The Regent Hotels and Resorts brand will return to Australia after a 28-year hiatus, with the rebadging of InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto under a new agreement between InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Salter Brothers.
The hotel will become Regent Melbourne when it emerges from a dramatic transformation in 2030.
Strengthening the existing relationship between the two parties, the deal will accelerate IHG’s Luxury and Lifestyle growth in Australia, according to IHG Managing Director – Australasia & Pacific Matthew Tripolone. It also enables Salter Brothers to “reposition key assets and unlock lock-term value”.
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“We’re thrilled to be bringing our Regent Hotels & Resorts brand back to Australia after an absence of 28 years,” he said.
Under the deal, three other properties will move across to the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand following extensive refurbishments: Crowne Plaza Sydney Coogee Beach will become InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach; Crowne Plaza Melbourne will become InterContinental Melbourne Crowne; and Plaza Canberra will become InterContinental Canberra.
The duo will also develop a second hotel at the Canberra site, bringing a new Hotel Indigo to Canberra. Finally, voco Gold Coast, which was the first voco hotel to open globally and another IHG and Salter Brothers collaboration, will undergo a refurbishment and expansion of its leisure facilities.“This landmark 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 & Lifestyle experiences across the country,” Tripolone said.
Meanwhile, Salter Brothers Managing Director Paul Salter highlighted the company’s “strong history” with IHG spanning more than a decade.
“This new agreement represents over $1bn investment in the Luxury & 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,” he said.
“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.”
