IHG Hotels & Resorts is continuing the expansion of its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in Portugal with the signing of Esperança Hotel, Vignette Collection, a new boutique property planned for the historic city of Braga.
The agreement strengthens IHG’s growing Vignette Collection presence in Portugal, bringing the brand’s total open and pipeline portfolio in the country to six hotels.
New Luxury Hotel Planned For Braga City Centre
The 58-room Esperança Hotel, Vignette Collection will be created through the conversion of two existing buildings in Braga’s historic centre.
The property is expected to open in September 2026 and will introduce a new luxury lifestyle accommodation option in one of Portugal’s oldest cities.
The hotel is owned by Hotel Janes LDA, led by CEO Luciana Borges, and will be managed by independent hospitality management company Amazing Evolution.
IHG Expands Vignette Collection Across Portugal
The new Braga signing joins a growing collection of Vignette Collection hotels in Portugal, including Convent Square Lisbon, Casa da Companhia Hotel & Spa and Onyria Marinha Cascais.
IHG said the brand continues gaining momentum across Southern Europe as owners seek access to global distribution systems while preserving the individual identity of their properties.
Vignette Collection combines independent hotel character with the brand’s concepts of “A Means for Good” and “Memorable Rituals,” designed to create locally inspired guest experiences.
Portugal Remains Priority Market For IHG
Willemijn Geels, Vice President of Development for Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts, described Portugal as a priority growth market for the company.
She said Braga represents an ideal location for expanding IHG’s portfolio of distinctive luxury and lifestyle hotels in the country.
Geels also highlighted the growing appeal of the Vignette Collection model among hotel owners looking to retain individuality while benefiting from IHG’s global scale and operational systems.
Braga Positioned As Emerging Luxury Destination
Hotel Janes LDA CEO Luciana Borges said Braga’s blend of history and modern identity made it a natural fit for the Vignette Collection brand.
She said the partnership with IHG and operational support from Amazing Evolution would help position the hotel as a destination for both international travellers and the local community.
Vignette Collection Continues Rapid Global Expansion
Since launching in 2021, Vignette Collection has expanded rapidly as IHG targets 100 hotels globally by 2030.
The brand has already passed the halfway point toward that goal in just four years and currently includes six operating hotels and 17 pipeline properties across Europe.
The continued growth reflects rising demand for luxury lifestyle hotels that combine independent character with large-scale international hospitality networks.
