AUSTRALIA – IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to grow its footprint in Sydney, Australia, by adding two Crowne Plaza hotels.
This follows a strategic portfolio agreement for rebranding two well-established hotels at Sydney Airport and Macquarie Park.
The 196-room Crowne Plaza Macquarie Park will open in early 2025, transitioning from the Courtyard by Marriott brand to the Crowne Plaza brand.
The rebranding will include a comprehensive refurbishment of the lobby and guest rooms, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Cameron Burke, Director of Development at IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We are honored to have been chosen by Star Millennium as the partner to brand these two well-known Sydney hotels.
“It’s exciting to see the Crowne Plaza brand continue to go from strength to strength, building on its reputation as one of the world’s best-known and loved premium hotel brands among corporate and leisure travelers. We look forward to further strengthening our wonderful partnership with Frank and Wade in the coming years.”
Located approximately 25 minutes northwest of Sydney CBD, Macquarie Park is one of Australia’s premier business districts, expected to attract significant demand from nearby businesses, including Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, and Macquarie Shopping Centre, as well as the Australian headquarters of several leading pharmaceutical and technology companies.
Meanwhile, Holiday Inn Sydney Airport will be rebranded as Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport in September 2024.
IHG says the 252 hotel guest rooms, which underwent a US$15 million refurbishment in 2022, are already at a Crowne Plaza standard. The hotel will now see updates to its lobby and restaurant to complete its “transition into the premium segment.”
IHG has 97 open or pipeline hotels in Australasia and the Pacific region, including 22 Crowne Plaza properties.
In the next twelve months, IHG plans to open new Crowne Plaza locations in Mawson Lakes (South Australia), Melbourne Carlton (Victoria), and Shell Cove Marina (New South Wales), with a new property in Geelong (Victoria) slated for 2026.
Wade Huang, Director of Star Millennium Pty Ltd, added: “We are proud of our long-standing and successful relationship with IHG. Expanding our collaboration by integrating our Sydney Airport and Macquarie Park hotels into the Crowne Plaza family is an exciting step.
“Crowne Plaza Macquarie Park will set a new standard for quality in the Macquarie Park business precinct, and Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport will enhance its legacy as a Holiday Inn by delivering a premium guest experience.”
IHG boasts a robust presence in Australasia and the Pacific, with 97 hotels either operational or in the development stages, including 22 Crowne Plaza properties.
Over the next year, IHG is set to expand further by launching new Crowne Plaza hotels in Mawson Lakes (South Australia), Melbourne Carlton (Victoria), and Shell Cove Marina (New South Wales). Additionally, a new establishment is planned for Geelong (Victoria), with its opening targeted for 2026.
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