Double Luxury And Lifestyle Signing In Greece For IHG Hotels & Resorts

Discover Double Luxury in Greece with IHG

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of two properties on the island of Crete, Greece: The Chania Hotel Crete, Vignette Collection, and Kimpton La Mer Crete. Both properties, owned by the Gelasakis Group, will mark the brand's debut in the country, with expected openings in 2025 and 2026, respectively. These new additions will expand IHG's presence on the island of Crete, joining the InterContinental Crete, which launched in 2024.

Situated in the heart of Chania, near the port and marketplace, The Chania Hotel Crete Vignette Collection offers unique experiences paired with a focus on responsible travel. The hotel boasts 39 guest rooms and various dining options, including a rooftop bar and an à la carte restaurant. Guests can also enjoy a wellness centre featuring a heated rooftop plunge pool.

Nestled on the beachfront, midway between Chania and Rethymno, Kimpton La Mer Crete aims to provide a beach resort experience. Just 20 minutes from Chania Airport, the hotel will offer 76 guestrooms, two unique dining options, and a spa centre with a seaside indoor pool. Additionally, guests will enjoy direct access to the Georgioupolis beach, which has views of the Gulf of Chania. 

Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to debut two of our luxury and lifestyle brands in Greece alongside our new partners at Gelasakis Group. Chania is emerging as one of the most sought-after Greek destinations for high end travellers and the addition of Vignette Collection and Kimpton to our existing InterContinental properties and pipeline Six Senses Megalonisos in Greece, will further cement our luxury and lifestyle portfolio in the country.

“Our luxury and lifestyle portfolio has grown significantly in recent years, now totalling over 900 open and pipeline hotels globally, all of which are underpinned by our powerful global enterprise systems. Our continued growth is thanks to the increasing consumer appetite for our brands in key destinations and growing trust from our owners in our expertise and reputation. I look forward to visiting both properties and welcoming guests to this magnificent location.”

Antonis Gelasakis, CEO Travel & Hospitality Divisions, Gelasakis Group, said: “With its ancient ruins, blue skies and never-ending coastline, Greece continues to be a leading tourist destination in Europe, attracting travellers from around the world. Consequently, we are excited to be partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring two of their world-renowned brands to the country and provide guests with two different luxury and lifestyle offerings. We believe IHG’s existing in-market experience and global enterprise will be invaluable in helping to drive performance and deliver high returns across both properties.”

The Vignette Collection is IHG’s inaugural collection brand, showcasing a selection of unique hotels that emphasize diversity and exploration. It merges the individual character of each property with the brand’s commitment to ‘A Means for Good’ and Memorable Rituals. Each stay at a Vignette Collection hotel is distinct, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the unique narrative of each location.

Vignette Collection has surpassed 50% of its 10-year goal of 100 hotel openings or developments globally in just three years. Currently, 20 hotels are operational, with an additional 35 planned. This brand offers independent hotel owners a unique opportunity to leverage IHG’s extensive enterprise resources and global reach while allowing guests to enjoy distinctive stays and the advantages of the IHG One Rewards program.

Founded in 1981 by the innovative hotelier Bill Kimpton, Kimpton revolutionized the idea of unique, design-centric hotels in the United States. Influenced by his travels across Europe, Bill recognized a chance to create a hotel experience that extended beyond mere accommodation; he envisioned a place where guests could feel a sense of belonging and engage with their surroundings. The Kimpton brand of lifestyle luxury aims to blend a culture of genuine hospitality with distinctively designed hotels accessible to everyone.

The hotels become part of IHG’s prominent luxury and lifestyle portfolio, which has expanded considerably in recent years, now encompassing six brands, over 530 operational hotels, and a development pipeline exceeding 370 properties.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates five properties in Greece: InterContinental Crete, Crowne Plaza Athens - City Centre, InterContinental Athenaeum Athens, Holiday Inn Athens – Airport, and Holiday Inn Thessaloniki. Additionally, there are two Six Senses resorts in development, highlighting IHG’s expanding luxury presence in the region.