IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its premium collection brand, Noted Collection, into the Middle East for the first time. The company signed a franchise agreement with Morina Development & Investment Co. LLC for a new property in Riyadh.
First Noted Collection hotel in the region
The Cantonal Hotel Riyadh Noted Collection by IHG will be the first of its kind in the Middle East. This marks a key step for the brand, which launched earlier this year as IHG’s 21st offering. The hotel is set to open by the end of 2026 after converting an existing property.
Noted Collection focuses on independent hotels with distinct identities. It combines local character with the support of a global hospitality group. Owners gain access to IHG’s commercial platforms and its loyalty program, while keeping each property’s individuality intact.
The 107-key hotel will be located in Al Olaya, Riyadh’s main commercial district. It sits near landmarks like the Kingdom Centre Tower and King Abdullah Financial District. The location is about 30 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, offering convenience for business and leisure travelers.
A growing premium portfolio in Saudi Arabia
IHG currently operates 48 hotels in Saudi Arabia, with 62 more in development. The Kingdom ranks among the group’s fastest-growing markets, fueled by its expanding tourism and business sectors.
When completed, the Cantonal Hotel will include a main restaurant, café, rooftop lounge, meeting spaces, and an indoor pool. The design aims to serve both corporate and leisure guests in one of the city’s most desirable areas.
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Haitham Mattar, IHG’s managing director for India, the Middle East, and Africa, described the signing as significant. “Noted Collection is built for independent hotels with stories worth sharing—properties that create curiosity and a real sense of place,” he said. The brand’s launch supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its hospitality options as part of broader tourism plans.
Abdulaziz Mohammed Al-Haqbani, manager at Morina Development & Investment, noted the partnership reflects Riyadh’s evolution. “There’s strong demand for hotels that blend uniqueness, quality, and local character with the systems of a trusted global company,” he said.
The expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s push to become a major global destination, with Riyadh leading the effort. Noted Collection’s emphasis on distinctive, locally inspired properties could meet a need in the market. It offers travelers an alternative to standard chain hotels while maintaining the reliability of an established brand. The strategy may test whether this approach gains lasting appeal, but the brand’s arrival signals confidence in the region’s growth.
IHG’s broader Middle East strategy relies on conversions, which allow faster expansion than new builds. With 62 hotels in the pipeline, the company is investing heavily in Saudi Arabia’s hospitality boom. The debut of Noted Collection could shape how independent hotels fit into that vision.
The hotel’s opening will be closely watched.
