As we enter the ‘Age of I’, a new traveller segment is emerging: one that is increasingly fixated on local, inspiring and unique experiences that make them feel part of the destination. For these uncompromising and nuanced travellers, run-of-the-mill just isn’t enough.

That’s why IHG® and Salta Properties have signed a management agreement to build a Hotel Indigo, the refreshingly local brand for the savvy individualist, in Melbourne’s eclectic and heritage-listed Docklands waterfront precinct.

Hotel Indigo properties feature unique design at every turn without compromising guest comfort. A vibrant modern colour palette, complemented by natural light and locally influenced design and decor, make for an inviting, stylish and refreshing atmosphere.

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 Docklands, or ‘waterfront gateway to Melbourne’s soul’, is home to the city’s leading corporations and government agencies, as well as sporting fanatics and art enthusiasts. The location will allow the hotel do what Hotel Indigo does best: exemplify the unique Docklands neighbourhood story.

Karin Sheppard, Chief Operating Officer Australasia & Japan, IHG said “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.”

“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.”

For Sam Tarascio, Executive Chairman of Salta Properties 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. 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 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. Adding that extra piece of neighbourhood magic, all of the hotel’s large rooms will boast uninterrupted water views.

Launched in 2004, Hotel Indigo is the world’s first globally branded boutique hotel brand. No two of the 70 current Hotel Indigo properties are alike as each is designed to reflect the culture, history and heritage of its immediate neighbourhood. From the building’s design to the hotel’s artwork and locally-inspired menus, guests can look forward to an intimate boutique hotel experience with the international standards promised by a global hotel company.

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.

IHG currently has 27 hotels operating under four brands in Australia: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.

Click here to view the original article.

See also:

Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands Opens

West End secures design-led Adina Grand Hotel in West Melbourne