InterContinental Brisbane by IHG will embark on one of the city’s most significant luxury hotel evolutions with a multi-million-dollar investment set to completely reimagine the iconic property and establish a bold new chapter for Brisbane hospitality.
With works commencing in October 2026 and concluding in late 2027, the 319-room InterContinental Brisbane will undergo a sweeping, progressive transformation, honouring the lauded modernist legacy of its Harry Seidler-designed home on Queen Street Mall while introducing a new era for the city’s most coveted luxury address.
From the guest experience and interiors to public spaces and hospitality offerings, InterContinental Brisbane will be reimagined from the ground up for today’s discerning travellers.
The ambitious renovation project draws inspiration from Brisbane’s energy and evolving nature, resulting in a sophisticated new interpretation that honours the building’s distinctive heritage, while positioning InterContinental Brisbane as a vanguard of the city’s luxury hospitality scene.
The design will infuse interiors with an effortless elegance and timeless luxury through considered detail and an organic connection to light and nature that echoes the hotel’s subtropical surrounds, with the refurbishment program also seeing the hotel’s room count grow from 319 to 324 upon completion.
Woods Bagot, the Global design firm behind the transformation of InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, are leading the design vision for the building’s next chapter. Woods Bagot Principal, Tracey Wiles said the refurbishment of InterContinental Brisbane honours the Harry Seidler legacy, the original architect and celebrated author of Australian Mid-Century Modernism. The design carefully crafts an experience that balances both art and technology, whilst serving both spirit and senses. At the heart of the design sits the hotel’s grand atrium, reworked to celebrate Brisbane’s natural light and give all 324 rooms a view down to a reimagined atrium footprint.
“InterContinental Brisbane presented an opportunity to celebrate and evolve the building’s architectural legacy; creating a hotel experience that feels contemporary and yet remains true to the integrity of its original design. Seidler’s legacy provided a framework for both clarity and rigour, while Brisbane’s subtropical character allowed us to overlay warmth, lightness and a sense of ease, resulting in an experience that is sophisticated, welcoming and distinctly modern”, Ms Wiles said.
Hotel interiors will be progressively and comprehensively refurbished, from guestrooms and suites to meeting and event spaces, which will be reimagined as refined, versatile settings elevated with considered detailing and the same sophisticated palette of materials featured throughout the property.
All-new spacious accommodations will feature oversized comfort, enhanced by a rich colour scheme including warm neutrals with natural stone, highlights of marble and dark timber plus geometric patterns and inviting sculptural art with soft curves. Furnishings will be in mid-century style with signature attention to detail.
Level 6 will feature an all-new concierge gallery, including an upgraded arrival area, lobby, and reception, aligning with InterContinental brand standards.
Club InterContinental will also relocate to Level 6, creating a standout new destination for the exclusive experience featuring a light-filled sanctuary that overlooks the Queen Street Mall and Edward Street luxury precinct and reflects Brisbane’s refined residential feel.
Dining highlights consist of a new Argentinian grill restaurant and intimate Italian pasta and wine bar. The Dining experience will be complemented by a lobby bar reimagined as one of the hotel’s signature destinations, a unique gathering place for guests and locals alike reinforcing the hotels role as a destination within the city.
Placing wellbeing at the heart of the guest experience, InterContinental Brisbane will offer a state-of-the-art gym, spa and wellness offering and introduce a reimagined pool deck area, bringing the hotel’s subtropical setting to the fore and embracing the city’s connection to outdoor living.
The hotel will remain open throughout the staged renovation project and is committed to delivering the level of service offerings, guest experiences and renowned luxury hospitality that is synonymous with the InterContinental brand throughout the refurbishment.
InterContinental Brisbane General Manager Shaun Parsons said the hotel is looking forward to unveiling a contemporary hospitality experience that captivates the imaginations of today’s luxury travellers.
“This transformation marks a defining new chapter for InterContinental Brisbane and will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in the city. Our vision is to reimagine this local icon while paying homage to the iconic Harry Seidler building, bringing together exceptional design, approachable luxury and culturally rich experiences that reflect Brisbane’s vibrant spirit,” Mr Parsons said.
“Located at Brisbane’s most coveted luxury address, with unrivalled access to the city’s leading luxury retail, dining and cultural precincts, the reimagined hotel will be ideally positioned to welcome guests for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and as Brisbane looks ahead to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“This is an opportunity to shape an exceptional new destination that will captivate modern luxury travellers and strengthen Brisbane’s place on the global luxury landscape.”
IFM Investors Head of Development, Real Estate, Tom Waters said that this investment will transform the InterContinental Brisbane.
“We have proudly invested in this unique Seidler-designed building for over two decades. We’re pleased to be partnering with the InterContinental Brisbane to create a 5-star hotel destination in the heart of the city. As a long-term pension capital investor, our focus is on how we can enhance our assets to make them attractive destinations and fit for purpose not just now, but well into the future.”
