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

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Invites Travellers to Experience a Change of Air

By Hariharan U

Published on November 3, 2026

yatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa has introduced its “Make It a Getaway. A Change of Air.” campaign, inviting travellers to step away from urban routines and rediscover the pleasure of a break in the hills through dining, wellness and family experiences.

As air quality and urban pollution become increasingly important considerations for city residents, the idea of a getaway is taking on a different meaning. Beyond a change of location, travellers are seeking opportunities to slow down, spend time in new surroundings and make room for experiences that offer a break from everyday demands.

Located along Mussoorie Road, adjacent to Malsi Forest, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa brings together accommodation, dining, leisure and wellness in a setting that offers a different pace from city life. The campaign draws on the appeal of Dehradun's natural surroundings while positioning the resort as a destination for couples, families and individual travellers.

The experience extends beyond a conventional hotel stay. Guests can spend leisurely mornings, enjoy time by the pool, explore the resort's culinary offerings or make space for personal well-being through spa rituals and yoga experiences.

Dining forms an important part of the proposition. Range, the resort's cosmopolitan food gallery, offers a varied culinary experience, while Beyul, its rooftop bar and lounge overlooking the Malsi Reserved Forest, provides a setting for relaxed evenings and crafted drinks.

Families travelling with children can also explore Camp Hyatt, which offers younger guests opportunities for discovery and engagement. Alongside the resort's leisure facilities, the programme allows families to shape their stay around activities suited to different interests and age groups.

The resort's wellness offerings, including spa experiences and yoga, add another dimension to the getaway. Guests can combine restorative activities with poolside relaxation, dining and time spent exploring the surroundings.

Through “Make It a Getaway. A Change of Air.”, Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa presents a holiday as an opportunity to step away from familiar routines and reconnect with experiences that often get overlooked in everyday life.

While the campaign draws on growing urban concerns around air quality, travellers should consider local air-quality conditions before making destination choices; a change of setting alone does not guarantee cleaner air.

Reservations

For reservations and more information, visit Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa.

Summit Hotels & Resorts to Open Heritage Kashinaama in Varanasi

By Hariharan U

Published on November 2, 2026

Summit Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its Mandir Collection with the opening of Summit Heritage Kashinaama, an 18-room property in Varanasi, on November 1, 2026. The hotel will cater to pilgrims, families and cultural travellers, combining contemporary accommodation with the city's spiritual traditions and architectural heritage.

Located in Bhagwanpur, Varanasi, the property is owned by Abhinav Rai and features 18 rooms across four categories: Superior Twin, Superior King, Luxury and Suite. Its design incorporates heritage-inspired architectural elements, warm interiors and contemporary amenities, drawing on the cultural character of Banaras.

One of the property's distinctive features is a dedicated cinematic gallery celebrating Varanasi's connection with Indian cinema. Designed as a filmstrip-inspired installation, it displays framed posters of films shot in the city, including Masaan, Raanjhanaa and Gangs of Wasseypur. The gallery highlights Banaras's contribution to Indian filmmaking while adding a cultural element to the hotel's interiors.

The property will also house an in-house restaurant serving exclusively vegetarian and Satvik cuisine, in keeping with the spiritual hospitality proposition of Summit's Mandir Collection.

Guests will be able to explore Varanasi's religious and cultural landmarks through curated temple visits and darshan planning. These include Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kaal Bhairav Temple, alongside attractions such as Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Sarnath and Ramnagar Fort.

Speaking about the opening, Sumit Periwal, Director, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, "Varanasi is one of India's most important spiritual destinations, attracting travellers whose visits are closely connected with faith, culture and tradition. With Summit Heritage Kashinaama, we are bringing our Mandir Collection to a city where this approach to hospitality is particularly relevant."

He added that the property was envisioned to reflect Banaras through its architectural influences, vegetarian food traditions and association with Indian cinema. He also noted that the company sees opportunities to develop hotels that address the specific needs of pilgrims and cultural travellers while providing contemporary comfort and service.

Abhinav Rai, Owner, Summit Heritage Kashinaama, said the vision was to create a hotel connected to Banaras through its design and guest experiences. He added that the association with Summit Hotels & Resorts would bring professional hospitality standards to the property while preserving its distinctive identity.

The opening marks another step in Summit Hotels & Resorts' expansion into spiritual tourism through its Mandir Collection, which focuses on hospitality around pilgrimage destinations, temple visits and culturally rooted stays.

