IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to make a significant splash in Australia’s luxury hospitality scene with a major long-term partnership agreement with Salter Brothers. At the heart of this transformation is the highly anticipated return of the Regent Hotels & Resorts brand to Australia after nearly three decades. Regent Melbourne will officially replace the InterContinental Melbourne in 2030, marking a fresh chapter for one of the country’s most iconic hotel brands.
The shift is part of IHG’s broader Luxury & Lifestyle expansion, which will also see several well-known properties rebranded to strengthen their appeal and bring new experiences to guests across Australia. Alongside the Regent brand’s comeback, three Crowne Plaza hotels will be repositioned under IHG’s luxury InterContinental brand. These include Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach, Crowne Plaza Melbourne, and the Crowne Plaza Canberra site, which will also welcome a new Hotel Indigo property as part of a larger redevelopment.
The transformation of InterContinental Melbourne into Regent Melbourne promises to blend the city’s rich heritage with modern luxury. The historic Rialto building will serve as the backdrop for this ambitious project, which plans to create a landmark destination featuring extensive conference and event spaces, multiple restaurants and bars, a destination spa, and an exclusive Regent Club. This redevelopment aims to offer travelers a unique combination of timeless design and cutting-edge amenities right in the heart of Melbourne’s Central Business District.
Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach is currently closed for a complete makeover into InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, expected to reopen by late 2025. The revamped hotel will boast a stunning pool deck with panoramic views of the beach, a new spa and wellness center, a beachfront Club InterContinental, and a signature restaurant operated by a world-renowned culinary group.
In Canberra, Crowne Plaza is undergoing a significant redevelopment to become InterContinental Canberra, alongside the introduction of a Hotel Indigo boutique property. The InterContinental Canberra will feature rooftop Club InterContinental lounges and suites with views of Parliament House, spacious event venues, a signature restaurant, and a luxury day spa. Hotel Indigo Canberra will offer a boutique lifestyle experience, celebrating the city’s local culture with personalized service.
The voco Gold Coast, another collaboration with Salter Brothers and the first voco hotel worldwide, is also set for refurbishment. Plans include expanding its leisure facilities with a new hinterland-facing pool deck and bar, as well as a kids’ club designed to entertain all ages.
Currently, IHG operates 76 hotels across Australasia under nine brands, including luxury and lifestyle leaders like Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, and Hotel Indigo. With an additional 26 properties in the pipeline, this expansion signals IHG’s strong commitment to the Australian market and its future as a hub for luxury hospitality.
This strategic move reinforces IHG’s status as a dominant player in Australia’s luxury hotel industry, combining historic charm with innovative design and world-class service to attract discerning travelers from around the globe.
