IHG Hotels & Resorts unveiled its latest Australian Holiday Inn property in Melbourne’s south east. The 124-room Holiday Inn Dandenong is located in the heart of the business and entertainment district at 50-52 McCrae Street. Hotel owner, Pelligra Group, invested $12m into the transformation and build to create a next-generation Holiday Inn featuring the brand’s signature Open Lobby concept, conference rooms and Dandelion Lounge + Eatery.
What are the amenities at Holiday Inn Dandenong?
All rooms have been fully transformed alongside 16 newbuild rooms; configurations range from King Suites to Double Premium and Queen Standard suitable for corporate and leisure travellers, as well as families. Free Wi-Fi is available, in addition to a 24-hour fitness centre, secure underground parking, 24/7 in-room dining, and same-day laundry services.
Touch of luxury and greenery
Through the polished concrete looks, exposed ceilings, black metal features and natural oak battens, Holiday Inn Dandenong speaks true to a layered, yet unpretentious, Melburnian design. From the harmonious blend of vibrant colours and feature lighting pieces to delightful décor and greenery, the property’s spaces are delightful, approachable and a little surprising.
Holiday Inn Dandenong is designed as a place for visitors and locals to conduct business and connect, according to General Manager, Scott Schaefer. “Whether you are spending time away with friends and family, or connecting over business, Holiday Inn Dandenong provides a warm and welcoming environment at an affordable price point,” commented Schaefer.
“Light-filled spaces in our Open Lobby invite relaxed dining and meaningful conversations, while the rooms provide a soothing space to recharge. We’re providing a new destination where guests, local workers and residents can come together for a coffee, a business meeting, or to work remotely – something the local business community is hungry for.”
Close to entertainment spots
Central Dandenong has undergone an evolution thanks to a $290m commitment from the Victorian Govt to transform the suburban centre into a thriving economic hub, with the project beginning back in 2006 and scheduled for completion in 2030. Minutes from Eastlink Freeway, the hotel is an easy commute from Melbourne Airport and Melbourne’s city centre, plus a short drive away from Dandenong Stadium and Ladbrokes Park/Sandown Raceway.
Drum Theatre, the Market and Dandenong train station are all a comfortable walk from the hotel, while Armada Dandenong Plaza – also owned by Pelligra Group – is across the road.
“We see the launch of this new Holiday Inn as another milestone in Dandenong’s revitalisation, with the area being a hub for various workforces including manufacturing and construction, as well as education and health services,” Schaefer further explains.
“From a tourism perspective, Greater Dandenong is an underrated destination with its authentic cultural experiences and diverse food offering, the 154-year-old Dandenong Market, and the Melbourne Cable Park & Aqua Fun Park, just to name a few attractions. We look forward to working with our local partners to increase visitation to the region.”
A colorful menu
Dandelion Lounge + Eatery is an exciting addition to the Dandenong food scene, with delectable ‘Itali-fusion’ aromas to entice guests and passers-by, including wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta and other slices of Mediterranean cuisine all day, seven days a week.
With award-winning Executive Chef Atish Chaudhuri at the helm, diners can do breakfast their way, whether it’s leisurely sit-down dining or to-go options. Breakfast Pizza, Shakshuka (poached eggs in a simmering spiced tomato sauce with garbanzo beans chickpeas and feta), and Coconut Bircher with strawberry compote are some of the choices on the menu.
For lunch and dinner, popular options include BBQ Beef Short Ribs, Fish & Chips, Linguine Positano and Wagyu Beef Burger are good options. Working lunches are a breeze with the Weekday $19 Lunch Special that includes a small pizza and drink (beer, wine, or soft drink).
And little guests aged 12 and under stay and eat free at Holiday Inn. Dandelion’s bar offers aperitivo and spritz menus, in addition to Italian and local Victorian wines. Plus, the on-site café offers on-the-go snacks and barista-made coffee – a must for any Melbourne venue.
Meeting spaces and ballroom
The hotel has 154 square metres of function spaces include a large meeting room – Dandenong Room – that can cater for up to 120 people or be split into two smaller rooms. The third space is a separate, light-filled boardroom designed for smaller meetings.
Built-in AV facilities with drop-down screens and projectors feature in all meeting and event rooms, plus lecterns and in-room buffets are available to suit different event needs. For more celebratory occasions, the dance floor transforms Dandenong Room into a ballroom.
Community connection
Holiday Inn Dandenong has a focus on engaging with and supporting the local community, according to Schaefer. “Our team has been connecting and working with local business groups over the past months who have been incredibly positive about the hotel’s launch, and we’ve recently formed a partnership with Drum Theatre,” Schaefer further commented.
“We’re also offering local craft beers from BoJak Brewery at Dandelion, and pastries from Noisette bakery – businesses that are both based in Dandenong,” Schaefer further went on.
Also, the hotel has partnered with social enterprise SisterWorks’ Dandenong Empowerment Hub to employ three migrant women. Holiday Inn Dandenong will participate in IHG’s Green Engage™ System and the property will feature 5 EV (electrical vehicle) charging stations.
For bookings and further information, visit the website.
