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

IHCL Signs Tree of Life Resort in Sakaleshpur, Karnataka

By Hariharan U

Published on January 11, 2026

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the signing of a Tree of Life resort in Sakaleshpur, Karnataka, expanding its footprint in one of the state’s emerging leisure destinations. The signing reflects IHCL’s focus on boutique and experiential hospitality in underexplored markets with strong tourism potential.

Sakaleshpur, known for its plantation landscapes and heritage appeal, is steadily gaining attention as tourism becomes an important economic driver in the region. The destination’s calm setting and natural beauty have led to a growing interest in immersive and personalised stays, especially among travellers seeking quiet, nature-focused getaways.

Commenting on the development, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President, Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said,
"Sakaleshpur is a pristine destination in Karnataka that blends heritage with plantation landscapes. With tourism emerging as a strong economic driver here, experiential and boutique stays are witnessing growing demand. This signing marks IHCL’s early entry into an underpenetrated micro-market, enabling us to cater to discerning travellers seeking immersive leisure experiences. The Tree of Life resort will strengthen our presence along the Western Ghats and reinforce IHCL’s boutique positioning in this evolving destination belt. We are delighted to partner with Mystica Retreats LLP for this project."

Set amidst the Western Ghats, the 40-key Tree of Life Sakaleshpur is envisioned as a peaceful retreat surrounded by forests and a perennial stream. Staying true to the Tree of Life philosophy, the resort will focus on calm, comfort, and connection with nature. Planned facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, wellness amenities such as a swimming pool, treatment room, yoga space, and a range of thoughtfully designed guest experiences.

Sharing their views on the partnership, Mr. Sharanabasava Meti and Mr. Kemparaju of Mystica Retreats LLP said,
"We are pleased to partner with IHCL for this project and look forward to creating a unique getaway for travellers seeking a quiet escape."

Sakaleshpur offers a mix of trekking trails, heritage sites, and plantation tourism, with attractions such as Manjarabad Fort, Kaginahare Fort, Bisle Ghat Viewpoint, Jenukal Gudda, and the ruins within the Kaginahare Forest, making it an attractive destination for slow and meaningful travel.

With this signing, IHCL’s portfolio in Karnataka will grow to 34 hotels, including 19 under development, further reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the state.

Mystica Retreats LLP is promoted by Mr. Sharanabasava Meti and Mr. Kemparaju, both experienced entrepreneurs with interests across infrastructure, hospitality, real estate, agriculture, cinema, and education. Their collaboration with IHCL aims to create a refined yet relaxed retreat aligned with the destination’s natural character.

IHCL and its subsidiaries bring together a wide range of hospitality brands, offering a blend of Indian warmth and global service standards. With a strong domestic and international presence, the company continues to expand across leisure and business destinations, strengthening its position as India’s largest hospitality company.

Golden Tulip to Debut in Virat Nagar, Jaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on January 10, 2026

SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting has successfully brought together Green Oasis Hospitality Pvt Ltd and Sarovar Hotels to introduce Golden Tulip in Virat Nagar, Jaipur. This strategic brand partnership marks an important addition to Rajasthan’s growing hospitality landscape, with the upcoming property positioned as a premium four-star hotel.

Planned as a 110-room development, Golden Tulip Virat Nagar is designed to serve a balanced mix of business and leisure travellers, while also emerging as a preferred destination for large-format social gatherings. Located on the outskirts of Jaipur, Virat Nagar has been identified as a high-potential micro-market, particularly for destination weddings, corporate offsites, and upscale retreats.

SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting played a key role in aligning the hospitality asset with the right brand to unlock long-term value. By bringing Golden Tulip, part of the Sarovar Hotels portfolio, to the project, Green Oasis Hospitality gains access to a strong global distribution network and professional hotel management expertise, setting the stage for sustained revenue growth from the outset.

Highlighting the vision behind the partnership, Sandeep Roy, Founder & CEO, SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting, said, "Jaipur’s periphery is evolving into a powerhouse for high-end social events and leisure retreats. Facilitating this partnership between Green Oasis and Sarovar Hotels ensures that Virat Nagar gains a premier asset designed to capture the growing demand for large-format weddings and upscale staycations."

