IHG and Salta Properties have signed a management agreement to build a Hotel Indigo in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct.
Revealed to almost 800 delegates at the at the eighth annual Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) in Melbourne today (May 3), the 170-room hotel is the second Hotel Indigo signing for Australia and New Zealand and is due to open in 2019, following the signing of Hotel Indigo Brisbane Fortitude Valley in late 2016.
“The Hotel Indigo brand is extremely important to our continued growth in Australia, as we know the appeal that these ‘local’ hotels have for our guests,” said IHG’s Chief Operating Officer Australasia and Japan, Karin Sheppard.
“We expect Hotel Indigo Melbourne Docklands to become a leading lifestyle hotel in Melbourne, differentiating itself from other hotel offerings in the city thanks to the brand’s entirely unique style.
“While we know Melbourne is seen as the world’s most liveable city, Docklands presents a Melbourne that is not just liveable, but gritty, with an eclectic style.
“Our Hotel Indigo guests will undoubtedly love exploring and being inspired by the area,” she said.
Hotel Indigo Melbourne Docklands will boast a large resort-style pool and gym, a meeting and board room, as well as an iconic, street-facing neighbourhood restaurant and bar, split over 2 levels.
Salta Properties Executive Chairman, Sam Tarascio, said choosing the Docklands location was a particularly poignant decision.
“In the 1950s I migrated to Australia, arriving at Victoria Dock on a ship from Italy,” he said.
“That bleak port has been transformed over the years to become Melbourne’s vibrant Docklands waterfront, so it means so much to me to give back to the place that welcomed me 67 years ago.”
“The Hotel Indigo brand is the perfect fit for a place that oozes local neighbourhood character with expansive water views and open spaces.
“With some 20 million visitors expected to visit the Docklands each year, it’s great timing to be developing this striking hotel in Melbourne’s new and contemporary neighbourhood,” he said.
Hotel Indigo launched in Asia Pacific in January 2015 with the opening of Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road, Thailand, followed by the opening of Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong, Singapore in July 2016. Mid 2017, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach will open. There are currently 63 Hotel Indigo properties (9,000 rooms) in the pipeline.