Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong opens

GEELONG’S first major new-build hotel in about 20 years, Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong, is now open.

As the anchor tenant of Franzé Developments’ $200 million Geelong Quarter mixed-use development, the property is the largest hotel in the Geelong and Bellarine region.

It features 180 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.

Located at 40 Ryrie Street in the heart of Geelong and officially open as of today (Friday, September 8), it seamlessly blends leisure and business offerings.

“Geelong Quarter is a testament to our unwavering commitment to urban rejuvenation and community-centric design,” Franzé Developments founder and director Paul Franze said.

” 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.

“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,” , IHG Hotels & Resorts Australasia and Pacific managing director Matt Tripolone said.

“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.”

Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong general manager Daniel Payne said the property would 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.

“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.”

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 hotel 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.