Originally Posted by
khabah
Six Senses as an overall brand is now part of IHG but as is my understanding, their participation is very selective and hotels are given the freedom to participate in IHG Rewards or opt out.
The truth may be more prosaic: as long as the contract agreement does not expire, there is no reason to renegotiate it.
The strategy is clearly to manage the integration smoothly.
Originally Posted by
khabah
Not all Six Senses property owners are thrilled about being part of the IHG network, and as such are exercising the ability to stay outside the program; I wouldn’t be surprised to see them leave altogether once their contracts expire.
Today there is no evidence to confirm this point.
The same argument had been raised for Kimpton (IHG will kill the brand, etc.).
The reality is that only Kimptons properties that were not up to standard left IHG. The brand has risen in value and internationalized thanks to the power of IHG.
Likewise, IHG's strength in development signing and marketing/sales can allow Six Senses - a superb but quite confidential brand - to grow.