IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a long-term agreement with specialist property and investment management company Salter Brothers, with multiple high-profile IHG hotels to be rebranded and repositioned within the company’s portfolio of luxury brands.
As part of the rebranding, Regent Hotels & Resorts will return to Australia after 28 years when Regent Melbourne completes its transformation from InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto in 2030.
IHG’s luxury and lifestyle expansion will see three other properties join its InterContinental brand.
Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will become InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach when it reopens in late 2025; Crowne Plaza Melbourne (pictured, at top) will switch to InterContinental Melbourne; and Crowne Plaza Canberra will be redeveloped into the new InterContinental Canberra.
A second hotel will also be developed on the Canberra site, bringing Hotel Indigo to the national capital.
“We are delighted to announce an extended long-term agreement with Salter Brothers, which further strengthens our existing, highly successful relationship,” says Matt Tripolone, managing director, Australasia Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
“This partnership accelerates IHG’s luxury and lifestyle growth in Australia and enables Salter Brothers to reposition key assets and unlock long-term value in this space.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing our Regent Hotels & Resorts brand back to Australia after an absence of 28 years, with Regent Melbourne on track to welcome guests in 2030.
“With three InterContinental properties also on the horizon, and a new hotel, Hotel Indigo Canberra, in our sights, we’re delighted to have cemented our leading luxury and lifestyle position in the country.
“Overall, this agreement underscores the strength and evolving nature of Australia’s hotel market and highlights the growing trend for conversions in our industry as guests increasingly seek immersive luxury and lifestyle experiences.”
Another IHG and Salter Brothers collaboration, voco Gold Coast, will undergo a refurbishment and expansion of its leisure facilities.
“We have a strong history with IHG spanning more than a decade, and we are fully committed to our partnership which continues to drive growth for our assets,” says Paul Salter, managing director, Salter Brothers.
“This new agreement represents more than $1 billion investment in the luxury and lifestyle segment and highlights our conviction in providing distinctive lifestyle experiences for travellers globally, with an emphasis on timeless style, culinary mastery and wellness facilities for guests.
“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.”
