Crowne Plaza Expands in Adelaide and Sydney

Crowne Plaza Expands in Australia with New Openings in Adelaide and Sydney

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 22, 2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a remarkable milestone for its Crowne Plaza brand with the opening of two new properties in Australia—Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes and Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport. These openings mark the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy, with three more Crowne Plaza hotels set to launch in the next 12 months.

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes

Nestled in northern Adelaide, the Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes is part of a stunning seven-storey development. With 155 guest rooms, the property features artistic elements inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of South Australia.

Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations, including king and twin-share rooms, suites, and kitchenette-equipped options. Catering to both leisure and business travelers, the hotel offers 24-hour in-room dining and boasts more than 442m² of versatile event space, accommodating up to 250 guests for conferences, weddings, or special occasions.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport

The Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport has undergone a major transformation, following a $15 million refurbishment in 2022. The upgraded hotel now showcases a refreshed reception area and redesigned guestrooms aimed at providing a relaxing, restorative experience for travelers.

Guests can enjoy 24-hour room service, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a sauna, and event spaces that feature ample natural light and private bar facilities—perfect for hosting corporate gatherings or social events. Conveniently located near Sydney Airport, this property offers a seamless blend of comfort and functionality.

A Glimpse into the Future

IHG’s commitment to growth extends far beyond Australia, with over 90 Crowne Plaza hotels currently in the pipeline for the Asia-Pacific region. Upcoming launches include notable properties such as Crowne Plaza Bangkok Grand Sukhumvit and Crowne Plaza Bangkok Rama 9, further solidifying the brand’s footprint in Southeast Asia.

Additionally, IHG’s Vignette Collection continues to flourish with unique offerings such as the Shanghai Snow World Hotel—a 272-room property featuring direct access to a 90,000m² indoor snow area. This initiative showcases IHG’s focus on innovation and delivering one-of-a-kind experiences tailored to diverse traveler preferences.

Industry Insights

Commenting on the expansion, Tom Rowntree, Vice-President of IHG Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, shared, “The creation of the Vignette Collection brand has allowed us to grow a family of properties that offers guests one-of-a-kind experiences at hotels filled with individuality and character. The brand is a demonstration of both future innovation and hotels filled with rich history.”

The growth of Crowne Plaza in Australia underscores IHG’s broader strategy to cater to the evolving needs of travelers in the Asia-Pacific region, blending modern amenities with local cultural nuances.

As IHG continues to break new ground, the future of hospitality looks promising with properties that not only celebrate individuality but also push the boundaries of guest experiences

Dusit International Expands India Presence with Signing of Dusit Princess Rishikesh in Uttarakhand

By Hariharan U

Published on June 10, 2026

Dusit International, the Thailand-based hospitality group, has announced its continued expansion in India with the signing of a hotel management agreement for Dusit Princess Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The agreement has been signed with Atmosphere, a luxury real estate and hospitality development company focused on destination-led projects.

The upcoming development will be located in the Tehri Garhwal region near Rishikesh, one of India’s most prominent destinations for spirituality, wellness, and adventure tourism. Scheduled to open in 2031, the project is envisioned as an upscale mixed-use development combining contemporary hospitality with wellness-driven experiences inspired by the Himalayan landscape.

Dusit Princess Rishikesh will feature approximately 300 keys, including hotel rooms and luxury duplex villas. Designed to appeal to both leisure and business travellers, the property will offer a wide range of facilities including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, business centre, outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, yoga room, and multipurpose event spaces.

The development will also include an expansive clubhouse offering additional lifestyle amenities such as a spa, infinity pool, restaurant with 250 covers, squash court, mini-plex, bowling alley, and indoor recreational facilities, positioning it as a comprehensive lifestyle destination in the region.

According to Dusit International, the signing reinforces its long-term strategy to expand thoughtfully across India, focusing on destinations aligned with growing demand for wellness, leisure, and experience-led travel. The company highlighted Rishikesh as a natural fit for its brand philosophy, given its blend of spirituality, nature, and tourism potential.

Speaking on the announcement, Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Development (Global) at Dusit International, said India remains a key strategic market for the group. He noted that the company aims to build in destinations that align with evolving traveller preferences and strong market fundamentals, with a focus on wellness-oriented hospitality experiences.

Sanchit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Atmosphere, said the collaboration with Dusit International reflects a shared vision of creating luxury hospitality destinations that integrate nature, wellness, and elevated living experiences. He expressed confidence that Dusit Princess Rishikesh will emerge as a distinctive retreat in Uttarakhand’s growing luxury hospitality landscape.

The signing follows the opening of dusitD2 Fagu Shimla in 2024 and further strengthens Dusit International’s development pipeline in India as it continues to expand its presence across emerging leisure and wellness destinations

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Celebrates World Environment Day with Green Initiatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, recognized as India’s first eco-friendly hotel, celebrated World Environment Day with a range of green initiatives aimed at encouraging environmental awareness and sustainable living among guests and visitors.

