IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces 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 Gelasakis Group, mark brand debuts in the country and are expected to open in 2025 and 2026 respectively. The latest additions will see three IHG brands represented on the island of Crete, following in the footsteps of InterContinental Crete which opened in 2024.
Nestled in the Chania city centre, close to the port and market, The Chania Hotel Crete, Vignette Collection will deliver one-of-a-kind and memorable experiences alongside a commitment to more responsible travel. Featuring 39 guestrooms, several food and beverage options, including a rooftop bar and an a la carte restaurant, guests will also enjoy the use of a wellness centre, complete with a rooftop heated plunge pool.
Located on the beachfront halfway between picturesque Chania and historic Rethymno, Kimpton La Mer Crete is set to deliver a world-class luxury beach resort experience. Only 20-minutes from Chania Airport, the hotel will feature 76 guestrooms, two distinctive restaurant offerings and a state-of-the-art spa centre, featuring a seaside indoor pool. Guests will also have direct access to the scenic Georgioupolis beach, overlooking the Gulf of Chania.
(Mrs) 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.”
(Mr) 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.”
Vignette Collection is IHG’s first collection brand and represents a curation of distinct hotels, demonstrating diversity and discovery. Vignette Collection combines each property’s individual identity with the brand’s promise of ‘A Means for Good’ and Memorable Rituals. No two stays are the same at any Vignette Collection hotel around the world, allowing guests to experience the unique story of each hotel.
Vignette Collection has achieved more than half of its 10-year target of 100 hotels opening or in the pipeline worldwide within a three-year period, currently with 20 hotels open worldwide, and a further 35 hotels in the pipeline. The brand provides a compelling way for owners of independent hotels to benefit from IHG’s powerful enterprise offering and global scale, while enabling guests to book one-of-a-kind stays with all the benefits of the IHG One Rewards programme.
Founded in 1981 by visionary hotelier Bill Kimpton, Kimpton pioneered the concept of unique, distinctive, design-forward hotels in the United States. Inspired by his travels to Europe, Bill Kimpton saw an opportunity in the U.S. for a hotel experience that was more than a place to stay, but rather a place to experience, feel a sense of belonging and explore. The lifestyle luxury Kimpton brand is designed to merge a culture of human hospitality and unique, design-forward hotels for all.
The hotels join IHG’s leading luxury and lifestyle portfolio, which has grown significantly in recent years to six brands, over 530 open hotels and a pipeline of more than 370 properties.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has five open properties in Greece – InterContinental Crete, Crowne Plaza Athens – City Centre, InterContinental Athenaeum Athens, Holiday Inn Athens – Airport and Holiday Inn Thessaloniki – as well as two Six Senses resorts under development – outlining IHG’s strong and growing luxury footprint in the market.
*Numbers as of 31 December 2024
