The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2023 - Issue 34

Travel News Autumn-Winter 2023 bitetravel E arlier this year, IHGHotels & Resorts opened its third Ho- tel Indigo in Australia with Pro-invest Group. Hotel Indi- go Melbourne on Flinders is a creatively curated boutique lifestyle hotel on the city’s most iconic laneway. Flinders Lane runs the entire length of the city and forms part of the bustling CBD. The Eastern end is home to the city’s most renowned res- taurants. In contrast, the Western end pays homage to its seafar- ing and gold mining heritage with fantastic architecture, ware- houses and hidden historical gems. In Hotel Indigo Melbourne in Flinders’ neighbourhood, you’ll find a laneway culture of street art, hidden cafés, bars, boutiques and galleries on the hotel’s doorstep. The hotel features 216 re- invented guest rooms inspired by the intriguing and colourful legends of the neighbourhood, including the internationally acclaimed German-Australian fashion photographer Helmut Newton, whose original studio was nearby. The creative was known for his edgy work featuring Grace Jones, David Bowie and Andy Warhol. His work influenced the hotel’s design and combined fashion, art, and runway with interiors paying homage to the photo- graphic art form. Its dramatic lobby-gallery space and lounge are filled with collected pieces and a specially designed selfie booth for guests to capture their Newton-esque memory. Aus- tralian firm Suede Interiors’ ‘light, camera, action’ theme contin- ues throughout the guest rooms, featuring commissioned works by local artists, spacious work desks and dynamic city views. Guests can discover the city’s renowned dining, with the open- ing of a street-side Spanish bar and restaurant, BESO, housed with the hotel. Helmed by Ana Cortes Garcia, a Spaniard with vast international experience and a Melbourne Chef ’s Hat acco- lade, diners will be treated to contemporary twists on traditional Spanish tapas. Local hospitality industry stalwart Guy Holder directs the offering, including a vibrant list of Victorian and Spanish wines. A mezzanine-level fitness centre with body-weight-powered equipment is available, and stylish meeting and event facilities for up to 200 guests will be completed in early 2024. Hotel In- digo Melbourne on Flinders joins Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Centre and Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, with Hotel Indigo Sydney Potts Point set to open by the end of the year. Each Hotel Indigo draws inspiration from the local neighbourhood, culture and popular food, drink and design trends to create a warm and vibrant atmosphere. www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/gb/en/melbourne/melsf/ho- teldetail Hotel Indigo Melbourne Opens on Flinders in Melbourne Samantha Morgan looks at the latest news and devel- opments from IHG, Radisson Hotel Group, Manfredi Fine Hotels Collection, Marriott and YTL. Images courtesy of IHG Hotel Group