Melbourne’s Rydges on Swanston to get a fresh start

Travellers to Melbourne’s Carlton precinct will soon have a new globally-branded hotel to call home when Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton opens in the first half of 2021.

The five-storey property, which has previously operated as Rydges on Swanston, has been purchased by Ross Pelligra’s Carlton Property Group and will convert to the upscale Crowne Plaza brand – part of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) – following a full refurbishment.

“Melbourne is one of the world’s great cities and I’m absolutely confident in the long term, which is why I’m backing it by bringing a world-class premium hotel brand to Carlton,” Pelligra said.

“Given our expertise in construction and ongoing commitment to build or reposition assets in partnership with IHG, we plan to lift the game and give this property a full refurb and a fresh start as Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton in early 2021.

“As travellers flock back to Melbourne, I know that this hotel, with its winning location and exceptional rooftop pool bar and event facilities, will be the place they choose to stay.”

All public spaces, meeting facilities and 107 guest rooms will enjoy a full refurbishment to bring them up to the Crowne Plaza standard, along with the building’s exterior, which will also get an update.

Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton will also include an all-day restaurant and bar, gym and undercover parking, as well as a rooftop pool and bar.

Its meeting and event spaces will feature nine rooms with a total of 652 square metres, including a 300-guest, theatre-style space.

Abhijay Sandilya, vice president of development across Australasia, Japan and the Pacific at IHG, said: “We are delighted to sign our latest management agreement with Ross Pelligra, adding to his portfolio of IHG hotels that already includes Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport, and the upcoming Holiday Inn properties in Melbourne’s Werribee and Richmond.

“This is a true story of partnership, and we are so excited to grow together to bring amazing hotels to the Australian market.

“Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton will make a perfect addition to the Melbourne accommodation landscape and a great second Crowne Plaza for Melbourne.”

The contemporary hotel with its Swanston Street frontage enjoys a coveted location overlooking Lincoln Square, just minutes’ walk from Melbourne’s University Precinct, the Biomedical Precinct and Queen Victoria Market.

Rydges on Swanston got plenty of unwanted attention earlier this year after experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak among workers while being used by the Victorian government as a quarantine hotel.

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Abhijay Sandilya crowne plaza Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton hospitality hotel ihg intercontinental hotels group refurbishment Ross Pelligra Rydges on Swanston