IHG Hotels & Resorts has solidified its position in the luxury and lifestyle sector of Australian hospitality through a new, significant long-term partnership with Salter Brothers.

This alliance aims to rebrand and reposition several prominent IHG hotels within their luxury portfolio. Of note is the anticipated resurrection of the Regent Hotels & Resorts in Australia, marking its return after 28 years, with Regent Melbourne scheduled for a transformation from InterContinental Melbourne by 2030.

According to Matt Tripolone, IHG’s Managing Director for Australasia Pacific, “We are delighted to announce this extended long-term agreement with Salter Brothers, which further strengthens our existing, highly successful relationship. 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. Overall, this agreement underscores the strength and evolving nature of Australia’s hotel market.”

Paul Salter, Managing Director of Salter Brothers, stated, “We have a strong history with IHG spanning over a decade and are fully committed to our partnership, which continues to drive growth for our assets. This new agreement represents over $1 billion investment in the Luxury & Lifestyle segment and highlights our commitment to providing unique lifestyle experiences for travelers globally. We look forward to unveiling these exceptional hotels under their new brands in the upcoming years.”

A Transformative Phase

IHG’s strategic expansion will see three successful properties transitioning into the InterContinental brand, enhancing the global reputation of this premier hotel line:

• Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will become InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach.
• Crowne Plaza Melbourne will be renamed InterContinental Melbourne.
• The Crowne Plaza Canberra will be redeveloped into the new InterContinental Canberra, with an additional hotel, Hotel Indigo, also to be established on this site.

Additionally, voco Gold Coast, the first voco hotel globally and part of the IHG/Salter Brothers collaboration, will undergo a refurbishment and expand its leisure facilities.

Tripolone expressed enthusiasm for the future by stating, “We’re excited to bring back the Regent Hotels & Resorts brand to Australia after 28 years, with Regent Melbourne expected to welcome guests in 2030. Three InterContinental properties are also on the way, along with a new Hotel Indigo in Canberra, affirming our leading position in luxury and lifestyle hospitality within the country.”