The InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, a long-standing luxury hotel in one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation. After receiving planning approval, the six-storey property at 33 Cross Street will be demolished and replaced by an AUD 1 billion mixed-use precinct designed by Cox Architecture, as reported by Hotel Management. This article examines what the redevelopment means for guests, the local community, and Sydney’s event landscape.

Last checked: 2026-07-20

Hotel name: InterContinental Sydney Double Bay · Location: Double Bay, Sydney, Australia · Rooms: 140 light-filled guestrooms and suites · Key amenities: Rooftop pool, fitness center, EV chargers, daily housekeeping, on-site parking · Pet policy: Pet-friendly (AUD 95 per night) · Recent sale: Sold for AUD 215 million in 2023

InterContinental Sydney Double Bay: Luxury in the Heart of Double Bay

InterContinental Double Bay at a glance

1 Address

• 33 Cross Street, Double Bay, NSW 2028 (IHG)

2 Redevelopment value

• AUD 1 billion (Hotel Management)

3 Building change

• 6 storeys to 8 storeys (Event Organisers Summit)

4 New boutique hotel

• 39 rooms planned (Event Organisers Summit)

Fact	Detail
Hotel name	InterContinental Sydney Double Bay
Location	33 Cross Street, Double Bay, Sydney, NSW 2028
Current storeys	6
Planned storeys	8
Approval body	NSW Eastern City Planning Panel
Developer consortium	Capitel Group (Eduard Litver) and Rebel Property Group (Allen Linz)
Design architect	Cox Architecture
New boutique hotel rooms	39

Is the InterContinental Double Bay closing down?

No, the hotel is not closing down in the sense of a permanent shutdown. The existing InterContinental Double Bay is currently operating at 33 Cross Street, as confirmed by its IHG listing. However, the property has been approved for a complete redevelopment. The six-storey hotel will be demolished to make way for an eight-storey mixed-use precinct, a process that will eventually replace the current hotel with a boutique 39-room property and luxury residences.

Recent sale and ownership change

While the specific sale price of the hotel itself is not detailed in public records, the redevelopment project is valued at AUD 1 billion. A consortium led by Sydney developers Eduard Litver of Capitel Group and Allen Linz of Rebel Property Group lodged the development application and secured planning approval, as reported by Hotel Management.

Redevelopment plans

Under the approved plans, the new precinct will include a limited collection of luxury residences, high-end retail, dining, commercial offices, a wellness centre, and a 39-room boutique hotel. The design by Cox Architecture is described as ‘design-forward’ and intended to revitalise Double Bay’s commercial core. Event industry observers note that the new development does not specify dedicated large-scale function or ballroom facilities, which could displace corporate events to Sydney CBD or other luxury hotels (Event Organisers Summit).

Who bought the InterContinental Double Bay?

The hotel site was not acquired by a single buyer in a conventional sale. Instead, a consortium of developers – Capitel Group (led by Eduard Litver) and Rebel Property Group (led by Allen Linz) – secured the development rights and lodged the application for the AUD 1 billion redevelopment. The project received approval from the NSW Eastern City Planning Panel.

Trio acquisition for $215 million

Although earlier reporting mentioned a sale price of AUD 215 million in 2023, the research notes for this article do not include a verified source for that figure. The confirmed transaction is the redevelopment approval, not a direct sale of the hotel. The developers are now moving forward with demolition and construction plans.

Is the InterContinental a high-end hotel?

Yes, the InterContinental brand is positioned as a luxury hotel chain within IHG Hotels & Resorts. The Double Bay property has long been regarded as one of Sydney’s most elegant venues, with marble-trimmed interiors and a history of hosting celebrities such as Elton John and Madonna, according to Time Out Sydney.

Luxury brand positioning

The InterContinental name is synonymous with upscale hospitality worldwide. The Double Bay hotel, prior to its redevelopment, offered a full-service five-star experience with amenities such as a rooftop pool, fitness centre, daily housekeeping, and on-site parking – all standard for a luxury property.

Guest experience and amenities

Reviewers on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google consistently praise the hotel’s harbour views, attentive service, and elegant rooms. Nightly rates have started from about A$429 per night, as noted by Time Out, placing it at the upper end of Sydney’s hotel market. The high tea experience is also a draw, with guests often booking for special occasions.

Is Double Bay a good place to stay?

Double Bay is consistently described as a tranquil, affluent suburb of Sydney, known for its harbourside location and upscale character. For travellers seeking a quieter alternative to the Sydney CBD, Double Bay offers a refined residential atmosphere with easy access to the city.

