InterContinental Brisbane, the Harry Seidler-designed tower beside Queen Street Mall that locals knew as the Hilton for almost four decades, is getting a multimillion-dollar overhaul with new restaurants, a reworked atrium and a lobby bar meant for Brisbane residents as much as hotel guests.
The Timeline
Work starts in October 2026 and is expected to finish in late 2027, according to IHG’s announcement. The hotel took on the InterContinental name in 2025, after almost four decades as a Hilton. Builders will work in stages, so the hotel will keep taking guests the whole way through.
How do you update a landmark without losing what made it special? Woods Bagot, the design firm that also worked on InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, has that job. Principal Tracey Wiles said the team wants to respect Seidler, a leading name in Australian mid-century modernism, while making the hotel feel current. Art and technology are meant to share the stage.
The atrium is the centrepiece of the redesign. It will be reworked to draw in more daylight, and all 324 rooms will have a view down into it. That figure is five higher than today’s 319. Guestrooms lean on earthy tones, with stone, marble and dark timber set against mid-century-style furniture and curved, sculptural art.
Something New on the Menu
Locals may care about this part most. An Argentinian grill is on the way, along with an Italian pasta and wine bar. The lobby bar is being redesigned too, and it’s pitched as a meeting spot for Brisbane residents as much as for people staying upstairs.
A new gym, spa and wellness offering is planned. Outside, a reimagined pool deck will make more of the city’s subtropical weather and its love of the outdoors.
Level 6 gets a new concierge gallery, an upgraded arrival area, and a fresh lobby and reception. Club InterContinental will move to the same floor, with views over Queen Street Mall and the Edward Street luxury precinct.
Ready for the Crowds
Timing matters here. General Manager Shaun Parsons described the project as a chance to modernise a well-loved landmark while respecting Seidler’s original work, with a focus on strong design and a relaxed style of luxury that reflects Brisbane’s character. He said the hotel is well placed to host guests during the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games follow, and coverage of the project ties it to a busy stretch for the city’s tourism and events scene.
Published Date 30-September-2026
