IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its newest brand into the Gulf region. The company has signed a franchise agreement with Morina Development & Investment to launch the Cantonal Hotel Riyadh, Noted Collection by IHG, marking the brand's first property in the Middle East. The 107-key hotel, a conversion of an existing building, is scheduled to open by the end of 2026 in the Al Olaya district, one of Riyadh's prime commercial and lifestyle hubs.
The signing underscores the accelerating pace of hotel development in Saudi Arabia, as international groups jostle for position in a market buoyed by the Kingdom's tourism push and rising demand from both business and leisure travelers. For IHG, the Riyadh property is a strategic beachhead for its recently launched collection brand, which was introduced as the group's 21st hotel brand.
Noted Collection's model: independent character, global reach
Noted Collection is designed for independent hotels that want to retain their individual identity while tapping into IHG's commercial engine. Properties under the brand keep their own name, style, and local story, but gain access to IHG's global distribution systems, sales infrastructure, and the IHG One Rewards loyalty program. This hybrid approach has become increasingly popular among hoteliers seeking the best of both worlds—autonomy and scale.
Haitham Mattar, IHG's Managing Director for India, Middle East and Africa, called the signing a landmark for the company's regional growth. “We are proud to introduce Noted Collection to the Middle East through this landmark signing in Riyadh, bringing a new premium collection brand to one of the region's most dynamic hospitality markets,” Mattar said. He added that the brand was created for “independent hotels with a story worth sharing,” allowing properties to preserve a strong sense of place while benefiting from IHG's wider network.
The Cantonal Hotel Riyadh will be situated in Al Olaya, placing guests within easy reach of the Kingdom Centre Tower and Al Faisaliah Tower, as well as the King Abdullah Financial District. King Khalid International Airport is approximately 30 minutes away. The property will offer 107 guestrooms, a main restaurant, a café, a rooftop lounge, meeting facilities, and an indoor swimming pool, targeting both corporate and leisure travelers seeking a central base with an independent feel.
The move comes as collection brands gain traction across the industry. Hilton's Tapestry Collection, for example, recently made its Vietnam debut with a resort in Hoi An, and Marriott's Autograph Collection continues to expand globally. IHG's entry into the Middle East with Noted Collection adds another option for owners who want to differentiate their properties in a crowded market.
Riyadh's hotel pipeline remains robust, with international groups like Fairmont and Almosafer backing events such as WTM Spotlight Riyadh, and the upcoming ATM 2026 set to spotlight the region's hospitality resilience and innovation. The Cantonal Hotel Riyadh will add to this momentum, giving IHG's newest brand its first foothold in the Middle East and contributing to the Saudi capital's fast-evolving hotel landscape.
For travel professionals, the development signals a continued shift toward soft brands and collections as a way to attract independent hoteliers. As Saudi Arabia pushes forward with its Vision 2030 tourism goals, the demand for distinctive, locally rooted properties is likely to grow, and IHG's Noted Collection is positioning itself to meet that need.
