IHG and Salter Brothers unlock over $1bn in luxury hotel transformations
Regent returns to Melbourne, InterContinental expands, and Hotel Indigo heads to Canberra
IHG Hotels & Resorts has just announced a major milestone for luxury and lifestyle accommodation in Australia, strengthening its long-standing partnership with Salter Brothers through a transformative new agreement that includes the return of a beloved brand, multiple rebrands, and a brand-new hotel in the nation’s capital.
At the centre of this major announcement is the return of Regent Hotels & Resorts to Australia for the first time in 28 years, when Regent Melbourne completes its transformation from InterContinental Melbourne in 2030.
IHG’s strategic Luxury & Lifestyle expansion also sees three of its highly popular and successful properties joining its InterContinental brand, bolstering IHG’s presence in Australia’s high-end market:
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Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will become InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, due to open late 2025, complete with a beachfront Club Lounge, spa, pool deck, and a signature restaurant by an internationally recognised group.
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Crowne Plaza Melbourne will transform into InterContinental Melbourne, introducing rooftop dining, a Club Lounge, and the city’s first bathhouse and luxury wellness facility overlooking the Yarra River.
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Crowne Plaza Canberra will be redeveloped into InterContinental Canberra, featuring sweeping views to Parliament House, a rooftop Club Lounge, spa, conference spaces, and a flagship restaurant.
Sharing the Canberra site, the city will also welcome its first Hotel Indigo. The boutique lifestyle brand will offer guests a curated and creative experience inspired by the cultural vibrancy and heritage of the capital.
Meanwhile, voco Gold Coast, the world’s first voco, will undergo a stylish refurbishment. Guests can expect an expanded pool deck facing the hinterland, a new bar, and a dedicated kids club for all age groups.
IHG’s Managing Director for Australasia Pacific, Matt Tripolone, said the new agreement highlights the strength of their partnership and marks an exciting chapter for luxury travel in Australia.
“We’re thrilled to bring Regent back and grow our InterContinental and Hotel Indigo presence. This investment reflects our confidence in the local market and the growing appetite for immersive, high-end travel experiences.”
Salter Brothers’ Managing Director, Paul Salter, added:
“Our partnership with IHG has delivered incredible results, and this next phase represents more than $1 billion of investment. These projects will create iconic hotels that blend style, cuisine, and wellness to deliver world-class guest experiences.”
The expanded portfolio reflects the evolving expectations of travellers and the continued growth of Australia’s luxury accommodation market. IHG now operates 76 hotels in Australasia under brands including InterContinental, voco, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton, and Six Senses, with 26 more in the pipeline.
The future of luxury travel in Australia is taking shape — and it’s looking very bright.
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