With an established presence across the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, Summit is extending its portfolio into new destinations and travel segments through three collections: Mandir, focused on spiritual hospitality; Offbeat, centred on lesser-explored destinations; and Signature, offering premium destination-led stays.

The company's approach is guided by its philosophy of Generous Hospitality, which draws inspiration from the warmth and personal attention associated with welcoming guests into Indian homes. Through its mission under The Summit Way, the group aims to place care, respect and empathy at the centre of guest interactions, while contributing to the communities in which it operates.

The Serai Resorts Introduces ‘Living Sanctuaries’ Across Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini

By Hariharan U

Published on November 1, 2026

The Serai Resorts has introduced ‘Living Sanctuaries’, a brand philosophy that brings together its three properties in Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini through a shared approach to nature-led experiences, understated luxury and personalised hospitality.

Rooted in the belief that memorable journeys are shaped by meaningful moments rather than elaborate experiences, Living Sanctuaries invites guests to slow down and connect more deeply with the landscapes they visit. The concept reflects The Serai's approach to creating retreats where the natural surroundings influence the architecture, culinary offerings, activities and overall guest experience.

Each of the three destinations offers a distinct interpretation of this philosophy.

At Chikmagalur, the experience is shaped by the mist-covered hills and coffee plantations of the Western Ghats. Surrounded by forests and the aroma of coffee estates, the retreat encourages guests to enjoy nature walks, quiet mornings and the slower rhythm of the hills.

At Bandipur, the focus shifts to the wilderness. The forest's changing light, bird calls and wildlife movement form an integral part of the experience. Rather than treating nature as a backdrop, the property encourages guests to immerse themselves in the surrounding landscape and appreciate its natural rhythms.

In Kabini, the river and its surrounding wilderness define the experience. Open skies, waterside settings and opportunities for wildlife encounters offer guests a different perspective on the region's natural environment, where discovery often comes through unplanned moments.

Although each property is shaped by its location, the common thread is the belief that nature sets the pace. The landscape influences how guests spend their time, what they experience and how they connect with the destination. From design and architecture to regional cuisine and curated activities, the emphasis is on allowing the character of each place to remain central to the stay.

Redefining Luxury Through Space and Personalised Hospitality

Living Sanctuaries also reflects a changing understanding of luxury, with greater emphasis on time, privacy and meaningful experiences rather than abundance or constant activity.

For The Serai Resorts, hospitality is centred on attentive service that feels natural rather than intrusive. The approach focuses on personal attention, remembering individual preferences and understanding when guests need assistance and when they simply need space.

Experiences such as a slow breakfast overlooking the landscape, a morning in a coffee plantation, a meal inspired by regional flavours, the anticipation of a wildlife sighting or an evening spent listening to the rain become part of the property's wider hospitality proposition.

Through this philosophy, the brand positions its resorts as places where guests can disconnect from everyday routines and reconnect with nature, companions and themselves.

The Serai Resorts' Presence in Karnataka

Founded in the coffee country of Chikmagalur nearly two decades ago, The Serai Resorts has grown into a collection of three luxury retreats across Karnataka: Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini.

The portfolio combines thoughtfully designed accommodation with locally inspired cuisine, wellness offerings and curated destination experiences. Each property is positioned around its surrounding landscape, from coffee plantations and forest environments to riverside wilderness.

The brand's flagship property, The Serai Chikmagalur, has received several industry recognitions, including a No. 9 ranking among resorts in India in Condé Nast Traveller's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, Best Staycation Resort in India at Travel + Leisure India's Best Awards 2025 and Best Retreat in India at the TravTour MICE Awards 2025. It has also been included in Condé Nast Traveller's Black Book 2026.

The Serai Chikmagalur and The Serai Bandipur have additionally featured in The Style List's 50 Best Boutique Hotels.

With Living Sanctuaries, The Serai Resorts brings its three destinations under a unified brand philosophy, placing nature, personal space and thoughtful hospitality at the centre of its guest experience. The concept presents luxury as an opportunity to pause, observe and experience a destination at its own pace.

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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

Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa Invites Travellers to Experience a Change of Air

Reservations

Most Read In News

Summit Hotels & Resorts to Open Heritage Kashinaama in Varanasi

Most Read In News

The Serai Resorts Introduces ‘Living Sanctuaries’ Across Chikmagalur, Bandipur and Kabini

Redefining Luxury Through Space and Personalised Hospitality

The Serai Resorts' Presence in Karnataka

Most Read In News