The property will become IHG’s second luxury and lifestyle hotel in Kazakhstan, joining InterContinental Almaty. The 95-room Vignette Collection property, signed under a franchise agreement with Meliora, will further strengthen IHG’s Vignette Collection portfolio across Europe which stands at three open hotels and seven in the pipeline.
From left to right: Karin Sheppard, IHG, Murat Kassanov, Hayat Construction Group & Kassanov Hotel Management, Kenneth Macpherson, IHG
Expected to open in the first half of 2027, the property forms part of the Meliora mixed-used development, built by Hayat Construction. The new development will be strategically 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, making it the ideal location for business and leisure guests.
Vignette Collection is IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first collection brand and represents a curation of distinct hand-picked hotels, each offering one-of-a-kind stays in destinations to remember. There are now 12 Vignette Collection hotels open around the world with a further 23 in the pipeline. The brand is grounded in individuality, intrigue, and experience whilst its properties are united by a commitment to offer a more responsible way to travel, designed with the thoughtful venturer in mind.
The first Vignette Collection in Kazakhstan will demonstrate its own expression of the brand hallmarks through a distinct Memorable Ritual and ‘A Means For Good’ partnership. Memorable Rituals connect guests with the hotel’s cultural landscape through purposeful and meaningful travel encounters. As part of IHG’s ambitious Journey to Tomorrow responsible business plan to drive positive change for people, planet and communities, each Vignette Collection hotel has its own ‘A Means For Good’. This unifying hallmark sees properties partner with a local non-profit organisation to spearhead positive contributions to the communities in which it operates.
The hotel will feature unique, stylish guest rooms, and guests will be able to enjoy a destination restaurant and bar, as well as premium wellness facilities including a spa and gym.
(Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “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.
“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.”
Murat Kassanov, Chairman of Hayat Construction Group and Kassanov Hotel Management, which is the operating company of InterContinental Istanbul, said: “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.”
Since launching in 2021, IHG’s luxury conversion brand, Vignette Collection, has seen great success, with the brand expected to grow globally to more than 100 properties within 10 years.
