Aside from the free hot breakfast which will offer choices including “sandwiches, egg bowls, yogurt parfait, fruit, and more”, guests will also be offered “complimentary flavour-infused water on arrival”, and there will be a 24/7 Gerner Shop for coffee and snacks.

Other features will include “guest-influenced playlists, snacks and drinks; flexible lobby designs; pet-friendly touches such as welcome treats, loaner items and outdoor relief stations”.

The group also said that “Garner arrives at a lower price point and conversion cost per key than Holiday Inn Express”.

Garner joins IHG’s new-build midscale brand Avid which launched in 2017, and the group’s upscale Voco conversion brand which launched in 2018.

IHG confirms new Avid Hotels brand

Elie Maalouf, chief executive officer, IHG Hotels and Resorts said that the group had received more than 100 definitive expressions of interest in Garner, while Jen Gribble, SVP, global marketing mainstream brands, said:

“Garner will give owners and guests what they’ve been missing in the midscale space. We’ve designed this brand to deliver on what’s expected – a great night’s sleep in a clean, comfortable space, with a breakfast worth getting up for.

“But how we deliver it will be different – from the warm and welcoming team to the lobby décor, our style is refreshingly approachable which appeals to all types of guests.”

ihg.com