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


Clarks Exotica Brings Guest Stories to Life with Personalised Hospitality

Clarks Exotica Brings Guest Stories to Life with Personalised Hospitality

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 22, 2025

Nestled just minutes away from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa is embracing a fresh and personal approach to luxury. Spread over 70 acres, the resort has always been known for its peaceful ambiance and versatile offerings, from corporate stays to weekend family escapes. But now, it’s taking things a notch higher by focusing not just on what it offers, but how it’s experienced  with every guest story at the heart of it.

“Every guest carries a unique story,” says Varun Sharma, General Manager Operations at Clarks Exotica. “Our aim isn’t just to serve, but to observe, listen, and respond, so each stay feels tailored, like it was made just for them.”

Whether it’s a warm bowl of soup waiting for a late-arriving traveller or a poolside candlelight dinner set up for an anniversary couple, Clarks is turning small gestures into unforgettable memories.

This new approach isn’t just reflected in their service, it’s shaping how the brand communicates with the world. Clarks Exotica is moving away from generic promotions, instead sharing stories drawn from real, heartfelt guest moments. The idea is to make every piece of communication, whether online or on-site, feel genuine and personal.

Behind this shift is a team that values human touch. From Shiva in Engineering, who ensures every space is flawless without being seen, to Gautam from F&B, who remembers how guests like their coffee, it’s the quiet attentiveness that defines the Clarks culture.

These real moments and real people now take centre stage in the resort’s digital storytelling. With initiatives like:

  • Video reels capturing natural guest reactions and joyful moments with family

  • Team spotlights celebrating small yet meaningful acts of service

  • Social media campaigns like "Captured at Clarks" and "Humans of Clarks", showcasing authentic experiences

Clarks is turning its guestbook into a canvas of shared memories. What used to stay within four walls now reaches a wider, global audience, building not just loyalty, but an emotional connect that sets the brand apart.

With this shift, Clarks Exotica is showing that luxury isn’t always about extravagance. Sometimes, it’s in the little things, the ones that make you feel seen, remembered, and valued.


The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group Launches Purpose-Driven Loyalty Program

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group Launches Purpose-Driven Loyalty Program

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 22, 2025

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, one of India’s most admired luxury hospitality brands, has unveiled its all-new loyalty program – The LaLiT Loyalty Program – that’s as rewarding as it is purposeful.

Designed to deepen the relationship with guests, this loyalty initiative combines classic perks with a unique opportunity to make a real-world impact. With four distinct tiers – Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum – the program gives members the freedom to earn points for every rupee spent across stays, dining, and wellness services at The LaLiT’s hotels, palaces, and resorts. From enjoying a lavish meal at Baluchi or OKO, to unwinding at Spiceology, guests can now collect rewards seamlessly.

But the real differentiator is its conscious core. In a first-of-its-kind move, The LaLiT has partnered with Points for Good, a platform that enables guests to donate their points to causes that matter. With over 18 NGOs and 40 vetted projects to support – including child education, LGBTQIA+ rights, environmental sustainability, and more – this program invites travellers to become changemakers.

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“At The LaLiT, we believe hospitality is not just about service – it’s about building meaningful relationships. The LaLiT Loyalty Program is our way of showing gratitude to our guests and building a deeper, more meaningful connection with them. It’s a celebration of trust, shared values and mutual expectations,” said Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group.

By blending rewards with responsibility, The LaLiT Loyalty Program offers more than points – it offers purpose. Whether you're a frequent traveller, a fine-dining enthusiast, or simply someone who values mindful luxury, this program welcomes you to indulge while making a difference.

Enrolment is free and can be done instantly at www.thelalitloyalty.com.


LaRiSa Hotels Expands in Himachal with New Resort in Palampur

LaRiSa Hotels Expands in Himachal with New Resort in Palampur

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 20, 2025

LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts has signed a hotel management agreement for a new resort in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. Scheduled to open in early 2026, this will be LaRiSa’s fifth property in the state and marks a significant step in the brand’s regional growth strategy.

Developed in collaboration with Grassmere Resorts, the upcoming resort spans 2.5 acres in the scenic Kangra Valley. It will feature 20 rooms and suites, each offering private balconies with views of either Palampur city or the majestic Dhauladhar range. Room sizes will range between 400 and 850 sq. ft.

The property will be equipped with an infinity pool overlooking the Himalayas, a spa with therapy rooms and steam facilities, and curated farm-to-table culinary experiences. Landscaped gardens, a fruit and herb garden, and a peaceful fish pond will further enhance the tranquil vibe of the retreat.

“Palampur in Kangra Valley is witnessing a notable surge in tourism,” said Priya Thakur, Director, LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts. “With the signing of LaRiSa Resort, Palampur, we are strengthening our offering in Himachal Pradesh through this collaboration with the Sandhu family.”

Achint Kaur Sandhu, Partner at Grassmere Resorts, added, “With this partnership we hope to cater to travellers seeking a premium stay experience that has been lacking in this destination.”

Strategically located, the resort will offer easy access to popular attractions such as Neugal Khad, Andretta Artist Village, Saurabh Van Vihar, and Tashi Jong Monastery. It is situated 9 km from Palampur Railway Station and 45 km from Kangra Airport, ensuring good connectivity for visitors.

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