Quest Geelong Central checks in first guests

THE latest addition to Geelong’s growing accommodation sector is open for business, with Quest Geelong Central checking in its first guests on Monday this week.

The apartment hotel at Pivot House at 71-77 Gheringhap Street has 87 self-contained apartments with fully equipped kitchens.

Configurations include modern studios, and one-, two- and three- bedroom apartments, some with balconies and Corio Bay views, as well as accessible and pet-friendly rooms.

Part of the $70 million mixed-use 12-storey development built by Pellicano, Quest Geelong Central offers guests serviced apartments with access to amenities including a rooftop gym and patio, business lounge, 40-person conference room, barbecue areas and onsite parking.

Deputy Prime Minister and Corio federal member Richard Marles visited on Tuesday this week to open the hotel.

 

Speaking at the rooftop gym and patio, Mr Marles said he was very impressed.

“I think it’s amazing. As somebody who’s lived all my life here, and as we’re seeing new buildings come up – which we can clearly see here now – you get different perspectives of the town you’ve known.

“This is a good of a view as I’ve seen; it really is.

“Geelong needs more accommodation of this type. A lot of people want to come and see Geelong, a lot of people want to come and visit, and in a sense, what I’ve just been describing, the beauty of Geelong, is now being discovered by Australians not just in Victoria but across the country.

“That means we need places where people can stay, so I think the opening of Quest Geelong Central is a great contribution to the cityscape.”

The hotel is owned by hospitality industry veterans Greg O’Shea and Linda Murray as well as existing Quest franchisees Mark and Ky O’Shea, and Daniel and Jennifer Wilson.

“Growing up in Camperdown, Geelong was always my weekend getaway,” Mr O’Shea said.

 

“I love the people, the culture and the sense of community here.

“I’m proud to be opening Quest Geelong Central after 35 years in hospitality, particularly as Quest celebrates 35 years of franchising.

“I’m a proud Rotarian and my community values drew me to Quest. I want my guests to feel like they’ve checked into a small town.

“Local businesses are so supportive and we’re working together to add value for guests so they can live as local as they like it here in Geelong.

“It’s a city of opportunity at the moment, there’s so much investment and a real buzz around town.”

Quest Geelong Central is Ascott Australia’s second Geelong property, following Quest Geelong in The Esplanade.

Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine acting executive director Brendan Sanders said the new apartment hotel would further diversify room stock in the region.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming this internationally branded hotel to Geelong’s accommodation mix, strengthening our region’s vision in becoming a regional hub for domestic and international travel.”