Q: What kind of impact do you hope the new hotel will have now it’s open?
A: We see Crowne Plaza Geelong playing an important role in the city’s continued growth, particularly as the waterfront evolves into a leading destination for visitors and events.
The hotel brings the scale and quality of accommodation needed to support that momentum, while also creating local jobs and opportunities.
Just as importantly, we want it to feel like a place locals are proud of, whether that’s dining, meeting or simply spending time here.
Q: Why did Crowne Plaza pick this site above others?
A: Our parent company IHG have had great success in regional openings and this opportunity on the waterfront is the heart of Geelong.
This site puts us right at the centre of where the city is heading with the added bonus being connected to the Nyaal Banyul Convention and Event Centre which positions the hotel to support major events and conferences as they come online.
It also allows us to offer guests immediate access to the bay, the cultural precinct and everything that makes Geelong such a compelling destination.
Q: What type of guest does your hotel cater for?
A: Crowne Plaza Geelong has been designed to cater to a mix of travellers. We welcome business and conference guests, particularly with the convention centre next door, as well as leisure travellers exploring the Bellarine and Surf Coast.
The brand naturally suits guests who are blending work and leisure, so we’ve created a hotel that works equally well for a midweek stay, a weekend away or a longer visit to the region.
Q: What are some of the stand out facilities that guests can enjoy?
A: Guests have access to a range of facilities that support both productivity and downtime.
There’s an indoor heated pool and a well-equipped gym, along with eight flexible event spaces filled with natural light and views across the waterfront.
Across the hotel, we’ve also focused on design details and artwork that reflect the local landscape, including a significant commissioned series by local artist Kate Robertson, which helps create a strong sense of place from the moment guests arrive.
Q: What kind of dining options does the hotel offer?
A: Food and drink are a big part of the experience here. On the ground floor, Verde on Smythe offers a relaxed café setting for both guests and locals.
Sociali Trattoria & Bar brings a neighbourhood Italian feel with handmade pasta and share-style dining.
The Skyline Bar on level 10 offers panoramic bay views in a wonderful up-market setting, with cocktails, drinks and lighter plates, particularly at sunset……we are incredibly proud to see how well received the Food & Beverage options have been with both guests and locals alike.
Q: What is there for guests to do in the areas around your hotel?
A: There’s a lot within easy reach. The waterfront itself is a major draw, whether it’s walking along the bay or exploring nearby dining and retail.
Guests are also close to cultural experiences like the Geelong Gallery, major sporting events and the wider region, including the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast.
With the convention centre opening nearby, there will also be a growing calendar of events and conferences bringing people into the city.
Q: What sustainability initiatives does the hotel employ?
A: Sustainability has been considered through both design and day-to-day operations.
From energy efficient systems, solar panelling, to thoughtful material choices and a focus on local sourcing across food and beverage, we’re working to reduce our footprint while supporting the local community.
It’s about making practical decisions that have a long-term impact rather than one-off initiatives.
Q: Finally, what sets your hotel apart from others in the location?
A: It comes down to a combination of location, scale and connection to the city.
Being right on the waterfront and next to the convention centre is a unique advantage, but just as important is how the hotel has been designed to reflect Geelong itself, from the artwork through to the dining concepts.
The Crowne Plaza sits within the IHG stable as a Premium brand and our first property in regional Victoria, it also brings an international standard of accommodation to the area, which helps elevate the overall visitor experience.
The opening of the Crowne Plaza Geelong is so much more than just another hotel opening and the responsibility is now upon us all to make this the positive impact and success we’ve all been waiting for.
https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/geelong/gexcr/hoteldetail
