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

Holiday Inn Suites Kuwait Salmiya Marks 20 Years and Is Still Delivering on Every Front

By Hariharan U

Published on March 16, 2026

Twenty years is a long time in hospitality, and Holiday Inn Suites Kuwait Salmiya has spent every one of them building the kind of reputation that keeps guests coming back. The property recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, and General Manager Saif Edeen Mohamad sat down to talk about what has made the hotel a consistent favourite for extended stay guests, regional visitors, and leisure travellers across two decades.

The hotel sits along Arabian Gulf Road in Salmiya, one of Kuwait's most vibrant commercial and lifestyle districts. Most floors offer panoramic views overlooking the Arabian Gulf, which sets a tone of calm and openness from the moment guests check in. It's a location that works equally well for business travellers who need convenience and leisure guests who want a relaxing base with easy access to the city's best retail, dining, and entertainment destinations.

With 92 studios and apartments across functional studios and spacious two-bedroom suites, the property has always been built with the extended stay guest in mind. Every unit includes a well-appointed workspace and modern amenities designed to recreate the comfort of home, which Mohamad identifies as central to the hotel's identity.

"Our aim remains to create a welcoming environment where guests feel comfortable immediately upon arrival and throughout their stay. We consistently focus on delivering a warm, homely atmosphere reflecting our enduring commitment to genuine hospitality and attentive service."

The dining offering at Holiday Inn Suites Kuwait Salmiya is notably strong for a property of its size. Seven restaurants cover an impressive spread of cuisines including Lebanese, Japanese, Indian, Chinese, and American, making the hotel a genuine dining destination for both residents and outside visitors. It's the kind of variety that keeps extended stay guests from ever feeling like they're eating the same meal twice.

The property also has a fully equipped Edge Fitness Centre for guests looking to maintain their wellness routines during longer stays, a practical touch that matters more than it might seem for those spending weeks rather than days at a property.

From a location standpoint, the hotel scores strongly on convenience. Kuwait International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away. The Avenues Mall and 360 Mall are both nearby, and Kuwait City's business district is easily accessible. Sea views, seaside calm, and city convenience all from the same address is a combination that's hard to beat.

Two decades in, Holiday Inn Suites Kuwait Salmiya clearly knows what it does well and keeps doing it.

Hilton Garden Inn Goa Calangute Is Open and Hilton Now Has Four Properties in Goa

By Hariharan U

Published on March 16, 2026

Goa has always been one of India's most visited destinations, and Hilton is clearly not done investing in it. The brand has opened Hilton Garden Inn Goa Calangute, marking the Hilton Garden Inn brand's debut in the state and bringing its upscale, reliable hospitality to the heart of North Goa.

Developed in association with Kokra Resort and Spa Private Limited, the hotel sits in the bustling vicinity of Calangute, one of Goa's most popular and energetic tourist hubs known for its beach shacks, water sports, and lively nightlife. The location is also approximately 40 kilometres from both Manohar International Airport and Dabolim International Airport, making arrivals and departures straightforward for both domestic and international travellers.

With this opening, Hilton now operates four properties in Goa alongside Hilton Goa Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji, and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Arpora Baga. The brand has also recently signed its first luxury property in the state, Waldorf Astoria Goa, further signalling how seriously it is treating Goa as a long-term market.

Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, South Asia at Hilton, explained the thinking behind the launch. "Goa continues to stand out as one of India's most sought-after leisure markets. The debut of Hilton Garden Inn allows us to introduce an approachable upscale offering for guests who want the reliability of an international, high-quality brand without compromising on service. This opening reflects how our portfolio in India is growing strategically in response to the dynamic needs of business and leisure travelers."

The hotel has 116 well-appointed guest rooms including accessible rooms and suites, each with comfortable bedding, functional workspaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and smart TVs. For dining, the lobby-level and ToGo counter offers freshly prepared light bites and indulgent treats around the clock, while Together and Co., the rooftop all-day dining restaurant and bar, delivers an elevated experience with alfresco seating, an infinity pool, and panoramic ocean views. A 24-hour fitness centre and Aurea, a 768 sq ft meeting room, round out the facilities for both leisure and business guests.

