Crowne Plaza Expands in Australia with New Openings 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.

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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


Vivanta Debuts in Vrindavan, Strengthening IHCL’s Spiritual Tourism Portfolio

Vivanta Debuts in Vrindavan, Strengthening IHCL’s Spiritual Tourism Portfolio

By Hariharan U

Published on March 29, 2026

Indian Hotels Company Limited has announced the opening of Vivanta Vrindavan, marking the brand’s debut in one of India’s most revered spiritual hubs, Vrindavan. The launch reinforces IHCL’s continued focus on expanding its presence across key pilgrimage and spiritual destinations in the country.

Strategically located close to major temples and cultural landmarks, the 135-key property has been designed to offer a calm and immersive stay experience, reflecting the spiritual essence of the destination while maintaining Vivanta’s contemporary hospitality approach.

Speaking on the launch, Deepika Rao noted that spiritual destinations in India continue to witness sustained and diverse travel demand, with Vrindavan remaining central to this journey. She added that the hotel aims to deliver a stay experience rooted in the ethos of the destination.

The property features multiple dining and lifestyle offerings including Mynt, an all-day vegetarian restaurant with global and regional influences; Swirl, a lobby café; Wink, a poolside bar; and Tease, an alfresco dining space. Guests can also access wellness facilities such as a spa, fitness centre, and an open-to-sky infinity pool.

Highlighting the operational vision, Saurabh Mitra shared that the hotel has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the vibrant character of Vrindavan, with a focus on delivering meaningful and personalised guest experiences.

The opening aligns with IHCL’s broader strategy of tapping into India’s growing spiritual tourism segment, where destinations like Shri Banke Bihari Mandir and Prem Mandir continue to attract both domestic and international travellers.

With this addition, IHCL further strengthens its position in the experiential hospitality space, blending cultural authenticity with modern comfort to cater to evolving traveller preferences.


LOYA at Taj West End Bengaluru Hosts an Intimate Storytelling Afternoon

LOYA at Taj West End Bengaluru Hosts an Intimate Storytelling Afternoon

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 29, 2026

LOYA at Taj West End, Bengaluru marked World Storytelling Day with a calm and thoughtfully curated afternoon that brought people together over stories and shared experiences.

The gathering was designed as a space for open conversations around storytelling, seen as a way to preserve meaning and capture the beauty and emotion of everyday life. Much like food, which often brings people closer, storytelling became the centre of the afternoon’s experience.

The session featured a diverse group of voices, including writer and journalist Ruth D’Souza Prabhu, wine expert and writer Ruma Singh, hospitality connoisseur Aslam Gafoor, and sensory artist Indu Antony, known for capturing the unique scents of Karnataka.

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that despite their different backgrounds, storytelling connected them all. Rooted in Indian culture and heritage, food emerged as a shared theme, bringing together memories, perspectives, and personal journeys, reflecting what LOYA aims to celebrate.

The menu added another layer to the experience, featuring dishes with strong cultural roots and stories of their own. Guests were served selections such as Dal ki Chaat, Dahi Kraal, Gola Paratha, Tudkiya Bhaat, and Kala Moti Gucchi Pulao, each offering a glimpse into traditional flavours.

Set against the serene backdrop of Taj West End, Bengaluru, the afternoon carried a sense of quiet elegance. Conversations flowed naturally, supported by a thoughtfully planned culinary experience.

Through such initiatives, LOYA continues to create a space where food, culture, and storytelling come together in a meaningful way, offering guests an experience that goes beyond dining.

LOYA, operated by IHCL, is the brand’s flagship North Indian concept that celebrates the culinary traditions of the region. With a focus on time-honoured recipes, slow cooking methods, and heirloom ingredients, the restaurant presents flavours that are both authentic and refined. With a seating capacity of 117, LOYA at Taj West End, Bengaluru offers an experience where every detail, from the interiors to the music, is designed to reflect India’s rich food heritage while blending it with a modern touch.


Courtyard Pune Chakan Enhances Stay with Focus on Comfort and Well-being

Courtyard Pune Chakan Enhances Stay with Focus on Comfort and Well-being

By Hariharan U

Published on March 28, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan has introduced a property-wide upgrade aimed at improving guest comfort and overall well-being, with a clear focus on enhancing the stay experience.

As part of this initiative, the hotel has installed new mattresses across all rooms, addressing the growing importance of quality sleep for travellers. The move reflects a shift in hospitality priorities, where rest and relaxation are becoming key parts of the guest journey.

The upgrade has been designed keeping both business and leisure travellers in mind, offering a space that supports better sleep, reduces travel fatigue, and creates a more relaxed environment throughout the stay.

Commenting on the development, Amol More said, “At Courtyard By Marriott Pune Chakan, we believe that true hospitality goes beyond service, it’s about how our guests feel during and after their stay. This upgrade is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring every guest experiences superior comfort, relaxation, and peace of mind.”

The refreshed room experience is part of the hotel’s continued effort to align its offerings with wellness-focused travel trends, where guests increasingly look for stays that help them unwind and recharge.

With this update, the property continues to strengthen its approach to guest-centric hospitality, focusing on simple yet impactful changes that make a noticeable difference to the overall stay.

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