International hotel group IHG Hotels & Resorts has achieved a major milestone, now operating more than 1,000 open hotels in Europe. Over the past three years, the company expanded its European estate by more than 210 properties, representing net system growth of over 25 per cent. In parallel, more than 280 additional hotels are in the development pipeline.
The expansion is underpinned by sustained strong demand in the European travel market. According to UN Tourism, Europe accounted for more than half of all international arrivals globally in 2025, totalling around 793 million. Since the start of 2024, excluding the Ruby brand, IHG has recorded 36 brand debuts in new European markets, including Iceland, Sweden, and Greece. Karin Sheppard, Managing Director Europe at IHG, stated that reaching the 1,000 property milestone demonstrates dynamic growth in the region, built on brand strength, owner confidence, and ongoing investment for long-term value creation.
Germany as the second-largest core European market
Germany continues to serve as one of the key growth drivers and represents IHG's second-largest market in Europe. With 198 open hotels and 54 projects in development, the portfolio in the country comprises over 250 existing and planned locations. The footprint is driven by established brands such as Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Garner Hotels, and Candlewood Suites.
Recent German openings include Kimpton Main Frankfurt, Candlewood Suites Berlin Charlottenburg, and Garner Hotel Hamburg - Graf Moltke. New signings include the Bristol Berlin and Hotel Schloss Reinhartshausen, both joining the Vignette Collection. The breadth of the offering has also broadened through the integration of Germany-founded lifestyle brand Ruby Hotels and the introduction of Noted Collection by IHG, which already accounts for seven signings globally. The IHG One Rewards loyalty programme now counts over 160 million members.
Recent openings across European gateway cities
Over recent months, the portfolio has been expanded with several new openings across the luxury, premium, and lifestyle segments:
- —The Hari London (Vignette Collection): An 85-room property in the Belgravia district near Knightsbridge. The Vignette Collection now counts 13 open hotels and 16 pipeline projects across Europe.
- —Ruby Lilou Hotel Marseille: The debut of the Ruby brand in France, located between the historic Vieux Port and the La Joliette quarter.
- —Crowne Plaza Vienna: A 195-room hotel in Vienna's Margareten district, designed by Pritzker Prize laureate David Chipperfield. This brings the Crowne Plaza brand in Europe to 98 open hotels and 21 projects under development.
