotels, introduced by IHG in 2023, is crafted to meet the demands of modern travellers seeking quality and affordability. With a commitment to convenience, comfort, and value, the brand has rapidly gained momentum across Europe. The Haymarket Edinburgh location adds to a steadily expanding portfolio, including 10 operational hotels and 51 others currently under development.
Strategically positioned opposite Haymarket Station—one of Edinburgh’s key transit hubs—the forthcoming hotel is ideally located for both business and leisure travellers. With seamless connections to the city’s West End and just minutes from the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), the new Garner Hotel will serve as a prime choice for visitors exploring the capital or attending conferences and events.
(Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “In the past few months, we have opened or signed Garner Hotels in more than six cities across Europe, which is testament to our growing presence in the essentials segment. Garner Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh perfectly exemplifies how our conversion brands are thriving, and with its central location and individual design, I’m confident that the hotel will become a flagship Garner Hotels property in Europe.
It’s rewarding to see Palm Holdings Europe place their trust in IHG to deliver exceptional results for Garner Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh while allowing us to expand into new markets with the introduction of new brands. We are delighted to partner on Garner Hotel Haymarket Edinburgh and look forward to exploring further exciting opportunities together in the future.”
Guests can expect thoughtfully designed accommodations rooted in the Garner brand’s promise of reliability and essential comforts. Features will include all-day access to refreshments in the Bar/To Go café, a hearty breakfast selection, and quiet rooms for uninterrupted rest—all designed with today’s travellers in mind.
Beyond its hospitality offerings, the hotel will continue its tradition of community engagement. Since the pandemic, the building has served as temporary accommodation through collaborations with the City of Edinburgh Council and the Bethany Trust. As it transitions into a Garner Hotel, the property will launch a charitable initiative, donating £1 from every guest stay to Action Against Hunger for a limited time, supporting IHG’s global effort to address food insecurity.
Sheetal Kapoor, CEO of Palm Holdings, commented: “The transformation of Haymarket Hub Hotel into Garner Hotels by IHG marks an exciting new chapter for this prime Edinburgh property. This investment reflects our commitment to modern design, sustainability, and meeting the demand of all our stakeholders. We are thrilled to work alongside IHG to bring this innovative concept to life in Scotland’s capital.”
Ricky Kapoor, Managing Director of Palm Holdings, stated:”Introducing Garner Hotels to the Edinburgh market through the Haymarket Hub Hotel is a testament to our long-term vision for quality and design. Collaborating with IHG, along with the expertise of Fitzsimons and Spacebrand, has ensured that every aspect of this refurbishment meets our shared values. We eagerly anticipate welcoming guests to experience this dynamic new brand.”
For hotel owners and investors, the Garner brand offers an enticing proposition with low conversion costs, adaptable design standards for various building layouts, and quick pathways from development to operation. Backed by IHG’s powerful enterprise systems—including its global sales network, digital tools, and the IHG One Rewards loyalty programme—Garner Hotels are proving to be a smart investment.
Globally, the brand now boasts 23 open hotels with another 94 in the pipeline. In Europe alone, the Garner portfolio includes notable locations like Preston Samlesbury in the UK, Rome Aurelia in Italy, Istanbul Airport Arnavutkoy in Turkiye, and additional properties throughout the DACH region.
As Edinburgh prepares to welcome Garner Hotel Haymarket, the city solidifies its position as a key player in Europe’s evolving travel and hospitality scene.
