IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury InterContinental brand prepares for Brisbane debut - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

InterContinental Brisbane will open late June following the signing of a long-term management agreement with ISPT, a leading property funds manager and developer of the150 Elizabeth Street precinct where the Hotel is located. The property will be converted from the former Hilton Brisbane and become a proud member of the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand.

Primely positioned in Brisbane’s CBD on Elizabeth Street, and connected to the bustling Queen Street Mall, it is the only hotel in Australia designed by the renowned Harry Seidler, who is widely recognised for his Modernist architectural legacy. ISPT’s renewed vision for this precinct integrates the hotel, Wintergarden and the Regent Theatre into one destination seamlessly blending retail, dining, entertainment and hospitality into a dynamic urban setting.

InterContinental Brisbane will undergo a two-year transformation to elevate its luxury experience through brand hallmarks that embrace innovation, diversity and cultural discovery while retaining the features from Harry Seidler’s original designs that make the hotel iconic. Once complete, it will feature 321 beautifully appointed guest rooms, many with stunning views across the Brisbane skyline. The hotel will also boast four unrivalled restaurants and bars and showcase expansive conference and events facilities. 

Cameron Burke, Director of Development, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “We knew it would take a special property to bring our iconic InterContinental brand to life in Brisbane and are incredibly proud to partner with ISPT in support of the rejuvenation of this incredible asset and we look forward to creating an indelible beacon of hospitality for Brisbane.

“The Brisbane hotel market, and South East Queensland region, is entering a golden era fueled by transformative infrastructure projects, a booming tourism sector and the countdown to the 2032 Olympics. With record investment and a surge in both corporate and leisure demand, the region is fast becoming Australia’s most dynamic hospitality hotspot.”

Tom Waters, Head of Development – Office, Industrial, Retail and Mixed Use at ISPT added: “We are excited to partner with IHG to bring the globally renowned InterContinental brand to Brisbane. We sought a brand that would epitomise luxury, honour the legacy of the building, and become a cornerstone of the vibrant precinct we’re developing.

“Leveraging ISPT’s expertise in placemaking and curating urban experiences, this precinct is set to transform Brisbane’s CBD. It will seamlessly integrate the Regent Theatre, Wintergarden retail and dining offering, alongside a world-class InterContinental Hotel.

“Together, we share a vision to see the hotel completely revitalised and we’re thrilled to be embarking on this transformative project with IHG.”

InterContinental Brisbane will open as the third InterContinental property in Queensland, joining InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef and InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. It expands IHG’s fast-growing luxury & lifestyle portfolio and reinforces its focus on growing its presence in the region. In Australasia, IHG currently operates 21 hotels within its luxury & lifestyle segment, with five properties in the pipeline, spanning its InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection and Hotel Indigo brands. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts has 69 hotels in Australasia operating under nine brands – Six Senses, InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, voco, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express, with another 26 properties in its development pipeline.

Image Credit: © IHG Hotels & Resorts