InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) and Australian developer ALAND signed a Master Development Agreement on September 9, 2026, granting ALAND exclusive development rights for Staybridge Suites in Australia. The portfolio will include at least 15 hotels comprising a minimum of 2,000 rooms nationwide.
First Hotels Announced for Greater Western Sydney
Freestanding franchise agreements have been signed for Staybridge Suites Sydney Parramatta (130 rooms) and Sydney Leppington (112 rooms), both managed by Signature Hotel Management Group. These two hotels represent the initial phase of the national portfolio. The voco Gosford hotel (130 rooms) recently opened within ALAND’s Archibald precinct and forms part of ALAND’s established presence.
Strategic Locations in Growth Corridors
The target
expansion focuses on Greater Western Sydney with commercial, residential, and infrastructure growth corridors. Parramatta is a major commercial hub in Sydney. Leppington benefits from its proximity to Western Sydney International Airport and the Aerotropolis region, making it strategic for extended-stay guests.
Company Profiles and Experience
IHG operates over one million rooms across more than 7,000 hotels in over 100 countries through 21 brands including Staybridge Suites, which had 355 hotels open globally as of June 2026 with 152 more in the pipeline. ALAND is an Australian-owned family business and one of the nation’s largest private development and construction groups, currently managing a pipeline exceeding
6,500 apartments.
Perspectives on the Partnership
Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, Australasia & Pacific at IHG Hotels & Resorts, described the agreement as a significant long-term development providing IHG with a clear pathway in the extended-stay segment. He said, “ALAND has substantial development capability and ambition, and we share a clear vision for the opportunity ahead. Bringing that alignment together with IHG’s brands, distribution and enterprise gives us a strong foundation to grow the partnership over the long term.”
Andrew Hrsto, Founder and CEO of ALAND, said, “This agreement is an exciting evolution of our partnership with IHG and creates an opportunity to establish a
significant new accommodation platform across Australia. We look forward to bringing the first hotels to Parramatta and Leppington and growing the portfolio nationally.”
Extended-Stay Segment Growth in Australia
Staybridge Suites is an upscale extended-stay brand offering residential-style suites with hotel services globally suited for guests staying days, weeks, or longer. The extended-stay hotel segment in Australia is growing due to demand from corporate travelers, project-based work, relocations, and guests seeking longer stay flexibility.
