IHG Hotels & Resorts and Franzé Developments have today opened Geelong’s first major newbuild hotel in around 20 years – Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong. It marks a significant milestone for Victoria’s biggest regional city with the new addition of one of the most recognised and trusted hotel brands in the world.
As the anchor tenant of Franzé Developments’ expansive $200 million mixed-use development, Geelong Quarter, the property is the largest hotel in the Geelong and Bellarine region, featuring 180 stylish rooms (including 23 suites), Holiday Inn’s signature Open Lobby, all-day dining, meeting and event spaces, plus a heated indoor pool and gym.
The hotel’s fresh design offers a warm and inviting ambiance to ensure a truly memorable experience for all guests. And, with an enviable address at 40 Ryrie Street in the heart of Geelong, it seamlessly blends leisure and business offerings.
Paul Franze, Founder & Director of Franzé Developments, said, “Geelong Quarter is a testament to our unwavering commitment to urban rejuvenation and community-centric design. We are extremely proud to bring this venture to fruition and the positive impact it will have on Geelong and its residents as the city continues to experience rapid growth in population and visitation. There’s nothing like this in Geelong, and the completion of this project will propel and drive the city forward. Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong is a testament to our dedication at Franzé in creating vibrant, sustainable, and connected communities.”
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong is home to a range of food and beverage options, including a café and bar seamlessly integrated into the hotel’s ‘next-generation’ Open Lobby, together with the hotel’s restaurant, Adrian Richardson’s Maestro, located on Level One. The Open Lobby design combines guest spaces such as the reception area, restaurant, lounge, and business centre into one open, collaborative living space giving guests the most flexibility, whether they’re looking to eat, relax, work, or have fun, in the one location.
Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts Australasia & Pacific, said, “We are thrilled to introduce Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong to the city’s hospitality landscape continuing the strong momentum of the Holiday Inn brand in Australasia. The opening is testament to our strong partnership with Franzé Developments who have brought the Holiday Inn vision to life with our Open Lobby concept to functional, design-led rooms and culinary offerings. This stand-out addition to our portfolio is an exceptional example of the brand’s next-generation design offering an authentic travel experience for visitors to Geelong.”
A booming visitor region
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong General Manager, Daniel Payne, said the property will be a hub for guests and locals alike, catering for ‘cultural explorers’ and families, as well as corporate travellers and business event delegates.
“As the newest and largest hotel in Geelong, our presence underscores the city’s commitment to growth and progress, attracting a new generation of guests with the introduction of the world’s largest brand family, and bringing 68 jobs to boost the local economy,” Mr Payne said.
“With the recent opening of the new Geelong Arts Centre, and the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the horizon, we’re excited to contribute to the city’s evolution in becoming a thriving destination for business, culture, and leisure.”
Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s central business district (in Victoria, Australia), the hotel is perfectly positioned as a gateway to explore the Bellarine Peninsula and Great Ocean Road. Its strategic location ensures easy access to local landmarks, including GMHBA Stadium, the revitalised Little Malop Street precinct, and the city’s spectacular waterfront.
A refreshing place to stay
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong offers a variety of room configurations, including interconnecting rooms, catering to various traveller preferences. Rooms range from Single Standard to King Suites, with many featuring stunning views of the Geelong waterfront (Corio Bay) and balconies to enjoy the beautiful city. The hotel provides an additional ‘Suite’ room type to better cater for the needs of families, extended guest stays, or for those wanting elevated comfort and flexibility.
Facilities in a Suite guest room (depending on type) include a kitchenette and separate living area for a ‘home-away-from-home’ experience. All guestrooms feature LCD flat-screen TVs and premium shower amenities. Recognising the significance of a peaceful night’s sleep, guests can choose from a selection of pillows, including hypo-allergenic, foam, synthetic and feather. The heated indoor swimming pool, along with the well-equipped gym, invite guests to rejuvenate and unwind.
For those seeking connectivity and productivity, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and a dedicated e-bar conveniently provides a space to plug in and stay connected with the day’s news or work. The hotel also features flexible guest areas to accommodate a wide range of social events, conferences, and delegations for up to 110 people.
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong has prioritised sustainability without compromising on comfort. The hotel integrates rainwater harvesting irrigation to cater to water needs throughout the property, and guest bathrooms feature energy-efficient shower heads. Other noteworthy features include fresh air tempered throughout the building, supported by individual split-system air conditioning, and motion-sensor-controlled LED lighting.
The property is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. For accessibility considerations, Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong features elevator access to all floors, visual and audible alarms and alerts, and Braille signage in lifts and public areas to accommodate guests with varying needs.
Maestro adds to Geelong’s sought-after dining scene
Award-winning Australian chef Adrian Richardson leads Maestro at Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong. The venue’s distinct name pays homage to Chef Richardson, recognised as a ‘maestro’ of gastronomy. The restaurant is a celebration of quality local ingredients and expertly curated dishes.
Chef Richardson has crafted the menu alongside Executive Chef Migo Razon with dishes showcasing the region’s best produce, such as duck sourced from the verdant Moorabool Valley, freshly baked bread from La Madre bakery, and Dama Dama for exquisite venison. Impeccable, homemade pasta will be another Maestro drawcard.
In addition to the restaurant, a range of food and beverage choices are on offer, including timeless favourites at the bar and on-the-go options from the café – all located in the Open Lobby – and 24/7 room service for added convenience and comfort. Additionally, Kids Stay & Eat Free (aged 12 and under, select menu).
