Home Business Luxury Travel and Tourism IHG Unveils Billion-Dollar Lux...

IHG Unveils Billion-Dollar Luxury Hotel Expansion with Flagship Regent Melbourne Launch

Luxury Travel and Tourism

Business Honor
29 May, 2025

Regent returns, InterContinental expands, and Hotel Indigo debuts in luxury-focused revamp.

Global hospitality powerhouse IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a luxury expansion across Australia, with a focus on repositioning its high-end hotel portfolio to meet evolving traveler expectations. At the focus of this billion-dollar initiative is the much-expected return of the prestigious Regent Hotels & Resorts brand, marking its comeback to Australian shores after 28 years.

Leading the transformation is the conversion of the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto into the new Regent Melbourne, a flagship property set to redefine the luxury hospitality landscape. Strategically located in Melbourne’s Central Business District, the hotel will blend timeless heritage architecture with contemporary elegance. Guests can expect bespoke dining, a world-class spa, and access to the exclusive Regent Club.

As part of this luxury evolution, IHG will also rebrand three Crowne Plaza properties in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra under the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts banner. These properties will undergo service and design upgrades, reinforcing IHG’s commitment to premium guest experiences in key urban locations.

Further enriching the portfolio, IHG will debut a brand-new Hotel Indigo in Canberra, inspired by the capital’s rich political and cultural heritage. Known for their boutique charm and neighborhood storytelling, Hotel Indigo properties offer travelers an immersive, stylish alternative in the upscale lifestyle segment.

Additionally, the voco Gold Coast hotel will see significant refurbishments with enhanced leisure amenities designed to attract both holidaymakers and business guests.

This strategic expansion is in partnership with Australian investment firm Salter Brothers, combining real estate expertise with IHG’s hospitality leadership. It aligns with broader goals to elevate tourism offerings and boost economic growth through premium travel experiences.

With 76 hotels currently operating and 26 in development across Australasia, IHG’s focus on luxury travel in Australia signals a new era for the region’s tourism industry.