IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to expand its premium estate in Sydney with the addition of two Crowne Plaza hotels, thanks to a strategic agreement with Frank and Wade Huang of Star Millennium Pty Ltd. This deal will rebrand two popular hotels at Sydney Airport and Macquarie Park, enhancing their offerings to cater to both business and leisure travelers.
The Crowne Plaza Macquarie Park, a 196-room property, is scheduled to open in early 2025. Currently operating as Courtyard by Marriott, it will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment of its lobby and guest rooms. Located 25 minutes northwest of Sydney CBD, Macquarie Park is a major business hub, home to Macquarie University, Macquarie University Hospital, Macquarie Shopping Centre, and the Australian headquarters of several top pharmaceutical and technology companies. The hotel’s prime location is expected to attract substantial business demand.
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In September 2024, the Holiday Inn Sydney Airport will transition to Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport. The hotel’s 252 rooms, which underwent a $15 million refurbishment in 2022, already meet Crowne Plaza standards. The rebranding will include updates to the lobby and restaurant, elevating the hotel from midscale to premium, and solidifying its reputation as a top choice for travelers near Sydney Airport.
Both hotels will move to a franchise model, with Star Millennium appointing Trilogy Hotels to manage their operations. Trilogy Hotels will oversee the day-to-day running and rebranding processes.
Cameron Burke, Director of Development at IHG Hotels & Resorts, expressed excitement over the partnership: “We are honoured to have been chosen by Star Millennium as the partner to brand these two well-known Sydney hotels. It’s exciting to see the Crowne Plaza brand continue to go from strength to strength, building on its reputation as one of the world’s best known and loved premium hotel brands among corporate and leisure travelers alike. We look forward to further strengthening our wonderful partnership with Frank and Wade in the coming years.”
Wade Huang, Director of Star Millennium Pty Ltd, shared similar sentiments: “We are proud of our long-standing and successful relationship with IHG. Expanding our collaboration by integrating our Sydney Airport and Macquarie Park hotels into the Crowne Plaza family is an exciting step. Crowne Plaza Macquarie Park will set a new standard for quality in the Macquarie Park business precinct, and Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport will enhance its legacy as a Holiday Inn by delivering a premium guest experience.”
Scott Boyes, CEO of Trilogy Hotels, added: “Trilogy Hotels is delighted to be appointed by Frank and Wade Huang of Star Millennium as the independent hotel managers of both assets, running the day-to-day operations and spearheading both of their rebranding and refurbishment journeys. Together, with our wonderful partners the Huang Family, and IHG Hotels & Resorts, we are committed to creating an amazing hotel experience for our owners, teams and guests. As we grow our independent hotel management portfolio in Australia, we are beyond grateful to Frank and Wade for putting their trust in us to operate their beloved hotels.”
IHG currently operates 97 open or pipeline hotels in Australasia & the Pacific, including 22 Crowne Plaza properties. The group plans to open new Crowne Plaza locations in Mawson Lakes, Melbourne Carlton, and Shell Cove Marina within the next twelve months, with a new property in Geelong set for 2026.
Source: IHG Hotels & Resorts Expands Premium Estate in Sydney with Two Crowne Plaza Rebrands
