IHG and Salter Brothers Set to Redefine Luxury Hotels in Australia with Billion Dollar Expansion Plan

Hotel News: Massive Overhaul Signals New Era for Australian Hospitality

Australia’s luxury hotel scene is about to experience a dramatic transformation as global hotel giant IHG Hotels & Resorts partners with prominent investment firm Salter Brothers in a long-term strategic deal worth more than $1 billion. This ambitious initiative will bring high-profile brand conversions, opulent refurbishments, and the return of a long-lost luxury icon, all aimed at reshaping the nation’s hospitality landscape.

This Hotel News report explores how this landmark agreement will bring about the resurgence of the Regent Hotels & Resorts brand, new developments for InterContinental Hotels, and the debut of Hotel Indigo in the Australian capital. The deal not only reinforces IHG’s leading position in the luxury and lifestyle segment but also signals a firm commitment from both IHG and Salter Brothers to meet the growing appetite for high-end travel experiences across Australia.

Regent Returns to Australia After Nearly Three Decades

One of the most talked-about highlights is the revival of the iconic Regent Hotels & Resorts brand. Regent, which last operated in Australia nearly 30 years ago, is slated to make its grand comeback with the transformation of InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto into Regent Melbourne by the year 2030. This redeveloped hotel will blend timeless sophistication with cutting-edge design within Melbourne’s historic Rialto building. Plans include expansive conference and event facilities, a destination spa, multiple high-end dining options, and a prestigious Regent Club.

This bold rebranding is expected to re-establish the Regent name as a leader in upper luxury hospitality and turn the precinct into a landmark destination in Melbourne’s Central Business District.

Three Crown Jewels Reimagined Under the InterContinental Brand

Three major IHG hotels will also be rebranded and elevated to the prestigious InterContinental label, the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand. These include:

–Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach – Set to reopen in late 2025 as InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, this beachfront resort will feature an upgraded pool deck with panoramic views of Coogee Beach, a high-end wellness facility, an exclusive beachside Club InterContinental, and a new signature restaurant by a globally renowned restaurant group.

–Crowne Plaza Melbourne – This centrally located property will soon become InterContinental Melbourne, offering an exclusive rooftop Club InterContinental Lounge and a Michelin-inspired restaurant and bar with spectacular views of the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay. The hotel will also feature a new luxury wellness center, including Melbourne’s first bathhouse.

–Crowne Plaza Canberra – The hotel site will undergo a complete redevelopment to house two distinctive hotels: the all-new InterContinental Canberra and the stylish boutique Hotel Indigo Canberra. The InterContinental will boast rooftop suites overlooking Parliament House, extensive conference facilities, a signature restaurant, and a luxury day spa. Hotel Indigo Canberra will introduce a more personalized and locally inspired experience, showcasing the city’s vibrant character and cultural richness.

Hotel Indigo Makes Debut in Canberra

With this expansion, IHG is bringing the boutique lifestyle brand Hotel Indigo to Canberra for the first time. Known for reflecting the culture, art, and heritage of its surroundings, Hotel Indigo Canberra is expected to deliver a unique and immersive guest experience. The hotel will be part of a dual-property precinct alongside InterContinental Canberra, creating a new hospitality destination in the nation’s capital.

voco Gold Coast Gets a Bold New Look

Not to be left behind, the pioneering voco Gold Coast—the first-ever voco hotel globally—will also see significant upgrades. The refurbishment includes an expanded pool deck with views of the Gold Coast hinterland, a new leisure-focused bar, and a full-service kids club designed to engage guests of all ages. These changes are intended to enhance the property’s family-friendly appeal and solidify its reputation as a modern lifestyle resort.

IHG and Salter Brothers Cement a Decade-Long Relationship

Matt Tripolone, IHG’s Managing Director for Australasia and the Pacific, emphasized the importance of the renewed agreement. “We’re delighted to bring Regent Hotels & Resorts back to Australia and elevate our InterContinental portfolio in key cities. This agreement represents a pivotal step in our luxury and lifestyle growth strategy,” Tripolone stated.

Paul Salter, Managing Director of Salter Brothers, echoed that sentiment. “This partnership marks over a billion dollars in investment and underscores our vision to deliver timeless, luxury travel experiences. We’re proud to strengthen our decade-long relationship with IHG and look forward to welcoming both local and global travelers to these reimagined properties.”

Shaping the Future of Luxury Travel in Australia

This massive redevelopment wave reflects larger trends in the global hotel industry, particularly the increased demand for property conversions and immersive travel experiences. IHG already operates 76 hotels across Australasia under nine brands, including InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, voco, and Holiday Inn, with an additional 26 properties in the pipeline. The new agreement significantly boosts the company’s growth trajectory while adding exceptional value to Salter Brothers’ portfolio.

The initiative highlights how conversions and brand reinventions are becoming the new standard in luxury hospitality, enabling both developers and operators to stay ahead of evolving traveler expectations. In an increasingly competitive global travel market, distinctive experiences, architectural significance, and curated services are fast becoming must-haves—not mere luxuries.

With its unique combination of heritage restoration, visionary design, and world-class amenities, this multi-property transformation promises to captivate discerning travelers and set new standards in luxury and lifestyle hospitality across Australia.

These developments mark a new chapter in IHG’s evolution in Australasia and signal a broader shift in the region’s hospitality sector. For travelers, the takeaway is simple—more refined experiences, world-renowned brands, and meticulously crafted stays await across Australia’s top cities in the years ahead.

For the latest on the debut of new hotels in Australia, keep on logging to Bangkok Hotel News.