Where Five-Star Comfort Meets One-of-a-Kind Moments: This Is the Real MVP of the British & Irish Lions Tour

With the final Test match between the Wallabies and British & Irish Lions lighting up Sydney this weekend, IHG Hotels & Resorts are turning the spotlight from the pitch to the penthouse. As the Official Hotel Partner of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025, IHG has elevated the fan experience with once-in-a-lifetime surprises, luxury stays across its iconic hotel portfolio, and exclusive rewards for IHG One Rewards members. From private transfers with rugby royalty to personalised hotel check-ins and bespoke memorabilia, this is how you do game day the five-star way.

Because sure, the plush bedding, award-winning dining, and postcard-perfect setting make picking a hotel an easy choice, but what truly sets IHG hotels apart is their ability to go above and beyond — transforming a luxurious getaway into something deeply personal and entirely unforgettable.

The Experience of a Lifetime

Just ask Lawrence Hanlen, a rugby superfan who recently touched down in Sydney from Gibraltar. What he expected to be a standard hotel check-in quickly became the experience of a lifetime. Greeted at the airport by none other than Wallabies legend Michael Hooper, Hanlen was chauffeured through the city, trading stories and locker-room banter en route to his stay.

And it didn’t stop there. On arrival, Hanlen was welcomed by current British & Irish Lions players who personally handled his check-in — gifting him signed memorabilia, a custom Lions jersey, and a few unforgettable tales to boot, all set against the glittering backdrop of Sydney’s skyline.

“It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull this off,” said Hooper. “To be part of a moment like that — chatting about rugby, our love for the game, the excitement of the tour — there’s nothing like it. The banter started the minute I opened the door, and it didn’t stop until I said goodbye.”

More IHG Exclusive Moments

This is what IHG Hotels & Resorts does best — creating moments that linger long after checkout. And it’s not just reserved for VIPs. Throughout the tour, IHG One Rewards members have been treated to everything from platinum match-day tickets and behind-the-scenes access to branded stadium transfers and immersive fan zones that dial up the atmosphere.

“As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, we wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event in true IHG fashion — by crafting unforgettable memories for fans, guests and loyalty members alike,” says Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia & Pacific. “We’re passionate about going beyond the expected, and this partnership with the British & Irish Lions and Rugby Australia has set a thrilling precedent for what’s possible.”

Sitchu Tip: Whether you’re chasing the game-day buzz or seeking an elevated Sydney escape, InterContinental Sydney goes above and beyond — with world-class views from their striking rooftop bar, Aster, next-level hospitality, and just the right amount of magic. If you ask us? It’s a try.

Want in on the magic? Become an IHG Hotels & Resorts Member and access extraordinary moments.

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Writer

Olivia Storrie

29 July 2025

Armed with an Arts Degree in History and Psychology from the University of Sydney, a natural curiosity and a ravenous appetite, Olivia is your go-to for restaurant recommendations across the city. She also has a keen interest in hiking, patting other people’s dogs, travelling, curating her maximalist home and reading every book she can get her hands on.