The El Gran Encomendero hotel marks a first for IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle Collection brand in both Mexico and the Americas region, and builds upon strong momentum from previous signings across Asia, Europe and Australia following the brand’s August 2021 launch.
Mixed-use anchor
Scheduled to begin construction in early 2023 for a Q3 2025 delivery, the 83-key property will anchor a four-storey, upscale mixed-use development in Valladolid – a historic town nearly 25 miles west of the Chichen Itza ruins and in proximity of the Balam archeological site and multiple cenotes.
The hotel will deliver a guest experience rooted in regional culture, featuring luxurious rooms, a restaurant and bar, rooftop pool, spa, fitness centre and 1,600 sq ft of meeting space.
Book inspiration
Each Vignette Collection hotel features a name reflective of an element of its history, character or location. El Gran Encomendero’s billing takes inspiration from Pedro Sierra Lina’s book, ‘Trilogia Sobre la Casa del Encomendero de Valladolid’.
Under the ownership of Grupo Alves, the property additionally will represent the first branded hotel in the Valladolid community amid its retail and tourism renaissance.
Priority market
Paul Adan, senior regional VP, MLAC, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “With nearly 200 hotels open or in the regional pipeline, Mexico remains a fast-growing priority market for IHG. El Gran Encomendero is a distinctive and ideal introduction to the Americas for our Vignette Collection brand, and the first of many we hope to bring to this market and the world in the coming years. We welcome the opportunity to lead this project forward alongside the fantastic team at Grupo Alves.”
Erick Alvarez, CEO, Grupo Alves, added: “Valladolid’s deep history and coveted location make it ideal for El Gran Encomendero. We are confident that this beautiful and luxurious property will quickly become the regional destination for travellers, and we look forward to working with IHG to turn our vision into a reality. I’d also like to thank Lic. Ernesto Herrera Novelo, secretary of economic development and labour for the State of Yucatan, for overseeing the signing of our franchise agreement.”
Tonne target
IHG anticipates opening more than 100 new Vignette Collection properties in sought-after global urban and resort locations and heritage destinations during the next 10 years.
Already in the pipeline is Casa da Companhia Porto, a high end boutique site in Porto, Portugal, comprising 40 rooms and luxury suites. The interiors of this historic building have been restored to their original 18th century design for the hotel’s re-opening as a Vignette Collection property in Q1 2023.
Plus Vignette Collection Aquatique Pattaya will debut the brand in Thailand in 2024. The 234-key property will be at the heart of a major lifestyle and entertainment complex featuring hotels, retail and dining outlets, and convention spaces, and will become a destination concept designed to appeal to the new generation of travellers.