IHG taking over Hotel Plaza in Yas Island

[Magarathea]

Not sure if this has been covered yet on HFPs.

For anyone interested in Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, there is something big happening to some of the hotels.

There is a collection of 6 hotels in an area called Yas Hotel Plaza in Yas island located very near to and in walking distance to the F1 track, with Ferrari World and other theme parks slightly further away. The proposed Disney Park is still many, many years away.
There are 2 IHG hotels, a Crowne Plaza and a Staybridge suites together with a Radisson Blu and a Park Inn and a Rotana and a Centro Hotel. I understand all these hotels are operated by the same management company but under different licences to each of their respective brands.

In October 2024, IHG announced they would be taking over all 6 hotels on the site in Q4 of 2025 and turning it into a single luxury resort under the vignette umbrella.
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2024/ihg-and-aldar-partner-to-transform-six-adjoining-hotels-into-an-integrated-luxury-resort

The promotional blub claimed the hotels were undergoing refurbishments presumably to achieve “luxury status”. I have stayed in the Staybridge a number of times including in Nov 24 and March 25 and whilst this property very much suited my needs, I would not in any way call it luxury. There was some upgrading work going on when I was there but it all seemed a bit superficial.

I have noticed recently that the 4 non IHG hotels have arrived on the IHG website with availability being promised from 1 October. Some of the hotels have booking availability showing with others not yet.
The non IHG hotels are being renamed as follows … I think?
Radisson Blu – Yas Plaza Mangroves
Park Inn – Yas Plaza Bay
Centro – Yas Plaza Circuit
Rotana – Yas Plaza Marina

There is something mad happening with the pricing next year for the existing IHG hotels in this site.

Previously when I have stayed, I have been paying 20k – 25k IHG points for reward nights with cash rates around £175 per night.

For the CP from the end of April 26 and for the SBS from the start of June 26, cash rates are +£550 and reward nights are 120k IHG points per night! In comparison the W hotel on the GP track has room rates of around £200 per night away from the GP events. I’m not sure what is going on but these seem silly prices unless there is something very big happening in the hotels or in Yas Island next summer. Interestingly the previously non IHG hotels which have availability for summer next year are showing their normal room rates less than half of the CP or the SBS.

Sorry about the long story which will not interest many HFPs readers but hopefully will be of interest to people who have previously been to or are considering Yas Island for a trip.