Parveen Kokra, Chairman of Kokra Resort and Spa Private Limited, added context on why Calangute was the right location. "Calangute sits at the centre of Goa's tourism and leisure landscape, attracting a diverse mix of travelers year-round. We saw a clear opportunity for a globally recognized, elevated hospitality brand in this location. With Hilton's global expertise and our local insight, Hilton Garden Inn Goa Calangute is set to deliver an internationally benchmarked hospitality experience that complements the evolving needs of the destination."

Hilton Honors members booking a minimum three-night stay can earn 5,000 Honors points on reservations made until 19th May 2026. Guests booking directly through Hilton's preferred channels also enjoy member-exclusive discounts and complimentary standard Wi-Fi.

Fusion Opens Grand Royal Riverside Hue and It Looks Like One of Vietnam's Most Beautiful New Hotels

By Hariharan U

Published on March 13, 2026

There are cities where history is a backdrop. And then there's Hue, where history is the whole point. It's a city that carries the weight of Vietnam's imperial past in its temples, its river, and its streets, and it demands a certain kind of hospitality in return. Fusion's newest property, Grand Royal Riverside Hue, seems to understand that perfectly.

The hotel opened on March 14th on the southern bank of the Huong River, right next to the iconic Truong Tien Bridge, in the heart of the UNESCO-recognized heritage landscape that defines Hue's identity. It's a location that doesn't just come with a great view. It comes with a story.

The property has 161 guestrooms spread across two towers, and the entire design concept is built around an idea called "A Tale of Two Times," blending the elegance of Hue's imperial past with the comfort and vibrancy of the present. The Huong River isn't just a backdrop here. It's the narrative thread that runs through the hotel's design, guest experience, and overall character.

Architecturally, the hotel draws from Indochine elegance, a style born out of the cultural exchange that shaped Hue's unique identity. Natural wood, locally inspired materials, and jade-toned interiors create a setting that feels calm and considered. It's a space that pays genuine homage to the city it sits in, without feeling like a museum.

Ms. Ha Tran, General Manager of the hotel, captured the intent well. "With Grand Royal Riverside Hue, we are proud to introduce a riverside retreat that honors the city's cultural legacy while embracing Fusion's wellness-led hospitality. From design inspired by the Huong River to Sả Spa and Wellness and thoughtfully curated dining experiences, our goal is to offer guests a refined stay that feels unmistakably Hue, calm, restorative and deeply connected to place."

Christopher Hur, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group, was equally direct about why Hue was a deliberate choice. "Hue is one of those rare cities where history isn't backdrop, it's the whole point. Opening here is a deliberate move: it rounds out our Vietnam portfolio in a destination that demands authenticity. We're not just adding keys; we're planting a flag at a moment when travelers are increasingly seeking meaning alongside comfort."

The hotel's food and wellness offerings are strong. Jade and Ginger Restaurant serves a daily breakfast buffet and all-day dining with authentic Vietnamese flavours including bun bo Hue, pho, and banh mi, alongside Hue specialties and selected European dishes. The Amber Lounge shifts from a tranquil daytime cafe serving artisanal teas and coffee to an elegant evening bar presenting curated wines, signature cocktails, and premium spirits.

On the wellness side, Fusion stays true to its core brand identity with Sả Spa (lemongrass) and Wellness, featuring four treatment rooms staffed by experienced therapists using locally sourced herbs and natural essential oils. A fitness centre, steam room, and skincare services round out a genuinely holistic wellness experience.

For events and corporate guests, the hotel has meeting and MICE facilities with a capacity of up to 370 guests, supported by flexible co-working spaces, lounges, and reception areas.

Room rates start from USD 130 per night, inclusive of breakfast for two. The hotel is currently offering 25% off stays until 31st May 2026 for direct bookings at fusion-collection.com/grandroyalriversidehue.

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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

Holiday Inn Suites Kuwait Salmiya Marks 20 Years and Is Still Delivering on Every Front

Most Read In News

Hilton Garden Inn Goa Calangute Is Open and Hilton Now Has Four Properties in Goa

Most Read In News

Fusion Opens Grand Royal Riverside Hue and It Looks Like One of Vietnam's Most Beautiful New Hotels

Most Read In News