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Introducing IHG's First Dual-Branded Hotel in Australia

In an exciting development for Melbourne’s hospitality scene, IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its first dual-branded hotel property in Australia. This project combines Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall, placed perfectly within Melbourne’s vibrant central business district (CBD). Both hotels form part of a landmark eight-year revitalization effort centered around the redesigned Melbourne Walk and adjacent to the bustling Bourke Street Mall, one of the city’s premier retail hubs.

This new dual-hotel concept reinvigorates the iconic Holiday Inn brand’s presence in Melbourne’s heart, while Hotel Indigo introduces a rich, neighbourhood-driven experience that captures the city’s cultural tapestry, making the location a compelling destination not only for hotel guests but also for locals and visitors interested in design and history.

Design and Development Highlights

Steadfast Capital spearheaded the development, with architectural and interior design masterminded by the globally acclaimed Buchan studio. The Hotel Indigo boasts eye-catching features such as soaring spiral staircases, an inner courtyard, and a grand atrium reminiscent of a cathedral space — all designed to immerse guests in Melbourne’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins: A Boutique Urban Retreat

The Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins presents 179 boutique rooms imbued with vibrant energy. The hotel’s exterior cleverly integrates four preserved heritage façades—Diamond House, the Public Benefit Bootery, Allan’s, and the York Building—offering a seamless blend of history and modernity.

The narrative extends indoors where Hotel Indigo’s signature Mondrian blue pays homage to Melbourne’s instantly recognizable street signs. Playful monkey motifs pepper the lobby, inspired by E.W. Cole, the eccentric former owner of Cole’s Book Arcade, who famously housed a monkey-filled menagerie within the local precinct.

At the base of the dramatic spiral staircase lies a circular bar, designed to evoke Sidney Myer’s historic drapery store. This spot provides stunning views of the cathedral-like atrium and the impressive three-storey mural, Cabinet of Curiosities, created especially by Melbourne artist Lisa King. The artwork encapsulates Melbourne’s spirit, featuring symbolic local elements such as sneakers and tennis balls referencing the Australian Open, and fresh produce reminiscent of the Queen Victoria Market.

Inside the Guest Experience

Each guestroom and suite is adorned with visual stories of Melbourne’s laneways, complete with a small lit detail pinpointing the hotel’s location. Additional artistic touches celebrate Melbourne’s culture, including images of ballerinas and the historic Capitol Theatre. Tactile nods to the past appear in the corridor signage, where room numbers resemble coins engraved with E.W. Cole’s inspiring travel quote: “The world is a book. Those who do not travel read only one page.”

Dining at Hotel Indigo

Fern Bar & Dining, the hotel’s signature restaurant located on level two, offers a refined take on modern Melbourne cuisine under the guidance of Executive Chef Darryl Hand. Guests can enjoy meals within a lush garden courtyard right next to the reception area, bringing a serene natural retreat into the urban landscape.

Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall: A Modern Urban Hub

The Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall marks the brand’s return to Melbourne’s CBD after five years, featuring a fresh, contemporary design that includes the hallmark open-plan lobby, restaurant, and communal spaces expected of modern Holiday Inns.

Housing 273 rooms, the hotel benefits from a prime location above the newly reimagined Melbourne Walk and just steps from Bourke Street Mall, anchoring guests in one of the city’s busiest and most dynamic districts.

A distinctive element of the hotel’s lobby is a large, greenery-backed "Hello" sign, welcoming visitors into a space infused with natural light, warm wooden accents, and lively shades of green designed to evoke calm and a connection to nature. The flexible seating areas with accessible power outlets respond perfectly to the hybrid needs of today’s travelers, whether for relaxation or remote work.

Guest Rooms and Facilities

The guest rooms are decorated with contemporary artworks inspired by Melbourne’s landmarks and skyline, employing warm color palettes of greens, pinks, and mustard paired with retro finishes to create a relaxed and approachable atmosphere. The inclusion of 92 double-double rooms particularly suits families and groups seeking comfortable stays.

Event and Dining Spaces

One of the hotel’s standout features is a private terrace event space totaling 220 square meters, which offers sweeping views of iconic Melbourne landmarks like the GPO clock tower and Melbourne’s skyline. This versatile space caters to both corporate events and celebratory occasions.

The Greenery, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, features light-filled open areas serving buffet breakfasts, made-to-order egg dishes, and hearty daily menus. Demonstrating family focus, children under 12 dine free under a special Kids Stay & Eat Free offer.

Historical and Tourism Context

The dual-branded hotel concept represents a modern approach to urban hospitality, offering diverse options under one roof while maximizing location benefits. Historically, Melbourne has been an important tourism destination in Australia, attracting visitors with its vibrant arts scene, cultural heritage, shopping districts, and lively waterfronts.

The introduction of these two hotels into the Melbourne CBD fits well with the city’s development strategies aimed at boosting tourism and business travel simultaneously. Their proximity to iconic retail areas and cultural landmarks supports tourism growth, creating new demand for accommodation that caters to different traveler needs, from boutique-style lovers to families and business visitors.

In the context of international tourism, such developments can significantly impact visitor experiences by enhancing local infrastructure and offering tailored hospitality experiences, encouraging longer stays and greater spending, which benefits a wider range of urban services and activities.

Potential Implications for Sailing and Boating Enthusiasts

Melbourne’s positioning as a vibrant gateway city close to key maritime environments, beaches, and waterfronts makes the launch of these hotels especially relevant for yachting and boating tourists. Visitors to these hotels have convenient access to marinas, ocean excursions, and sailing activities in the nearby bays and rivers.

The dual hotel setup not only enriches options for land-based accommodations but also complements marine tourism by offering easy access to boating charters, sailing lessons, fishing expeditions, and superyacht views along the coast and adjacent water bodies. The synergy between urban hospitality and marine activities supports integrated travel experiences appealing to diverse holidaymakers.

Summary and Conclusion

The opening of the dual-branded Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall marks a notable milestone in Melbourne’s hospitality landscape, injecting fresh design innovations and culturally rich narratives into the city’s accommodation choices. These hotels bring together heritage charm and modern comforts while embracing the bustling retail and cultural hotspots nearby.

As Melbourne continues its role as a key destination in Australia’s tourism tapestry, this development strengthens infrastructure to support a broad range of visitors, from international tourists and business travelers to families and cultural explorers. For the sailing and boating community, the hotels’ CBD location enhances access to water-based leisure and yachting activities, further blending land and sea travel experiences.

GetBoat.com is an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, offering a wide selection to fit every taste and budget. It complements Melbourne’s hospitality offerings perfectly, ensuring travelers can enjoy both the city’s vibrant urban pulse and its spectacular maritime playgrounds.