IHG signs a new InterContinental hotel in central Manchester, marking a major step in the company’s ongoing luxury expansion across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The upcoming InterContinental Manchester – Deansgate will become the fifth InterContinental property in the region and will operate within the iconic Beetham Tower, one of Manchester’s most recognizable landmarks.
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s largest hotel groups, signed the new development with Blue Manchester Hotel Limited. The 264-room property will undergo an extensive rebranding and refurbishment process, with plans to fully transition into the InterContinental brand by 2027. Despite the transformation, the hotel will remain open to guests throughout the redevelopment phase.
Why InterContinental is Coming to Deansgate
Set on one of Manchester’s most historic and vibrant streets, the hotel will offer travelers an upscale experience within walking distance of top-tier restaurants, nightlife, and retail destinations. Business travelers will appreciate its proximity to Manchester’s main conference center and the Spinningfields financial district, making the location a prime choice for both leisure and corporate guests.
Occupying 22 floors of the 47-story Beetham Tower, InterContinental Manchester – Deansgate will offer stunning panoramic views of the Manchester skyline. Following the brand’s signature design philosophy, the hotel’s refurbishment will include 264 modern guestrooms, an elegant ground floor bar and restaurant, and a full suite of wellness amenities such as an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness center.
Expanding IHG’s Luxury Footprint in the UK
IHG currently operates 363 hotels across the UK and Ireland, with an additional 33 in development. The InterContinental brand already has a strong presence in the region with four other properties: InterContinental London – The O2, InterContinental London Park Lane, InterContinental Edinburgh The George, and InterContinental Dublin. This new Manchester location represents a strategic addition to the group’s luxury and lifestyle offerings.
Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development for Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated: “The signing of InterContinental Manchester – Deansgate marks a significant milestone in our UK&I development strategy. It perfectly complements our existing Kimpton Clocktower property and reinforces our leadership in luxury hospitality in Manchester.”
According to IHG, its luxury and lifestyle portfolio is now the second largest in the world, with more than 105 open hotels and 72 in development across Europe. The Manchester project will join a network of 34 InterContinental properties already operating on the continent, alongside recently opened hotels such as InterContinental Chantilly Chateau Mont Royal and upcoming developments like InterContinental Belgrade.
Partnership and Future Vision
The hotel’s transformation is backed by Blue Manchester Hotel Limited, which views the rebranding as a chance to elevate the guest experience. The company emphasized that the change will involve significant investment and design upgrades, reinforcing the hotel’s status as one of Manchester’s premier luxury destinations.
A Blue Manchester Hotel Limited spokesperson commented: “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 hotel will also offer 1,821 square meters of event space spread across 18 meeting rooms, positioning it as a competitive venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE). With strong demand from both leisure and corporate markets, the development is expected to become a cornerstone of Manchester’s luxury hospitality sector.
A New Era of Luxury Travel in Manchester
IHG’s decision to reintroduce the InterContinental brand in a city known for innovation, arts, and sport highlights a broader trend in the hospitality industry: the return of large-scale investment in urban luxury. Manchester’s fast-growing tourism profile makes it a strategic choice for high-end hospitality, and the arrival of an InterContinental hotel is likely to raise the city’s international appeal even further.
IHG signs a new InterContinental hotel in central Manchester, reinforcing the company’s commitment to shaping the future of upscale travel experiences in key global cities. With a blend of architectural distinction, location, and service excellence, the upcoming hotel is poised to redefine what luxury means in the heart of northern England.
