IHG Hotels & Resorts Launches Ambitious Expansion in Spain: 653 New Rooms Across Key Cities

IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to significantly broaden its footprint in Spain with the recent signing of three major franchise agreements for new Holiday Inn Express locations in Madrid, Málaga, and Barcelona. This strategic development is made possible through collaboration with Tikehau Capital, a renowned global alternative asset manager, as part of IHG’s innovative investment platform, Selecto. The platform is being further propelled by its operational partner, Quest Capital.

Together, these three hotels will comprise a total of 653 rooms, marking a pivotal entry under the Selecto initiative. This expansion not only emphasizes the anticipated growth of IHG in Spain but also hints at further hotel signings in the upcoming months, highlighting a commitment to a broader expansion strategy within the Iberian market focused on urban centers and locations with robust business travel demand.

With over 20 Holiday Inn Express properties already operating in Spain, alongside four additional hotels in various stages of development, IHG is solidifying its presence in one of Europe’s most vibrant tourist and business landscapes. The brand’s ongoing commitment is underscored by its extensive portfolio across Europe, which now includes over 340 hotels and counting. These latest franchise deals represent IHG’s most significant partnership for Holiday Inn Express in Spain to date, reinforcing its plan to expand in a market characterized by resilience and growth potential.

The Selecto investment platform is specifically designed to integrate IHG’s trusted midscale brand reputation with local investment and operational expertise. This strategy aims to create a varied portfolio of select-service hotels throughout the Iberian Peninsula in the coming years, catering to the evolving needs and preferences of travelers.

Holiday Inn Express Madrid – Julián Camarillo (244 rooms)

The forthcoming hotel in Madrid represents a brand-new development located within the burgeoning MadBit district. This area is a rapidly growing technology and business hub, strategically situated between the city center and Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport. The vicinity boasts lush green spaces, such as Parque El Paraíso, Quinta de los Molinos, and Parque Torre Arias, providing a relaxing environment for guests.

Upon its completion, this property will not only become the largest Holiday Inn Express in the Iberian Peninsula but will also feature the brand’s latest Generation 5 design concept. Facilities planned for the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center, establishing it as a flagship development within IHG’s offerings in Spain. The hotel is slated to open in the first quarter of 2028, aiming to attract both business travelers and value-conscious leisure guests as Madrid’s appeal continues to grow as a major European destination.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Málaga – Palacio de Congresos (259 rooms, including 52 suites)

In Málaga, the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites will be ideally located between the city center and the airport, directly adjacent to the FYCMA Trade Fair and Congress Centre, a pivotal hub for regional business tourism. The hotel will showcase modern communal spaces adhering to the brand’s Generation 5 design standards and will include amenities such as an outdoor pool, sun deck, and fitness area.

Set to unveil in the first quarter of 2029, this hotel will become IHG’s third property in Málaga, joining the existing Holiday Inn Express Málaga Airport and Staybridge Suites offerings. This expansion reflects IHG’s confidence in Málaga as a growing Mediterranean destination for meetings and leisure travel fueled by enhanced connectivity and robust tourism numbers.

Holiday Inn Express Barcelona – Fira (150 rooms)

The Barcelona development is strategically located adjacent to Fira de Barcelona, one of Europe’s largest and most influential convention centers, placing the hotel at the heart of a thriving business and events district. This prime location, nestled between Barcelona El Prat Airport and the city center, significantly enhances its attractiveness to international visitors and conference attendees alike.

Slated to open in the first quarter of 2029, this property will be IHG’s 12th establishment in the Barcelona region, encompassing both operational and pipeline assets. The new hotel is expected to supplement the portfolio effectively, ensuring there is no overlap with existing offerings while reinforcing Barcelona’s status as a premier European convention and tourism landmark.

Together, these three exciting developments signify IHG’s ambitious expansion strategy, heavily geared towards high-growth urban corridors driven by burgeoning business travel demand and Spain’s competitive hospitality sector.

Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development, Europe, at IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated: “Spain is an important growth market in Europe, and these three signings represent a significant step forward in our strategy to expand Holiday Inn Express and grow our Essentials brands in the country. Partnering with Tikehau Capital – one of Europe’s most esteemed alternative asset managers – provides us with a robust foundation to accelerate our growth in key Spanish cities. With over 20 Holiday Inn Express hotels already in operation in Spain, we see vast potential to introduce this trusted brand to even more travelers across the Iberian Peninsula.”

As a key tourism player in Europe, Spain is expected to continue capturing the attention of international travelers. In 2025 alone, Barcelona welcomed around 16 million international visitors, while Málaga province drew in over 6.25 million tourists, showcasing the region’s appeal. Meanwhile, Madrid’s hotel sector has benefitted from remarkable growth propelled by strong demand from business travelers and vacationers alike.

With Holiday Inn Express, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, expanding as the group’s fastest-growing Essentials brand globally, the company currently operates 3,304 hotels worldwide, with an impressive 666 additional properties in development. Centered on a streamlined “smart travel” concept, the brand caters to both business and leisure guests, offering efficient, comfortable accommodations and complimentary hot breakfast as part of the overall guest experience.

Source: The post IHG Hotels And Resorts Enters A Major Expansion Phase In Spain With Three Landmark Holiday Inn Express Franchise Signings Across Madrid Málaga And Barcelona Under Its New Selecto Investment Platform Driving A 653-Room Development Pipeline first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.