IHG Hotels & Resorts Sets a New Benchmark in Europe with 1,000 Hotels and Over 25% Portfolio Growth

IHG Hotels & Resorts has achieved a significant milestone in its European growth journey, surpassing 1,000 operational hotels across the region. The achievement highlights the hospitality group’s rapid expansion, growing brand diversity and continued investment in major European travel destinations. Over the past three years, IHG has added more than 210 hotels to its European network, delivering net portfolio growth of over 25%. This expansion has strengthened its position across luxury, lifestyle, premium and essential accommodation segments, giving travellers a wider choice of places to stay.
The company’s European growth has also been driven by the introduction of established brands into new markets. Since the beginning of 2024, IHG has recorded 36 first-time country launches for individual brands across Europe, excluding Ruby properties. These launches have extended its reach into destinations including Iceland, Sweden and Greece, while expanding accommodation options for leisure and business travellers. Alongside its existing properties, IHG has a development pipeline of more than 280 hotels across Europe, signalling further opportunities for growth in the coming years.
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IHG Strengthens Its European Presence Through New Brands and Hotel Openings
Following a record year in 2025, IHG has continued to broaden its hospitality portfolio through new developments, brand introductions and strategic acquisitions. A major step in this expansion was the acquisition of Ruby, an urban lifestyle hotel brand focused on contemporary design and modern guest experiences. The company has also introduced Noted Collection as its 21st brand, with seven hotel agreements already signed worldwide. These developments support IHG’s strategy of serving different traveller preferences while expanding its presence in established and emerging hospitality markets.
The milestone also reflects continued support from hotel owners, development partners and guests, alongside the strength of IHG’s commercial operations and global loyalty network. Its IHG One Rewards programme now serves more than 160 million members, helping connect travellers with accommodation across the company’s international portfolio. Europe’s importance to the hospitality sector remains substantial. According to UN Tourism, the region welcomed approximately 793 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, accounting for more than half of worldwide international arrivals. With strong tourism demand and a substantial development pipeline, IHG is positioning itself to capture further opportunities across Europe’s diverse accommodation market.
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Karin Sheppard, SVP & Managing Director, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Surpassing 1,000 open hotels in Europe is a defining moment for IHG and a clear reflection of the strong momentum we are building across the region. This milestone speaks to the strength of our brands, the trust our owners place in us as a partner, the dedication of our brilliant hotel teams delivering exceptional experiences every day, and the loyalty our guests feel towards IHG.
“We are purposefully scaling our portfolio by growing new and established brands in priority markets, supported by sustained investment in our enterprise. Europe remains highly attractive, and with strong fundamentals and a growing pipeline, we are well positioned to deliver long-term value for owners and great stays for guests.”
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Recent Hotel Openings Strengthen IHG’s Luxury and Premium Hospitality Portfolio Across Europe
The Hari London, Vignette Collection
Located in London’s prestigious Belgravia neighbourhood, The Hari London, Vignette Collection introduces a refined luxury experience that combines the warmth of a private residence with the services of an upscale hotel. Featuring 85 elegantly appointed rooms, the property offers an intimate setting within easy reach of Knightsbridge, Hyde Park and some of the capital’s leading shopping, cultural and entertainment attractions. The opening marks another important step in Vignette Collection’s European expansion. The brand currently operates 13 hotels across the region, with another 16 properties under development, reinforcing its position as IHG’s fastest-growing luxury collection brand.
Ruby Lilou Hotel Marseille
Ruby Lilou Hotel Marseille marks Ruby’s first entry into the French hospitality market, introducing its distinctive combination of contemporary design, relaxed surroundings and strong local character. Positioned between Marseille’s historic Vieux Port and the vibrant La Joliette district, the property places visitors close to the city’s waterfront, cultural attractions and commercial centre. Its interiors draw inspiration from the surrounding destination, while welcoming communal areas and a rooftop terrace provide spaces for guests to unwind and socialise. The hotel reflects Ruby’s focus on creating accommodation experiences that capture the personality of each city while appealing to modern leisure and business travellers.
Crowne Plaza Vienna
Situated in Vienna’s transforming Margareten district, Crowne Plaza Vienna represents the brand’s continued shift towards contemporary, experience-led premium hospitality. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect David Chipperfield, a recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, the property takes architectural inspiration from the Austrian National Library. The hotel features 195 guest rooms, sweeping views across Vienna and a design approach that brings together environmental considerations, modern comfort and local cultural influences. Its arrival strengthens Crowne Plaza’s European network, which currently includes 98 operating hotels and another 21 properties in development. The expansion supports the brand’s ambition to serve business visitors, holidaymakers and travellers increasingly combining work with leisure.
European Expansion Builds Momentum for Future Hospitality Growth
These recent additions highlight IHG’s continued investment in expanding its luxury, lifestyle and premium hotel presence across Europe. By combining newly developed properties with the conversion of existing buildings into branded hotels, the group is pursuing multiple routes to growth in established cities and emerging hospitality markets. The development pipeline also reflects changing guest expectations, including greater demand for distinctive accommodation, locally influenced experiences, flexible spaces and modern facilities. Together, the openings in London, Marseille and Vienna strengthen the group’s regional portfolio and support further expansion across Europe and the wider Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA) region.
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