A staged refresh, with the hotel staying open
The InterContinental Brisbane renovation is under way, with works starting this month at the Queen Street Mall hotel and finishing in late 2027. The hotel will stay open to guests throughout the staged refurbishment. The investment is described as multi-million dollar, but no figure has been released.
Guestrooms, suites and meeting and event spaces will be refurbished progressively. The hotel has 319 rooms and will have 324 on completion, all looking down into a reworked atrium designed to bring in more natural light.
Image: InterContinental Brisbane
New places to eat and drink
The InterContinental Brisbane renovation adds an Argentinian grill restaurant and an Italian pasta and wine bar, and reimagines the lobby bar. None of the new venues has been named yet.
Club InterContinental moves to Level 6
Club InterContinental relocates to Level 6, overlooking Queen Street Mall and the Edward Street luxury precinct. Level 6 also gets a new concierge gallery, alongside an upgraded arrival area, lobby and reception. Guests also get a new gym, a spa and wellness offering, and a reimagined pool deck.
Keeping the Seidler building
The building was designed by architect Harry Seidler. Woods Bagot leads the design, with warm neutrals, natural stone, marble, dark timber and mid-century-style furnishings. Principal Tracey Wiles says the InterContinental Brisbane renovation aims to keep faith with the building’s original integrity. General manager Shaun Parsons says the vision is to “reimagine this local icon” while paying homage to the Seidler building.
IFM Investors says it has invested in the building for more than two decades. The hotel is positioning itself for the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
More Brisbane news: Melt Festival 2026 highlights.
Sources: Hotel Management, Travel Weekly and The Hotel Conversation.