Golden Tulip Virat Nagar, Jaipur is being thoughtfully planned with a strong focus on events and premium guest experiences. The hotel will feature 110 spacious luxury rooms, each with a minimum size of 400 square feet, including a select number of exclusive plunge pool rooms.

The property’s food and beverage offerings will include a signature all-day dining restaurant and a contemporary lounge bar, catering to both resident guests and event attendees. For social and corporate functions, the hotel will house a grand banquet hall spanning 6,500 square feet, supported by multiple conference halls suited for meetings and MICE requirements.

One of the key highlights of the development is its expansive outdoor event infrastructure. The hotel will offer multiple landscaped lawns, with the largest covering 13,000 square feet, specifically designed to host large-scale destination weddings and celebratory events. Additional amenities will include a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and spa, and a dedicated kids play area, ensuring a complete leisure experience for families and groups.

With this signing, Virat Nagar is set to gain a landmark hospitality asset that aligns with Jaipur’s evolving demand for premium stays and large-format event venues, further strengthening the region’s appeal as a luxury wedding and leisure destination.

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar

By Hariharan U

Published on January 10, 2026

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has announced the strategic addition of The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar to its growing portfolio, further strengthening its presence in Uttarakhand. With this partnership, the hospitality group now operates three properties in the state, underlining its long-term commitment to India’s most visited spiritual and leisure destinations.

Haridwar holds a special place in India’s cultural and spiritual landscape. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the holy Ganges enters the plains, the city continues to draw pilgrims and travellers from across the country. As part of Devbhumi, Uttarakhand’s appeal goes beyond faith, with a rising demand for comfortable, well-managed stays that cater to both spiritual visitors and leisure travellers.

The inclusion of The Hoften Vibranta allows ALIVAA to address this evolving travel need, combining the calm of a spiritual destination with THE HOFTEN’s guest-first approach and refined comfort. The region’s natural beauty and cultural depth offer an ideal setting for a hospitality experience that balances tradition with modern expectations.

Sharing his thoughts on the expansion, Akash Bhatia, CEO of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said,"The addition of The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar is a pivotal milestone in our growth strategy. Uttarakhand is a core market for us, and Haridwar’s unique position as both a spiritual epicentre and a gateway to the Himalayas makes it an invaluable asset. We are committed to bringing our high standards of operational excellence to this historic city."

Inder Pal Batra, Co-Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, added, "Our goal has always been to bridge the gap between traditional hospitality and sophisticated modern living. With our third property in Uttarakhand, we are creating a seamless circuit for travellers looking to explore the beauty and divinity of the North. The Hoften Vibranta embodies the spirit of Haridwar while maintaining the contemporary refinement THE HOFTEN is known for."

Welcoming the collaboration, Mr. Anubhav Siwach, Owner of Vibranta Hotels & Resorts, said, "We are thrilled to join forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts. Their expertise in management and brand positioning is exactly what we were looking for to elevate the guest experience at The Hoften Vibranta. Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for distinguished hospitality in Haridwar."

Mr. Deepak, Owner of Vibranta Hotels & Resorts, also highlighted the shift in traveller expectations, stating, "Haridwar is evolving, and today’s traveller seeks more than just proximity to the temples; they seek quality and reliability. Partnering with ALIVAA ensures that The Hoften Vibranta will become a preferred destination for discerning guests visiting Uttarakhand."

Based in Gurugram, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts continues to focus on curated travel experiences through strategic growth across key leisure and business markets. The brand blends local character with international service standards, aiming to deliver consistency and comfort across destinations.

Located in the heart of Haridwar, The Hoften Vibranta offers modern amenities paired with traditional warmth. With well-appointed rooms, multi-cuisine dining options, and contemporary facilities, the property is designed to suit both pilgrims and modern explorers looking for an elevated yet dependable stay.

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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

IHCL Signs Tree of Life Resort in Sakaleshpur, Karnataka

Most Read In News

Golden Tulip to Debut in Virat Nagar, Jaipur

Most Read In News

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar

Most Read In News