Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins Opens in the Heart of the CBD

Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins Opens in the Heart of the CBD

By Hariharan U

Published on September 21, 2025

Melbourne has welcomed a new neighbour to its buzzing CBD with the opening of Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first dual-branded development in Australia, alongside the new Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall, the 179-room property blends heritage character with contemporary design to create a stay that’s uniquely Melbourne.

The hotel is built behind four carefully preserved heritage façades, Diamond House, the Public Benefit Bootery, Allan’s, and the York Building – weaving the stories of jewellers, bootmakers, and retailers into a vibrant new hospitality experience. Each Hotel Indigo property reflects its neighbourhood, and here, Melbourne’s layered history and laneway culture set the tone.

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The opening of Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins is a landmark moment for the revitalisation of Bourke Street Mall and surrounding laneways, and an opportunity for us to showcase exactly what the Hotel Indigo brand brings to Melbourne: a design-forward, neighbourhood-first experience,” shared General Manager, Scott Hamilton.

Developed by Steadfast Capital with interiors by global design firm Buchan and construction by Hickory, the property showcases a mix of intimate lobby spaces, interconnected areas, a courtyard, and dining destinations. Design nods to Melbourne’s past are everywhere – monkey motifs pay tribute to E.W. Cole’s famous Book Arcade, while a spiral staircase recalls Sidney Myer’s drapery store. Guests can also admire a three-storey Cabinet of Curiosities mural by Melbourne-based artist Lisa King, featuring symbolic nods to the city’s icons like the Australian Open and Queen Victoria Market.

 Guest rooms at Hotel Indigo combine style with thoughtful details. From coin-inspired room numbers engraved with E.W. Cole quotes to terrazzo side tables made from recycled Skyy Vodka bottles, every element ties back to Melbourne’s story. Rooms are equipped with modern comforts such as Wi-Fi, Chromecast-enabled TVs, and locally sourced minibar offerings from Little Lon Gin Distillery. Guests can choose from standard and premium rooms, as well as balcony suites that open to views of Little Collins Street.

 Beyond its rooms, Hotel Indigo offers amenities such as The Meeting Room for intimate gatherings, a fitness centre, and direct access to Melbourne Walk retail precinct, home to JD Sport’s largest Southern Hemisphere store and Pop Mart’s designer art toys. Its location puts guests within easy reach of the city’s arts, dining, and sporting attractions, with public transport at the doorstep and Melbourne Airport just 21 kilometres away.

With its opening, Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins not only adds a fresh chapter to IHG’s growing Australian presence but also brings a bold, design-led sanctuary that reflects Melbourne’s culture, history, and creativity. Guests booking the Opening Special can enjoy breakfast for two for just $1 extra on top of the best flexible rate.


Light Up Your Diwali with a Festive Staycation at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan

Light Up Your Diwali with a Festive Staycation at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 11, 2025

 This Diwali, escape the ordinary with a Festive Staycation at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan, a unique getaway that blends celebration, indulgence, and unforgettable moments in one vibrant package. Perfectly located in the heart of MIDC near Talegaon and surrounded by serene hill views, the hotel offers the ideal balance of tranquility and connectivity for guests seeking a stylish festive retreat.

From October 17 to 25, 2025, guests can immerse themselves in a memorable experience featuring:

  • A lavish buffet breakfast and lunch at MoMo Café

  • A warm welcome drink with traditional sweets upon arrival

  • A hands-on Diya painting activity in the evening to spark creativity

  • 20% off spa services for ultimate relaxation

Families will enjoy the added delight of kids under 12 staying and dining free, making the staycation even more enjoyable.

Whether planning a festive escape with loved ones or wanting to celebrate Diwali without the stress of organizing, this curated staycation brings everything under one roof, from culinary indulgence and cultural activities to quality time with family and friends.


Zuper Hotels Launches ‘Vaarsa by Bay Hotels’ in Alibaug

Zuper Hotels Launches ‘Vaarsa by Bay Hotels’ in Alibaug

By Hariharan U

Published on October 10, 2025

Alibaug welcomes a new serene escape with the launch of Vaarsa by Bay Hotels, powered by Zuper Hotels & Resorts. This tropical getaway is designed for couples, families, and groups, offering 25 specially curated rooms across four categories, blending budget-friendly comfort with personalized experiences.

The property’s colorful décor in tropical shades of blue, green, and brown complements its coastal setting, inviting guests to relax by the azure poolside, soak in the sea breeze, or gather around a bonfire. Indoor games and leisure amenities ensure that every stay caters to both relaxation and fun.

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Dining at Vaarsa is an experience in itself. Expert chefs prepare authentic coastal cuisines, fresh seafood, and agri-based dishes, while in-room dining allows guests to enjoy a curated menu from the comfort of their rooms.

Accommodations are designed for comfort and charm, Deluxe Rooms combine simplicity with cozy elegance, Super Deluxe Rooms offer pool-facing views and abundant relaxation. Premium Rooms feature private balconies for a breezy retreat. Executive Rooms evoke old-Portuguese charm with modern amenities and heritage touches.

Mehfooz Khan, Corporate General Manager, Food & Beverage at Zuper Hotels & Resorts, said, “Luxury has been reimagined at Vaarsa by Bay Hotels, keeping guests’ needs and budgets in mind. The property offers a personalized tropical escape where comfort, value, and immersive experiences go hand in hand.”

Vaarsa by Bay Hotels also caters to destination weddings and corporate gatherings, blending natural beauty, authenticity, and modern facilities to create unforgettable events by the coast


Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels Launches UAE Engagement for Eco-Tourism

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels Launches UAE Engagement for Eco-Tourism

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels has launched a UAE engagement initiative as part of its Global Alliance Collaborator (GAC) program. The program connects communities and organizations across the UAE with global partners, supporting the development of movable underwater hotels at 33 destinations worldwide.

The eco-luxury underwater hotels, designed under a U.S. Patent-approved concept, will feature 26 guest suites located about 30 feet below the surface, offering panoramic views of marine ecosystems. The project also integrates coral reef restoration using Biorock technology, promoting biodiversity and long-term sustainability.

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Tony Webb, founder of Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, said, "Our vision is to create opportunities for collaboration between nations while protecting fragile marine environments. By inviting participation from the Emirates, we see alignment with regional strategies such as Dubai’s D33 Agenda and Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030."

As part of the initiative, local organizations in the UAE are encouraged to promote participation in the GAC program. The program offers employment opportunities in hotel and resort operations and provides a platform for regional media to raise awareness about sustainable tourism and marine conservation.

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels emphasizes community involvement, workforce development, and environmental benefits. A core aspect of the initiative is supporting coral reef restoration to enhance local ecosystems while contributing to global sustainability goals.

About Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels LLC

Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels, LLC is an international eco-tourism venture developing movable underwater hotels that combine luxury travel with marine conservation. Based on U.S. Patent Design D736,947, the project integrates advanced engineering, sustainable practices, and global community collaboration.

For more information, visit Planet Ocean Underwater Hotels or contact Tony Webb via email at info@PlanetOceanUnderwaterHotel.com.

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