IHG Hotels & Resorts is stepping up its luxury and lifestyle game across Australia with a major shake-up of its hotel portfolio – and a familiar luxury brand is making a long-awaited return.
The global hotel group has inked a long-term deal with Salter Brothers to rebrand and reposition several high-profile properties.
Among the big news is the return of Regent Hotels & Resorts to Australia after 28 years, with InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto set to transform into the new Regent Melbourne in 2030.
But this isn’t the only InterContinental shake-up. Three well-known Crowne Plaza hotels will take on new life under IHG’s flagship luxury brand.
In the Victorian capital, Crowne Plaza Melbourne will become InterContinental Melbourne, offering rooftop dining, the city’s first luxury bathhouse and sweeping Yarra views.
Meanwhile, Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach is set to reopen in late 2025 as InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, with a new beachfront Club InterContinental, a spa and wellness centre, and a show-stopping pool deck overlooking Coogee Beach.
In the nation’s capital, the Crowne Plaza site will be completely reimagined to welcome both InterContinental Canberra and Hotel Indigo Canberra. The former will feature a rooftop lounge with views of Parliament House, while the latter promises a more boutique, locally inspired stay.
And on the Gold Coast, voco – the world’s very first – is getting a refresh too. Guests can expect a new pool deck, family-friendly spaces and upgraded leisure facilities.
IHG Managing Director for Australasia Pacific, Matt Tripolone, said the Salter Brothers partnership strengthens an already successful relationship and fast-tracks IHG’s luxury expansion in the region.
“This partnership accelerates IHG’s luxury and lifestyle growth in Australia and enables Salter Brothers to reposition key assets and unlock long-term value in this space,” he stated.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing our Regent Hotels & Resorts brand back to Australia after an absence of 28 years, with Regent Melbourne on track to welcome guests in 2030.
“With three InterContinental properties also on the horizon, and a new hotel, Hotel Indigo Canberra, in our sights, we’re delighted to have cemented our leading luxury and lifestyle position in the country.”
“Overall, this agreement underscores the strength and evolving nature of Australia’s hotel market and highlights the growing trend for conversions in our industry as guests increasingly seek immersive luxury and lifestyle experiences across the country.”
Meanwhile, Salter Brothers Managing Director Paul Salter said the company was “committed to our partnership which continues to drive growth for our assets”.
“We have a strong history with IHG spanning more than a decade. This new agreement represents over $1 billion investment in the luxury and lifestyle segment and highlights our conviction in providing distinctive lifestyle experiences for travellers globally, with an emphasis on timeless style, culinary mastery and wellness facilities for guests.
“We look forward to working with IHG throughout the journey of these exceptional hotels, and welcoming domestic and international guests to experience these incredible properties under their new brands in the coming years.”
IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 76 hotels in Australasia, with another 26 properties in the pipeline.
In 2024, the group announced it would bring luxury hotel brand Kimpton to Brisbane’s trendy Teneriffe.
