Crowne Plaza Geelong officially opens

Crowne Plaza Geelong has officially opened today, bringing a relaxed and stylish new hotel experience to one of Victoria’s most exciting coastal cities.

Set directly on the waterfront and just steps from the soon-to-open Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, the new-build $120 million hotel signals a new wave of energy for the region as tourism, events and culture continue to evolve along the bay.

The opening comes at a moment of strong momentum for Geelong, with the hotel welcoming a packed house in its first days, accommodating leisure guests for the long weekend and visitors travelling to the region for major summer sporting events.

Read the latest edition of AccomNews HERE

General Manager John Dickson said the opening marked a proud milestone for both the hotel and the city.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be opening the doors to Crowne Plaza Geelong today. To launch at a time when the city is buzzing with major events and welcoming visitors from near and far is incredibly exciting,” Mr Dickson said.

“The Crowne Plaza brand is centred around bringing people together, whether they are travelling for sport, business or leisure, or meeting locally to dine and connect. From day one, our focus has been on creating a hotel that feels connected to Geelong, its waterfront and its community. Seeing the hotel come to life with a full house during opening week is exactly what we hoped for.”

The hotel features 200 rooms and suites designed with refined comfort in mind, offering either city outlooks or calming views across the bay. Warm textures, coastal tones and contemporary details create a welcoming sense of arrival, complemented by a significant commissioned artwork by local artist Kate Robertson. Created specifically for the hotel, the commission comprises nine original photographic works inspired by native flora planted within the hotel and conference centre gardens, reproduced as more than 450 framed pieces installed throughout guest rooms and corridors.

More AccomNews: $150m Crowne Plaza Maroochydore gets green light

Food and drink sit at the heart of the guest experience. A relaxed ground-floor café, Verde on Smythe, brewing Piazza Dora coffee, serves both hotel guests and locals. On the first floor, Sociali Trattoria & Bar offers an inviting neighbourhood ambience with handmade pasta and pizza, generous antipasti and Italian favourites designed for sharing. On level ten, The Skyline Bar is set to become a go-to for sunset cocktails and late-night snacks, pairing panoramic bay views with seasonal small plates, local wines, craft beers and small-batch regional gins.

Guests can maintain their routines with a well-equipped gym and an indoor heated pool, ideal for year-round use. For meetings, celebrations and events, the hotel offers eight flexible event spaces filled with natural light, contemporary design and waterfront views, suitable for everything from weddings and conferences to executive retreats.

Plenary Group CEO Paul Crowe said the project reflected strong collaboration across partners.

“Projects like this come to life through strong collaboration, and we’ve been proud to work alongside IHG, the City of Greater Geelong and local stakeholders to deliver a hotel that complements the city’s vision for its waterfront,” Mr Crowe said.

“Crowne Plaza Geelong will play a key role in supporting the region’s growing visitor economy, providing the quality accommodation needed to attract and host national and international audiences.”

Opening in time for the summer season, the hotel also marks Crowne Plaza’s debut in regional Victoria, arriving as Geelong continues to cement itself as one of Australia’s most compelling coastal destinations. The property forms part of a broader transformation of the waterfront, with new dining, retail and mixed-use precincts set to add further character to the city in the years ahead—establishing a new address where connections begin for visitors, locals and the wider region.