Two signings, two brands and 284 additional rooms
On 29 October 2026, IHG Hotels & Resorts confirmed two new hotel projects in Asia, with Garner entering Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and Ruby making its debut in Bangkok, Thailand.
Both properties are scheduled to open in 2027 and will provide a combined 284 rooms.
Beyond their capacity, the signings represent two milestones in the geographical development of IHG’s brand portfolio: Garner’s first property in Central Asia and Ruby’s entry into Asia-Pacific, just months after its integration into the group.
The two brands occupy distinct market positions but share one strategic characteristic: flexible development models designed, in particular, to facilitate their introduction into urban markets.
Uzbekistan | Garner enters Tashkent with Silk Road Inn LLC
IHG has signed an agreement with Silk Road Inn LLC to develop Garner Hotel Tashkent, the brand’s first property in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
Currently under construction on Temiryulchilar Street, the hotel will feature 100 rooms and is expected to open in September 2027.
Its location will provide access to Tashkent International Airport, the city centre and the main commercial and administrative districts.
Uzbekistan’s capital benefits from diversified demand, driven notably by business travel, government and diplomatic visits, assignments linked to economic development projects and tourism.
With Garner, IHG is complementing its established presence in Tashkent, where the group is already represented by InterContinental, voco, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn.
According to Willemijn Geels, Vice President Development Europe at IHG, the signing responds to growing demand for internationally branded midscale accommodation.
The project will be developed with Silk Road Inn LLC, led by Shokhrukh Khasanov.
Garner: a midscale model designed with owners in mind
Garner offers essential services at an accessible price point, including complimentary Wi-Fi, freshly brewed coffee, a 24-hour shop and welcome amenities.
The brand is also distinguished by its flexible design standards and a model suited to hotel conversions.
For owners, IHG highlights competitive per-room costs, reduced pre-opening expenditure and access to its commercial and distribution platform.
As of 30 September 2026, Garner had 64 open hotels in Europe and 24 additional properties in development, according to figures released by IHG.
In Tashkent, however, the property will be a newly built hotel currently under construction.
Thailand | Ruby makes its Asia-Pacific debut with Asset World Corporation
In Bangkok, IHG is extending its partnership with Asset World Corporation (AWC) through the signing of the first Ruby hotel in Thailand and Asia-Pacific.
Scheduled to open in 2027, the property will feature 184 rooms and will be located in the Sathorn business district, within the Silom-Sathorn urban area.
The signing follows IHG’s acquisition of the Ruby brand and represents the first stage of its development in the Asia-Pacific region.
The announcement was presented by Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific at IHG, and Wallapa Traisorat, Chief Executive Officer & President of Asset World Corporation.
The partnership between the two groups builds on an established development relationship in the Thai market.
Ruby: urban lifestyle as a development driver
Positioned in the premium lifestyle segment, Ruby targets urban travellers seeking experiences that combine design, music and local identity.
In Bangkok, the architectural and interior design concept will draw inspiration from the tropical glamour of 1920s Siam.
The hotel will feature a 24-hour bar, a music programme, Marshall speakers in guestrooms and guitars available for guests to use.
The property will also incorporate contemporary facilities and self-service technology.
AWC intends to integrate the hotel into Sathorn’s cultural environment, notably through collaborations with local artists, social enterprises and the district’s creative community.
For investors and owners, Ruby also offers a model suited to urban environments, with flexible space requirements and a design approach that facilitates the conversion of existing buildings.
Ruby targets more than 120 hotels over the next decade
Ruby’s arrival in Thailand forms part of a broader international development strategy.
According to IHG, the brand has more than 40 hotels open or in development across Europe and the United States.
The group aims to expand the network to more than 120 properties over the next ten years.
Bangkok therefore represents the brand’s first regional location, with further opportunities identified in urban destinations across Asia-Pacific.
The Thai capital already plays a particular role in IHG’s regional development: Ruby becomes the sixth group brand to make its debut there ahead of a potential wider regional rollout, following Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Kimpton and Vignette Collection.
Thailand | IHG has 83 hotels open or in development
The latest signing strengthens IHG’s presence in the Thai market.
The group currently has 42 open hotels and 41 properties in development, representing 83 hotels across 11 destinations and 11 brands, according to figures published on 29 October 2026.
Thailand is therefore an important market for the diversification of IHG’s portfolio, from economy and midscale brands to premium, lifestyle and luxury offerings.
The introduction of Ruby enables the group to strengthen its urban lifestyle offering in a market where Bangkok combines international tourism, business travel and local demand for dining and social venues.
LTH Analysis | Two brands, one flexible development strategy
The Tashkent and Bangkok signings highlight two complementary directions in IHG’s strategy.
With Garner, the group is continuing to develop a standardised, accessible midscale offering designed to meet the expectations of owners seeking a cost-controlled operating model.
With Ruby, IHG is strengthening its position in the premium lifestyle segment, prioritising a distinctive brand identity and integration into urban environments.
Although their target customers and commercial propositions differ, both brands share a development approach based on flexible standards and the potential to convert existing assets.
This characteristic can offer an advantage in markets where construction costs, land availability or the constraints of property conversion complicate hotel development.
The two announcements also illustrate a differentiated approach to individual destinations.
In Tashkent, IHG is complementing its portfolio with a midscale offering designed to broaden its coverage of market demand.
In Bangkok, the group is introducing a lifestyle brand acquired through a corporate transaction, with the aim of progressively establishing its presence across the region.
Beyond the 284 rooms announced, these signings therefore illustrate how IHG is using the segmentation of its brand portfolio to broaden its geographical presence and create additional development opportunities with hotel owners.
The announcements do not disclose investment amounts or the detailed contractual arrangements for either project.
At a Glance
Two regional debuts: IHG announces Garner’s first hotel in Central Asia and Ruby’s first property in Asia Pacific.
Uzbekistan: Garner Hotel Tashkent will offer 100 rooms and is scheduled to open in September 2027, in partnership with Silk Road Inn LLC.
Thailand: A 184-room Ruby hotel is scheduled to open in Bangkok’s Sathorn district in 2027, in partnership with Asset World Corporation.
Garner expansion: The brand had 64 open hotels in Europe and 24 pipeline properties as of 30 September 2026.
Ruby expansion: IHG reports more than 40 open and pipeline Ruby hotels across Europe and the United States, with ambitions to exceed 120 properties over the next decade.
Thailand portfolio: IHG has 42 open hotels and 41 pipeline properties across 11 Thai destinations.
