Friday, May 23, 2025
UK-based global hospitality leader IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched a transformative billion-dollar expansion of its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio across Australia, in partnership with investment firm Salter Brothers. This strategic initiative will reintroduce the iconic Regent Hotels & Resorts brand to Australia for the first time in 28 years, while repositioning existing Crowne Plaza properties in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra under the InterContinental banner. The expansion also includes the debut of a new Hotel Indigo in Canberra and the refurbishment of voco Gold Coast with upgraded leisure amenities. As part of its long-term growth strategy, IHG aims to redefine high-end hospitality in Australia by enhancing guest experiences and creating vibrant new destinations that reflect the evolving expectations of luxury travelers.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Embarks on \$1 Billion Luxury Expansion in Australia with Salter Brothers Investment Deal
IHG Hotels & Resorts is dramatically scaling up its presence in Australia’s high-end hospitality market with a transformative investment exceeding \$1 billion. The global hotel group has partnered with investment management firm Salter Brothers to reposition and elevate its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio across key Australian cities. This strategic collaboration not only deepens IHG’s regional footprint but also marks the long-awaited return of one of its most prestigious brands—Regent Hotels & Resorts—to Australian shores after nearly three decades.
Regent Hotels & Resorts Returns to Australia After 28 Years
A centerpiece of this initiative is the conversion of the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto into a flagship Regent hotel. Once completed, the revamped property will represent the Regent brand’s official comeback to Australia for the first time in 28 years. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District, the future Regent Melbourne will be transformed into a five-star destination complete with expansive event and conference facilities, curated fine-dining venues, a luxury spa, and the signature Regent Club—a space dedicated to exclusive guest experiences. The transformation seeks to create a landmark in Melbourne that blends heritage architecture with contemporary elegance.
Crowne Plaza Rebranding in Major Cities
Further strengthening its luxury positioning, IHG will rebrand three existing Crowne Plaza properties in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra under its globally recognized InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand. This move is designed to align these properties with IHG’s premier luxury standards and cater to the rising demand for refined accommodations in Australia’s urban hubs. The rebranded hotels will undergo enhancements in both service offerings and design, delivering the superior guest experiences expected of the InterContinental name.
Hotel Indigo to Debut in Canberra
Adding vibrancy and cultural character to the capital city, IHG will introduce a brand-new Hotel Indigo in Canberra. Known for their boutique aesthetics and locally-inspired themes, Hotel Indigo properties immerse guests in the spirit of the neighborhoods they inhabit. The Canberra location will reflect the city’s political heritage and creative culture through art, architecture, and hospitality, delivering a distinctive and contemporary lifestyle experience.
voco Gold Coast to Undergo Leisure-Focused Upgrades
IHG’s voco brand, which targets relaxed upscale travel, is also in line for an upgrade. The voco Gold Coast hotel will undergo a significant refurbishment that includes a full property refresh and a major expansion of its leisure offerings. The enhancements are intended to elevate the guest experience by incorporating additional wellness amenities and recreational facilities, appealing to both holidaymakers and business travelers seeking comfort and convenience in a scenic coastal setting.
IHG’s Ambitious Growth in Australasia
The investment partnership with Salter Brothers is part of a larger growth blueprint IHG is executing across the Australasia region. Currently, IHG operates 76 hotels in Australasia under nine well-established brands, ranging from midscale to luxury. Another 26 hotels are under development, signaling a steady pipeline of expansion and innovation. The luxury segment, in particular, is witnessing accelerated growth as IHG positions itself to serve the evolving expectations of modern, experience-driven travelers.
This \$1 billion-plus initiative not only underscores IHG’s confidence in Australia’s tourism recovery but also reflects a broader shift towards high-end, lifestyle-oriented travel preferences in the Asia-Pacific region. By combining Salter Brothers’ real estate and investment acumen with IHG’s global hospitality expertise, the partnership aims to bring world-class design, service, and facilities to guests while also stimulating job creation and regional economic development.
A New Era for Australian Hospitality
Through this sweeping transformation of its Australian portfolio, IHG is sending a clear message to travelers and investors alike: luxury and innovation are at the heart of its future vision. By reviving legendary brands, launching culturally immersive hotels, and upgrading existing properties, the hospitality group is set to redefine what luxury means in the Australian context. This bold expansion effort not only enhances guest offerings but also aligns with the government’s tourism strategies to attract premium visitors and boost long-term sector sustainability.
UK’s IHG Hotels & Resorts is investing over one billion dollars in Australia’s luxury travel sector, rebranding key hotels and reintroducing Regent after 28 years. The expansion includes new InterContinental and Hotel Indigo properties, setting a new benchmark in high-end hospitality across major Australian cities.
With its upgraded properties expected to roll out in stages over the coming years, IHG’s new luxury chapter in Australia promises to set a benchmark for service excellence and hospitality innovation across the region.
