IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened the first Garner hotel less than three months after the midscale conversion brand’s launch.
The 95-room Garner Auburn – Seattle in the Seattle suburb of Auburn, Wash., is a conversion of the former Red Lion Inn & Suites Auburn Seattle.
Garner Auburn – Seattle will operate under the ownership and oversight of S1 Hospitality Management, a locally based full-service hotel and franchise management company. The hotel marks the first for S1 Hospitality Management within the IHG brand family.
“We’re honored to collaborate with IHG to introduce the first Garner hotel to the Auburn community and the world," S1 Hospitality Management President Andy Cho said in a statement. "The Garner brand is an ideal fit to capitalize on the growing potential in the midscale market, and we have no doubt this hotel will become both a leading choice for guests seeking a high-quality stay and a blueprint for future owners wanting a flexible conversion option.”
The opening of Garner Auburn – Seattle is the first of several planned for the midscale conversion brand in the coming months. With a goal to expand globally in 2024, IHG expects the brand to reach an estate of more than 500 hotels during the next 10 years and 1,000 hotels during the next 20 years in the U.S.
“The debut of Garner hotels less than three months after its launch speaks volumes about the hard work of our team to bring the brand to life, and the interest of owners to become part of a transformational conversion offering in the midscale space," said Jolyon Bulley, CEO, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts. "Garner Auburn – Seattle is just the beginning of a great journey ahead for our 19th brand and underlines our track record for launching and growing brands successfully.”
The property has a complimentary hot breakfast bar, flavor-infused water at check-in and a cookie happy hour. The hotel also is located near many of the area’s most visited entertainment venues and business campuses.