IHG Hotels and Resorts has signed a long-term agreement with fund manager Salter Brothers which will see several IHG hotels rebranded and repositioned under key luxury brands, including Regent Hotels and Resorts.

The brand will make a return to Australia after 28 years with the launch of Regent Melbourne in 2030 following a transformation of InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto. Three existing Crowne Plaza properties, in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, will be repositioned under the InterContinental brand.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach, which is currently closed for works, will be rebranded to InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, opening in late 2025. The reimagined hotel will feature a pool deck with uninterrupted views of Coogee Beach, a new spa and wellness facility, a beachfront Club InterContinental and a new signature restaurant featuring an internationally renowned restaurant group.

Crowne Plaza Melbourne will become InterContinental Melbourne, introducing a Club InterContinental Lounge and a Michelin inspired restaurant and bar to the rooftop, as well as a new spa and wellness facility at the hotel, including the city’s first bathhouse.

The site of Crowne Plaza Canberra will be redeveloped into InterContinental Canberra – offeringa rooftop Club InterContinental Lounge and Suites, extensive conference and event spaces together, a signature restaurant and luxury day spa facility – with a second hotel to be added under the Hotel Indigo brand, bringing a personalised boutique experience to the city.

Voco Gold Coast – the first voco hotel to open globally – will undergo a refurbishment and expansion of its leisure facilities to create a new hinterland facing pool deck and bar, and a kids club. “We are delighted to announce an extended long-term agreement with Salter Brothers, which further strengthens our existing, highly successful relationship,” said IHG Hotels and Resorts Managing Director, Australasia Pacific, Matt Tripolone.

Voco Gold Coast

“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.”

Tripolone said IHG is “thrilled” to see the return of Regent Hotels and Resorts to Australia after nearly three decades. Regent hotel will represent “the epitome of modern upper luxury… blending timeless heritage with cutting-edge design”, according to IHG, and will include extensive conference and event spaces, multiple restaurants and bars, a spa and Regent Club.

“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,” Tripolone added.

“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 across the country.”

Salter Brothers Managing Director, Paul Salter, said: “We have a strong history with IHG spanning more than a decade, and are fully committed to our partnership which continues to drive growth for our assets.

“This new agreement represents over $1bn 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.”