IHG Signs First Vignette Collection Hotel in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Dark/Light Mode (11/07/24)  IHG has signed a franchise agreement with Meliora, part of Hayat Construction, for the first Vignette Collection hotel in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Expected to open in the first half of 2027, the 95-room Vignette Collection hotel will form part of the Meliora mixed-used development, built by Hayat Construction.

The new development will be located on the main road around the city centre, with direct connection to and from airport and key attractions including Kok Tobe Park, a popular recreation area with panoramic views of Almaty.

From left: Karin Sheppard (IHG), Murat Kassanov (Hayat Construction Group & Kassanov Hotel Management) and Kenneth Macpherson (IHG)

“We are excited to be growing our partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts with the signing of the first Vignette Collection in Kazakhstan,” said Murat Kassanov, Chairman of Hayat Construction Group and Kassanov Hotel Management, which is the operating company of InterContinental Istanbul. “IHG has been a great partner with InterContinental Istanbul, and we believe its Vignette Collection brand fits perfectly with our vision for our Meliora development. We look forward to debuting the brand and providing the next generation of luxury and lifestyle travellers with one-of-a-kind unforgettable luxury experiences once we open our doors in early 2027.”

The property will become IHG’s second luxury and lifestyle hotel in Kazakhstan, joining InterContinental Almaty.

Facilities at the Vignette Collection hotel will include a restaurant and bar, as well as a spa and gym.

“We are delighted to grow our long-standing partnership with Mr. Kassanov and bring the first Vignette Collection property to Kazakhstan. Almaty is the country’s cultural centre and the perfect location for our Vignette Collection brand - bringing inspiration from its surroundings, history and architecture, said Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG. “The signing of the Vignette Collection in Almaty takes our signed and open properties to more than ten in the country. It reflects the growing momentum of conversion deals we continue to see across Europe, as more owners look to retain their distinctive hotel identity, while benefitting from IHG’s global scale, luxury & lifestyle expertise, and powerful IHG One Rewards loyalty programme – something Vignette Collection offers perfectly.”

The Vignette Collection brand launched in 2021 and there are now 12 Vignette Collection hotels open around the world with a further 23 in the pipeline. IHG is targeting the brand to grow globally to more than 100 properties within 10 years.

See also: Electric Taxis at Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan - UHD / 4K Video Interview with Co-Founder, Auez Tulegenov; Almaty Marathon - UHD / 4K Video Interview with CEO, Saltanat Kazybayeva; and Novotel Living and Ibis Almaty Jetisu Hotels in Kazakhstan - UHD / 4K Video Interview with GM, Arseniy Tagaev.

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