IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has announced a management agreement with AXA IM Alts to launch the Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo by early 2025. This new venture marks a significant return to Japan for the Holiday Inn brand, which first made its debut in the country over 50 years ago with the opening of its first hotel in Kyoto in 1973. The upcoming Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo will be the eleventh hotel under the Holiday Inn brand family in Japan and IHG’s third hotel in Kyoto, joining the ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto and the recently inaugurated Six Senses Kyoto.
A Nostalgic Return to Kyoto
The return of the Holiday Inn brand to Kyoto is more than just a business move; it is a nostalgic return to the brand’s roots in Japan. The first Holiday Inn in Japan opened in Kyoto in 1973, and the new Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo aims to recapture the essence of that initial venture while incorporating modern amenities and sustainable practices. This new hotel will be located strategically between Kyoto’s main station and its cultural landmarks, making it an ideal spot for both domestic and international travelers.
Comprehensive Refurbishment and Modern Amenities
The Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment before its grand reopening. The 183-guest room property will feature a range of modern amenities designed to provide a comfortable and luxurious experience for its guests. These amenities will include a lobby lounge and café bar, an upscale restaurant, multiple banquet rooms, traditional Japanese daiyokujo baths, and a well-equipped gym. The renovation efforts will also prioritize energy efficiency improvements, with the installation of energy-saving showers and guest room management systems. These eco-friendly facilities aim to secure BELS certification for the hotel’s energy conservation efforts.
Strategic Location and Accessibility
One of the key highlights of the Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo is its strategic location. Situated between Kyoto’s main station and a plethora of cultural landmarks and traditional dining spots, the hotel promises unparalleled convenience for travelers. It is particularly well-positioned for visitors arriving via the Shinkansen bullet train, offering easy access to the city’s main attractions. This prime location is expected to attract a growing influx of both domestic and international guests, especially as Kyoto’s tourism sector shows remarkable resilience post-pandemic, surpassing pre-crisis visitor numbers.
Leveraging IHG’s Global Enterprise Systems and Loyalty Program
Upon its launch, the Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo aims to leverage the global recognition of the world’s largest hotel brand family, coupled with IHG’s expansive enterprise systems and acclaimed loyalty program, IHG One Rewards. With over 130 million members worldwide, the IHG One Rewards program is one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs. This extensive network and loyalty base will play a crucial role in attracting guests from Japan and beyond, ensuring a steady stream of visitors to the new hotel.
Leadership and Vision
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director of Japan & Micronesia IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG-ANA Hotels Group Japan G.K., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with AXA IM Alts. He remarked on the brand’s rich history in Kyoto and its commitment to providing exceptional experiences for visitors to the city. Laurent Jacquemin, Head of Asia-Pacific at AXA IM Alts, underscored the strategic significance of the hospitality sector in the post-pandemic landscape, highlighting the investment potential of Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo within Japan’s evolving tourism market.
IHG’s Expansion in Japan
With 59 open and pipeline hotels across Japan, IHG reaffirms its position as a leading international hotel company, poised for unprecedented growth and innovation in the Japanese hospitality sector. The addition of the Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo to its portfolio is a testament to IHG’s commitment to expanding its presence in Japan and providing high-quality hospitality services to its guests.
Overview of Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect from the Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo:
- Name: Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo
- Scheduled Opening: Early 2025 (refurbished)
- Contract: Management contract between IHG-ANA Hotels Group Japan, GK and AXA IM Alts
- Location: 179 Higashikazariyachō, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
- Total Floor Space: 8,099 m²
- Number of Guest Rooms: 183 hotel rooms
- Hotel Facilities: Lobby lounge, café bar, restaurant, banquet rooms, gym, traditional Japanese bathhouse facilities, and parking
- Access: 2-minute walk from Gojo Station, 5 minutes by taxi from JR Kyoto Station, and 20 minutes from Kyoto Higashi exit of the Meishin Expressway
About IHG
IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good. With a family of 19 hotel brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs, IHG has over 6,300 open hotels in over 100 countries, and more than 2,000 in the development pipeline. The company’s portfolio includes luxury and lifestyle brands such as Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, and Hotel Indigo. Its premium brands include voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, and EVEN Hotels. The essentials category features Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, and avid hotels. The suites category includes Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and Candlewood Suites. IHG also has exclusive partnerships with Iberostar Beachfront Resorts.InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 345,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.
About the Holiday Inn Brand
The Holiday Inn brand is synonymous with warm and welcoming service, contemporary design, and a sense of comfort unique to the brand and its iconic green sign. With thousands of locations around the world, Holiday Inn hotels deliver memorable experiences for business and leisure travelers. Guests can find amenities to help them make connections, work, and play, including full-service restaurants where Kids Eat Free, meeting and business facilities, bright swimming pools, and flexible public spaces.
Conclusion
The upcoming Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo represents a significant milestone in IHG’s expansion plans in Japan. With its strategic location, comprehensive refurbishment, and modern amenities, the hotel is poised to become a key player in Kyoto’s hospitality landscape. As IHG continues to grow its presence in Japan, the Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences to its guests. Whether you’re a business traveler or a leisure tourist, the Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo promises to offer a memorable stay in the heart of Kyoto.