Latest news with #IHGHotelsandResorts
The Advertiser
29-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Rugby star Michael Hooper plays chauffeur for a lucky superfan
These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts. After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels. Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur. Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way. But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception. From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember. Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper. "It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper. "To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye." Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget." Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour. Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more. To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes. The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders. This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar. Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour. "As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific. "We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead." Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts. After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels. Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur. Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way. But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception. From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember. Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper. "It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper. "To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye." Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget." Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour. Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more. To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes. The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders. This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar. Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour. "As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific. "We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead." Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts. After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels. Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur. Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way. But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception. From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember. Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper. "It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper. "To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye." Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget." Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour. Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more. To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes. The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders. This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar. Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour. "As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific. "We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead." Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at These brands are hand-picked to make your shopping experience easier. ACM may be provided with compensation from affiliate partners if you click through. In an army of sponsor jerseys, fans in their thousands have been descending on Australia to follow the action of the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour 2025 - and they're being greeted with an extra special welcome surprise from rugby legends thanks to official Hotel Partner, IHG Hotels and Resorts. After a long-haul flight, superfan Lawrence Hanlen from Gibraltar expected to step outside the airport to a standard airport transfer to InterContinental Sydney, one of IHGHotels and Resorts' luxury hotels. Instead, he was greeted by a private transfer and an even bigger surprise inside: Wallabies legend and former Captain Michael Hooper, ready to play chauffeur. Hooper shared locker room stories, unforgettable Lions and Wallabies moments and offered up a few local Sydney tips along the way. But the surprises didn't stop there. Upon arrival at InterContinental Sydney, current British & Irish Lions player, Andrew Porter loaded Hanlen's bags onto a luggage trolley and scrummed them into reception. From there, Tommy Freeman was behind the reception desk giving all the details on what to expect during Hanlen's stay, transforming his check-in experience into a personalised welcome to remember. Finally, Finn Russell presented Hanlen with a special surprise: a tour ball, custom bathrobe, and an exclusive Lions Tour jersey signed by the players, delivered to his room by Michael Hooper. "It was such a great experience working with IHG to pull off this experience for Lawrence," said Michael Hooper. "To be part of a moment like that, where a fan arrives and we get to chat about rugby, our love for the game, where rugby takes you, and the excitement for the tour - there's nothing like it. The friendly banter and rugby stories started from the minute I opened the door, till the moment I said goodbye." Lions superfan, Lawrence Hanlen said: "This was a dream come true. I've followed rugby my whole life for over 45 years as a player and referee across many countries, but nothing prepared me for being welcomed to Australia by sporting heroes at this level. You travel all this way to see your teamplay, and something like this happens, it just makes the whole experience next level. IHG Hotels and Resorts created a moment I'll never forget." Moments like these are one of the many ways IHG Hotels and Resorts has been engaging with fans, guests and visitors to enhance their experience of the tour. Over the past few months, IHG has been dropping exclusive perks and access for IHG OneRewards members within Australia and across the globe, including Platinum tickets complete with a Captain's Run experience, the ultimate Lions Tour prize with flights and accommodation, signed merchandise and more. To date, IHG One Rewards members have redeemed over eight million points on experiences, including Platinum tickets to the Sydney Test match that sold out in two minutes. The momentum of putting fans in the heart of the action will continue throughout the tour, with pop-up experiences inside the Lions Den and Wallabies Paddocks at the stadium precincts during the Sydney and Melbourne Test Matches for Platinum ticket holders. This includes free branded merchandise, buggy transfers to the stadium and IHG's signature hospitality with the IHG Bar. Fanzones and activations will also pop up inside IHG hotels, including InterContinental Sydney, InterContinental Melbourne, the Rialto and Crowne Plaza Melbourne throughout the duration of the Tour. "As the Official Hotel Partner of the Tour, IHG Hotels and Resorts wanted to celebrate this momentous sporting event by creating unforgettable moments for fans, guests and loyalty members alike," said Matt Tripolone, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts, Australasia and Pacific. "We're passionate about collaborating with our partners to deliver extraordinary experiences for our guests, and the British and Irish Lions and Rugby Australia have set an incredible standard that promises even greater things ahead." Fans can relive the excitement on IHG Hotels and Resorts' Instagram and discover more of what's on offer during the tour at
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
11 times Kristen Stewart and her WIFE Dylan Meyer were the cutest
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images Kristen Stewart (R) and fiancee Dylan Meyer attend the 94th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on March 27, 2022. Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer have officially tied the knot! The two reportedly got married at their home in Los Angeles on Sunday, April 20. They've been engaged since 2021 — roughly two years after they went public with their relationship. "We might just go do it this weekend, I don't know, and then, like, just hang out with everyone afterwards," Stewart joked with Stephen Colbert back in 2022. "I just want to do it, you know? I'm not a good planner." It certainly took a little longer than that for everything to come together, but the deed is done and we couldn't be happier for them! So to help celebrate, let's take a stroll through some of the cutest moments the notoriously private couple have shared in the public eye. See on Instagram Stewart and Meyer had already been spotted hanging out a few months earlier, but they confirmed the dating rumors with this cute pic posted to Instagram in October 2019. See on Instagram Meyers' posts featuring Stewart used to be excruciatingly rare, but we could always count on a great birthday post, starting with this first one from April 2020. See on Instagram Every queer couple does it eventually. BG010/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer are seen on November 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Yes, paparazzi pics are intrusive. But yes, seeing couples just casually out running errands together is adorable. We'll allow it this time! See on Instagram The couple that plays dead together on Valentine's Day stays together, or something like that. See on Instagram "Time looks good on you, dude," Meyer captioned this 2022 birthday post. We concur. See on Instagram This 2020 post encouraging people to vote undoubtedly also encouraged a lot of people to go get themselves a girl who looks at them like IHG Hotels and Resorts Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer attend The Hollywood Reporter Nominees Night presented by IHG Hotels and Resorts at Spago on March 07, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. ...and like this... Lexie Moreland/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer at the Charles Finch and Chanel Pre-Oscar Dinner held at The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel on March 26th, 2022 in Beverly Hills, California. ...and also like that. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Dylan Meyer and Kristen Stewart attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. Look, they're just cute, okay? See on Instagram Here's to many more years of adorable posts!