The hotel used the occasion to promote simple yet meaningful actions that help individuals reconnect with nature and adopt greener habits in their daily lives. Through engaging activities and community participation, the celebrations reflected The Orchid’s continued commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality.

As part of the initiative, the hotel’s Green Team distributed planters to guests in the lobby, encouraging them to bring home a touch of greenery and contribute to a healthier environment. The gesture was well received by guests and added an eco-conscious element to the day’s celebrations.

The hotel also organized a plantation activity for young guests, giving children an opportunity to plant saplings while learning about the importance of caring for the environment. The activity combined education with hands-on participation, making sustainability both accessible and engaging for the younger generation.

By turning the celebration into a platform for environmental awareness, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai highlighted how collective efforts and conscious choices can contribute to a greener future.

For the hotel, sustainability extends beyond annual observances and remains an integral part of its operational philosophy. Over the years, The Orchid has implemented several measures designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high hospitality standards.

Some of the hotel's key sustainability initiatives include water-saving Geberit flush tanks, aerators in taps and showers to reduce water consumption, natural sunlight atriums that lower electricity usage during the day, and in-house vermicomposting systems that convert wet waste into eco-friendly compost. The property also follows dedicated waste management practices, uses environment-friendly construction methods, and incorporates energy conservation measures throughout its infrastructure.

Speaking about the initiative, Varun Sahani, Senior Vice President, Kamat Hotels India Limited, said, “World Environment Day is a reminder that even small actions can create a meaningful impact on our environment. At The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, sustainability has always been at the heart of our hospitality philosophy. Through initiatives like planter distribution and plantation activities for children, we aim to encourage our guests and the younger generation to become more conscious towards nature and greener living. As India’s first eco-friendly hotel, we remain committed to promoting sustainable practices every day.”

Over the years, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai has demonstrated that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Its continued focus on resource conservation, environmental awareness, and community engagement reflects its commitment to creating a positive impact for future generations.

Through its World Environment Day celebrations, the hotel not only planted saplings but also encouraged greater awareness and responsibility towards building a greener and more sustainable future.

ITC Grand Central Mumbai Celebrates World Environment Day with Sustainability-Focused Initiatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 9, 2026

ITC Grand Central Mumbai marked World Environment Day with a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability, environmental awareness, and responsible living. The activities reflected the hotel's ongoing commitment to integrating eco-conscious practices into its hospitality experience while encouraging guests, associates, and employees to adopt greener habits.

A key highlight of the celebrations was the hotel's Kitchen Garden, which continues to support sustainable hospitality through the cultivation of fresh herbs and produce. The garden features a variety of ingredients, including cherry tomatoes, chillies, coriander, mint, basil, and ajwain, helping promote responsible sourcing and the use of locally grown produce in culinary operations.

To raise awareness about biodiversity and the importance of green spaces, the hotel introduced informative name plaques for trees and plants located across the property. These plaques provide details about each plant's ecological significance, environmental benefits, and contribution to a healthier ecosystem, creating educational touchpoints for visitors and team members.

As part of its efforts to encourage sustainable food choices, ITC Grand Central Mumbai also introduced a specially curated Green Meal at the staff cafeteria. The initiative highlighted the benefits of mindful consumption and plant-forward dining while encouraging employees to make environmentally conscious food choices.

Extending the message of sustainability beyond the hotel premises, guests and associates were presented with Tulsi saplings. The gesture symbolised wellness, resilience, and a collective responsibility towards building a greener future.

Employees from various departments also took part in an environment-themed drawing competition, using creativity to share their perspectives on conservation and the role individuals can play in protecting the planet.

Further strengthening its sustainability efforts, the hotel partnered with Ugaoo to host a dedicated green showcase featuring a selection of plants and gardening solutions. The initiative gave guests and employees an opportunity to explore and purchase indoor and outdoor plants, encouraging greener homes, workplaces, and everyday lifestyles.

Through these activities, ITC Grand Central Mumbai reaffirmed its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship. By promoting awareness, encouraging sustainable choices, and fostering a stronger connection with nature, the hotel continues to support a more environmentally conscious future.

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Crowne Plaza Expands in Australia with New Openings in Adelaide and Sydney

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes

Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport

A Glimpse into the Future

Industry Insights

Most Read In News

Dusit International Expands India Presence with Signing of Dusit Princess Rishikesh in Uttarakhand

Most Read In News

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Celebrates World Environment Day with Green Initiatives

Most Read In News

ITC Grand Central Mumbai Celebrates World Environment Day with Sustainability-Focused Initiatives

Most Read In News