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IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a new property in the UK and while the announcement signals a solid positive step forward for IHG, it also signals the loss of a key UK property for Hilton.
The Hilton Manchester Deansgate has occupied 22 floors of the Beetham Tower in central Manchester since 2006, but after a partnership of almost 20 years, the property owners and Hilton are going their separate ways and the hotel will rebrand as the InterContinental Manchester Deansgate.
The rebrand will be more than a renaming exercise with IHG confirming that the property will undergo a “comprehensive refurbishment” which is not expected to be completed until 2027. Interestingly, however, we’re also told that the property will remain open to guests while the refurbishment project is in progress.
As part of the works, IHG says that the refurbished property will feature a large ground floor podium bar and restaurant, an indoor pool, a sauna + steam room, and a fitness centre, but none of that is really news as the current property already offers all of these amenities.
IHG has also said that the number of rooms on offer will not be changing (264) so, presumably, we can expect the refurbished rooms to be the same size as the rooms that Hilton currently offers.
That’s good news because, if I recall correctly, the rooms at this property are of a respectable size … but I say that based on a that stay that took place quite a few years ago so I’m sure someone will be along soon to correct me if that’s wrong!
As far as when all of this will kick into effect, it’s hard to tell right now.
At the time of writing, the Hilton booking engine is still selling rooms through the end of April 2026 and the IHG press release doesn’t mention when the official move from Hilton to InterContinental will take place, but I think we can assume that it will happen at some point this year.
It’s probably not a coincidence that this announcement comes close to the 20th anniversary of this property’s association with Hilton as it’s likely that the 20th anniversary signals the end of the current management contract that the owner (Blue Manchester Hotel Limited) has with Hilton and so, at some point this year, IHG will be free to step in and take over.
This is what both parties have had to say:
(Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said:
“The signing of InterContinental Manchester – Deansgate marks a significant milestone in our UK&I development strategy as we bring the world’s first and most iconic luxury hotel brand to an important city in the UK. The landmark signing further strengthens IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio in the UK and perfectly complements our Kimpton Clocktower property — reinforcing our position as the leading luxury hospitality player in Manchester.
We are proud to begin our partnership with Blue Manchester Hotel Limited through such a momentous project and look forward to welcoming guests to what promises to be an extraordinary InterContinental experience.”
A spokesperson for Blue Manchester Hotel Limited said:
“This transition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this iconic Manchester hotel. We are delighted to be collaborating with IHG Hotels & Resorts to reposition the property as an InterContinental hotel—one of the most prestigious brands in global hospitality. The transformation will be supported by significant investment to enhance the guest experience and elevate the hotel to a new standard of luxury. We are confident this next phase will further strengthen the hotel’s reputation as one of the city’s premier destinations.”
Overall, for Hilton fans and for members of the Hilton Honors program, this news will be a bit of a hit as the number of Hilton properties in and around central Manchester will now drop from 3 to 2, and the property that’s being lost is the most central of the three.
For IHG fans, for members of IHG One Rewards and for InterContinental Ambassador members, this is clearly good news as they’re getting a new property at which to earn and burn points and at which to enjoy whatever benefits their elite status offers.
It’s worth noting, however, that the Hilton Manchester Deansgate doesn’t get particularly good reviews on Tripadvisor (it scores 3.9 out of 5.0 following almost 6,000 reviews) so as the location is unlikely to be an issue for most guests, it may be that IHG will need to put some extra effort into making sure that what the property offers is in line with what guests will be expecting.
Generally speaking, people expect more from an InterContinental than from a property simply branded “Hilton” so if expectations aren’t being met right now, work will clearly be required if the “new” InterContinental Manchester Deansgate is to be a success.
Bottom line
Hilton has lost (or given up) the contract to manage the Hilton Manchester Deansgate and the property will be rebranded as the InterContinental Manchester Deansgate under the overview of IHG Hotels and Resorts.
When the first stage of this rebranding will take place is unclear, but we know that the property will be refurbished and we know that the full rebranding exercise is not expected to be completed before 2027 (although the property will remain open while works are being carried out).
