IHG has opened a next-generation Holiday Inn in Melbourne’s south east suburb of Dandenong following a AU$12 million investment from owner Pelligra Group to transform an existing property.
Located on McCrae Street, in the heart of the business and entertainment district, the 124-key hotel includes 16 newly built rooms, 154 square metres of function space, five electrical vehicle charging stations, as well as the brand’s new signature Open Lobby concept and Dandelion Lounge and Eatery.
“Light-filled spaces in our Open Lobby invite relaxed dining and meaningful conversations, while the rooms themselves provide a soothing space to recharge,” said Holiday Inn Dandenong General Manager, Scott Schaefer.
“We’re providing a fresh, new destination where guests, local workers and residents can come together for a coffee, a business meeting, or to work remotely – something the local business community is hungry for.”
Executive Chef Atish Chaudhuri takes the helm at Dandelion Lounge and Eatery offering up an ‘Itali-fusion’ menu all day, seven days a week. While the bar offers aperitivo and spritz menus, as well as Italian and local Victorian wines. There is also café on-site where visitors can purchase snacks and barista-made coffee.
The function spaces, which have built-in AV facilities, include the Dandenong Room, a large meeting room that can cater for up to 120 people or split into two smaller rooms, and a light-filled boardroom for smaller meetings.
The hotel design incorporates vibrant colours, feature lighting and greenery in a Melburnian-style space with exposed ceilings, black metal features and natural oak battens.
The Victorian Government is investing in the redevelopment of Central Dandenong with a AU$290 million project aimed at transforming the suburban centre into a thriving economic hub scheduled for completion in 2030.
“We see the launch of this new Holiday Inn as another milestone in Dandenong’s revitalisation, with the area being a hub for various workforces including manufacturing and construction, as well as education and health services,” said Schaefer explains.
“From a tourism perspective, Greater Dandenong is an underrated destination with its authentic cultural experiences and diverse food offering, the 154-year-old Dandenong Market, and the incredible Melbourne Cable Park & Aqua Fun Park, just to name a few attractions.
“We look forward to working with our local partners to increase visitation to the region.”
Supporting the local community is a key focus for the hotel which has partnered with local businesses as well as a social enterprise SisterWorks’ Dandenong Empowerment Hub through which it has employed three migrant women.
“Our team has been connecting and working with local business groups over the past months who have been incredibly positive about the hotel’s launch, and we’ve recently formed a partnership with Drum Theatre,” said Schaefer.
“We’re also offering local craft beers from BoJak Brewery at Dandelion, and pastries from Noisette bakery – businesses that are both based in Dandenong.”