IHG Hotels & Resorts has solidified its position in the luxury hospitality sector in Australia through a strategic long-term agreement with Salter Brothers. As part of the deal, several existing IHG properties will be rebranded under the group’s prestigious luxury portfolios, including the highly anticipated return of the Regent Hotels & Resorts brand to the country after a 28-year absence.
The centerpiece of the agreement is the transformation of the InterContinental Melbourne into the Regent Melbourne by 2030. Additionally, three Crowne Plaza hotels will be rebranded as InterContinental properties in key destinations across Australia – Sydney Coogee Beach, Melbourne, and Canberra. The Canberra site will also see the introduction of a Hotel Indigo, IHG’s design-focused boutique brand.
InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, formerly Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach, is set to open in late 2025 following a transformation. The property will feature a pool deck with stunning ocean views, a wellness facility, Club InterContinental, and a signature restaurant.
The partnership will also see enhancements to IHG’s existing luxury properties, including a refurbishment and expansion of the popular voco Gold Coast, the first voco hotel globally launched in collaboration with Salter Brothers.
“This partnership accelerates IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle growth in Australia and enables Salter Brothers to reposition key assets and unlock long-term value in this space,” said Matt Tripolone, IHG Hotels & Resorts Managing Director, Australasia Pacific. “With three InterContinental properties also on the horizon, and a new Hotel Indigo Canberra in our sights, we’re delighted to have cemented our leading Luxury & Lifestyle position in the country.”
Paul Salter, Managing Director of Salter Brothers, expressed enthusiasm for the continued collaboration: “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. 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 currently operates 76 hotels across nine brands in Australasia, with an additional 26 properties in the development pipeline. The group’s commitment to expanding its luxury and lifestyle offerings in the region underscores its strategic focus on catering to the evolving preferences of discerning travelers.
