Restaurant India News: IHG to Open Holiday Inn Express Mumbai BKC in 2028 After Signing with YB Group

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a franchise agreement with YB Group for the development of Holiday Inn Express Mumbai BKC, further strengthening its essentials portfolio in India’s financial capital. The hotel is scheduled to open in Q1 2028 and aligns with IHG’s strategy to expand in high-demand urban markets with strong commercial activity.

The upcoming property will be located on the periphery of Bandra Kurla Complex, one of Mumbai’s most prominent business districts. The area is home to major corporate offices, consulates, cultural venues, premium hotels, dining destinations, and luxury retail. The location is expected to offer efficient access to key commercial zones across the city. Once operational, the hotel is anticipated to attract a mix of international and domestic corporate travellers, MICE demand, and leisure guests.

Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s largest and fastest-growing brand globally, with more than 3,200 hotels in operation. The brand focuses on standardized, efficient hospitality designed for short-stay business and transit travellers. The rollout of its Generation 5 design introduces updated interiors, functional workspaces, and refreshed public areas aimed at improving guest experience without increasing operational complexity.

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are pleased to partner with the Yb Group to introduce Holiday Inn Express to Mumbai’s BKC district, an address synonymous with global business. This signing marks an important milestone in strengthening our presence in India’s financial capital. With its exceptional location and strong year-round corporate demand, the hotel is poised to become a preferred choice for travellers seeking a modern, efficient, and comfortable stay experience in Mumbai.”

Tinaaz Wadia, Asset Manager - Real Estate Strategy for YB Group, added: “Our partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring Holiday Inn Express to the periphery of BKC underscores our continued focus on building institutional-grade assets in core business districts. Backed by IHG’s global network, trusted brand strength, and robust systems, we are confident that Holiday Inn Express Mumbai BKC will set a new benchmark in the segment and elevate the stay experience for business and MICE travellers.”

The BKC project will be IHG’s third Holiday Inn Express under development in Mumbai, adding to existing projects on Andheri–Kurla Road and in Powai. The company is also preparing to open a voco hotel in mid-2026 and currently operates InterContinental Marine Drive Mumbai and Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort, and Holiday Inn Express. The group has a pipeline of 80 additional hotels expected to open across the country over the next three to five years, highlighting sustained investment in the Indian hospitality market.