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Looking for an excuse to book a trip out of the city? Geelong’s newest hotel is reporting for duty – serving up handmade pasta, sky-high cocktails and top-tier views of Port Phillip. Last week, the doors swung open at Crowne Plaza Geelong, a $120 million waterfront newcomer sitting right on the edge of Corio Bay. The hotel has opened just as autumn weekenders and AFL fans pour into the region – giving holidaymakers and Cats devotees a shiny new base by the water.
According to the team, there’s a thoughtful sense of place woven throughout the 200-room hotel, with rooms opening up onto far-reaching city outlooks or calming bay views, and specially commissioned artwork by local creative Kate Robertson lining the walls.
Food and drink, naturally, are central to the experience. On the ground floor, Verde on Smythe is pouring Piazza Dora coffee for both guests and locals, and upstairs, Sociali Trattoria and Bar brings a warm, neighbourhood energy with handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and generous antipasti plates designed to be shared. But it’s level ten that’s likely to steal the spotlight. The Skyline Bar pairs panoramic bay views with seasonal small plates, local wines, craft beers and small-batch regional gins – custom built for sunset Spritzes.
A well-equipped gym and indoor heated pool will keep you moving, and eight light-filled event spaces cater to everything from waterfront weddings to big team getaways and conferences by the bay.
Notably, this marks Crowne Plaza’s first foray into regional Victoria – and it lands at a time when Geelong is seriously cementing its status as one of Australia’s favourite coastal destinations.
You can learn more and book a stay over here.
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