IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in hospitality, is bringing its unique Vignette Collection brand to Kazakhstan. The company has announced plans to open its inaugural Vignette Collection hotel in Almaty, the country’s cultural center. Slated to open in the first half of 2027, the 95-room hotel will be part of a franchise agreement with Meliora, a division of HAYAT Construction. The hotel will be located within the Meliora mixed-use complex, situated along Almaty’s main thoroughfare. This prime location provides easy access to the airport and key attractions like Kok Tobe Park, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
The Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels & Resorts is known for curating exceptional hotels that offer unique experiences in memorable destinations. With a focus on individuality and sustainable travel, the brand currently operates 12 properties worldwide and has an additional 23 in development. The Almaty hotel will showcase its distinct character through exclusive cultural engagements and partnerships that aim to make a meaningful impact on the local community. This is in line with IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow initiative, which focuses on social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
The hotel will feature uniquely designed guest rooms, a top-tier restaurant and bar, and state-of-the-art wellness amenities, such as a spa and gym. (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “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.”
Murat Kassanov, Chairman of Hayat Construction Group and Kassanov Hotel Management, added, “We are excited to be growing our partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts with the signing of the first Vignette Collection in Kazakhstan. 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 signing of the Vignette Collection in Almaty brings IHG’s signed and open properties in Kazakhstan to more than ten. This reflects the company’s continued growth and momentum in Europe, with more owners seeking to retain their distinctive hotel identities while benefiting from IHG’s global scale, luxury & lifestyle expertise, and powerful IHG One Rewards loyalty program. The Vignette Collection offers the perfect solution for these owners.
Since its inception in 2021, IHG’s Vignette Collection has rapidly expanded and is projected to reach over 100 properties globally within the next decade. This growth includes the addition of seven upcoming Vignette Collection hotels across Europe, including Hotel Alexandra in Italy and Alte Post in Reit im Winkl, Germany. The brand also boasts three operational properties in the region: Casa da Companhia and Lisbon Convent Square in Portugal, along with The Halyard in Liverpool, UK.
