IHG Hotels & Resorts has opened its first dual-branded property in Australia with the debut of Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins and Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall. The opening marks a major milestone in Melbourne’s CBD, bringing two globally recognized brands into the reimagined Melbourne Walk precinct adjacent to Bourke Street Mall.
The development, led by Steadfast Capital and designed by global studio Buchan, represents an eight-year project to transform one of Melbourne’s busiest retail and cultural corridors. The dual launch signals the return of Holiday Inn to Melbourne’s city centre and the expansion of the boutique Hotel Indigo brand in Australia.
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins
The 179-room Hotel Indigo introduces a boutique design that weaves Melbourne’s cultural and architectural heritage into the guest experience. Its exterior incorporates preserved heritage façades including Diamond House, the Public Benefit Bootery, Allan’s and the York Building, reflecting the site’s history of jewellers and bootmakers.
Inside, the hotel features a soaring spiral staircase, an internal courtyard and a cathedral-like atrium. A three-storey mural by Melbourne-based artist Lisa King serves as a “Cabinet of Curiosities,” depicting objects linked to the city such as tennis balls, market produce and cultural icons. Guestrooms include laneway-inspired graphics and artwork paying tribute to Melbourne landmarks and performing arts. Corridors feature coin-style room numbers engraved with a quote from E.W. Cole: “The world is a book. Those who do not travel read only one page.”
The hotel also introduces Fern Bar & Dining, a restaurant led by Executive Chef Darryl Hand offering modern Melbourne cuisine. The venue includes an outdoor courtyard known as Fern’s Garden, providing a retreat within the city.
Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall
The 273-room Holiday Inn property marks the brand’s return to Melbourne’s CBD after five years, showcasing its next-generation design with an open-plan lobby, restaurant and public spaces. The lobby combines blond wood and green tones, with flexible seating and power outlets for both leisure and business guests.
Guestrooms are designed with modern artwork inspired by Melbourne’s skyline and a warm palette of greens, pinks and mustard. With 92 double-double rooms, the hotel is well-suited to families and groups. A 220-square-metre private terrace event space overlooks Bourke Street Mall, offering views of the GPO clock tower, the Myer building and Melbourne’s cityscape.
The Greenery, the hotel’s dining venue, offers all-day meals including a buffet breakfast and hearty dishes for lunch and dinner. As part of the Holiday Inn Kids Stay & Eat Free promise, children aged 12 and under can dine at no additional cost.
IHG said the launch is not only significant for its brands but also for the revitalisation of Bourke Street Mall and surrounding laneways. Hotel Indigo now operates four properties in Australia, while Holiday Inn remains one of the world’s largest hotel brands with over 1,200 locations. Guests at both hotels can access benefits through IHG One Rewards across more than 6,700 destinations worldwide.
To mark the launch, Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall is offering an opening special including breakfast for two for an additional AUD 1 on its best flexible rate.