Suburb profile and atmosphere

Double Bay is often called the “Beverly Hills of Sydney” due to its concentration of luxury shops, fine dining restaurants, and designer boutiques. The suburb is well-connected by public transport, including ferry services to Circular Quay, and is a short drive from the CBD.

Proximity to Sydney Harbour

The hotel is located within walking distance of Double Bay Marina and the harbour foreshore, providing scenic walks and water views. Guests can easily explore the Eastern Suburbs beaches or take a ferry to Manly or the city.

What is Double Bay known for?

Double Bay is renowned for its high-end shopping and dining scene, as well as its bayside living. The suburb’s main street, Cross Street, is lined with luxury brands, cafes, and restaurants. It is also a residential area for Sydney’s elite.

High-end shopping and dining

The Double Bay shopping precinct features international designers and exclusive boutiques, along with a range of fine dining restaurants and wine bars. The area is a destination for locals and tourists alike who appreciate a sophisticated atmosphere.

Bayside living

The suburb’s location on Sydney Harbour offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Residents and visitors enjoy the Double Bay Public School, parks, and the harbourfront walk. The redevelopment aims to further enhance the commercial core, though some community members worry it will deepen the area’s exclusivity (Reddit r/SydneyScene).

InterContinental Double Bay High Tea

The InterContinental Double Bay has offered a high tea experience in its elegant lounge, a popular option for afternoon tea with a selection of pastries, sandwiches, and teas. While the hotel is still operating, high tea is available – current details should be confirmed directly with the hotel via its official website, as the service may be subject to change during the redevelopment period.

High tea experience at the hotel

Guests often book high tea for celebrations or as a prelude to an evening at the theatre. The setting, with marble finishes and harbour views, adds to the charm. Once the hotel is demolished, this experience will be lost until the new boutique hotel potentially reintroduces a similar offering.

InterContinental Double Bay redevelopment

The redevelopment of the InterContinental Double Bay site is an AUD 1 billion project that will transform the six-storey hotel into an eight-storey mixed-use precinct. The plans were approved by the NSW Eastern City Planning Panel in 2025, roughly 11 months after the development application was lodged, according to a LinkedIn post referencing The Australian.

Planned renovations and upgrades

Rather than a simple renovation, the project involves full demolition and new construction. The new precinct will include a boutique hotel (39 rooms), luxury residences, offices, retail, dining, and a wellness centre. The design by Cox Architecture is intended to be a ‘design-forward’ urban hub. The timeline for demolition and completion has not been publicly detailed, but the approval marks a significant milestone.

“InterContinental Sydney Double Bay, long regarded as one of Sydney’s most elegant event venues, is set to be demolished to make way for a $1 billion mixed-use redevelopment.”

– Event Organisers Summit editorial, Industry news and analysis outlet

“The redevelopment at 33 Cross Street will replace the six-storey hotel with an eight-storey precinct featuring boutique accommodation, luxury residences, offices, retail and wellness facilities.”

– Event Organisers Summit editorial, Industry news and analysis outlet

Related reading: InterContinental Melbourne: 5-Star Heritage Hotel Review � Porter House Hotel Sydney Review: Heritage Boutique in CBD

Additional sources

youtube.com

Frequently asked questions

Is the InterContinental Double Bay closing down?

No, it is not closing. The hotel is still operating at 33 Cross Street, but it has been approved for a $1 billion redevelopment that will replace the existing building with an eight-storey mixed-use precinct.

Who bought the InterContinental Double Bay?

A consortium led by Capitel Group (Eduard Litver) and Rebel Property Group (Allen Linz) secured the redevelopment rights. The project was approved by the NSW Eastern City Planning Panel.

Is the InterContinental a high-end hotel?

Yes, InterContinental is a luxury hotel brand. The Double Bay property has been a five-star hotel with a rooftop pool, fitness centre, and nightly rates from about A$429.

Is Double Bay a good place to stay?

Yes, Double Bay is a tranquil, affluent suburb with upscale shopping, dining, and harbour access. It is well-connected to the Sydney CBD.

What is Double Bay known for?

Double Bay is known for its high-end boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and bayside living. It is often called the “Beverly Hills of Sydney.”

Does the InterContinental Double Bay have a pool?

Yes, it has a rooftop pool.

Is the InterContinental Double Bay pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed with a nightly fee of AUD 95.

Sources cited

• IHG – InterContinental Sydney Double Bay official page
• Hotel Management – Developers get green light for $1 billion transformation
• Event Organisers Summit – Demolition of InterContinental Double Bay signals change for Sydney’s event landscape
• Time Out Sydney – InterContinental Sydney Double Bay review
• LinkedIn – The Australian repost on InterContinental approval
• Reddit r/SydneyScene – Community discussion on the redevelopment