IHG Hotels & Resorts has agreed a multi-site upgrade plan for its hotels across Australia, with long term property partner Salter Brothers.
The changes will see a number of hotels improved, and repositioned with new brands above the door. The plans also include relaunching the luxury Regent Hotels & Resorts brand into Australia, after an absence of 28 years.
The Regent name returns
The Regent name will, in fact, reappear in 2030 in Melbourne. There, the existing InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto will undergo a redevelopment to create a new, standout destination in the city’s central business district. Aside from luxury hotel rooms, the reimagined hotel will offer extensive conference facilities, a spa and several restaurants and bars.
“We have a strong history with IHG spanning more than a decade, and are fully committed to our partnership which continues to drive growth for our assets,” said Paul Salter, managing director of Salter Brothers. “This new agreement represents over AUD1 billion of investment in the luxury and lifestyle segment and highlights our conviction in providing distinctive lifestyle experiences for travellers globally.”
Additionally, three Crowne Plaza properties are to undergo improvements and rebranding. Work is already under way on the first, Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach. This will return to the market in late 2025 with additional features including a pool deck with uninterrupted views of Coogee Beach, a beach club and signature branded restaurant.
In Canberra, the city’s Crowne Plaza hotel will be redeveloped to create two hotels for IHG. These will be an InterContinental, and a Hotel Indigo.
And in Melbourne, the shuffle of brands will see the former Crowne Plaza transformed to create a replacement InterContinental. Guests will enjoy great views of the Yarra River and Port Philip Bay, plus a new spa and wellness facility.
Also included in the upgrade plans are Voco Gold Coast. This was the first Voco branded hotel to open in the world, and a refurbishment is planned that will expand the property’s leisure facilities with a new pool deck and bar, plus a kids club.
Australasia remains a key market for IHG. Currently the group has 76 hotels across the region, representing nine of its brands. A further 26 properties have been signed into the development pipeline.
Adding Voco and Holiday Inn hotels
Growth continues across the group’s Voco and Holiday Inn brands. Aside from the Gold Coast, Voco currently has Voco Darwin Suites under construction, and Voco Gosford, overlooking the Central Coast, expected to open later this year. Further Voco hotels are in planning for development in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, and in South Melbourne and Ballarat.
For the powerhouse that is the Holiday Inn brand family, there are a number of developments under way. The 273 room Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall will launch in autumn 2025. Further projects are planned in Townsville, while the 160 room Holiday Inn Melbourne Richmond is expected to open in the third quarter of 2026. Further ahead, the Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra Sunshine Coast will open in 2028.
