Novotel Geelong breaks ground on new 11-storey hotel tower

CONSTRUCTION has officially started on a new 11-storey hotel tower at Novotel Geelong.

The $75 million project for hotel owners ERDI Group will add an extra 134 guestrooms, including 15 apartment-style suites, taking Novotel Geelong’s total offering to 243 rooms.

Once complete, the hotel will become Geelong’s largest hotel.

Located immediately south of the existing hotel, the new tower will feature a state-of-the-art wellness centre and a 125-seat brasserie-style restaurant, designed to complement the hotel’s award-winning Tempo Kitchen & Bar, with both indoor and outdoor dining and sweeping 360-degree panoramic views 36 metres above the bay.

The development also includes 1,200sqm of combined event space across both the existing hotel and new tower, adding to Geelong’s capacity to attract and host conferences, exhibitions and large-scale events.

The project is being delivered by Melbourne-based Ireland Brown Constructions and designed by PACT Architects, with a brief to create a contemporary, future-focused addition to the Geelong skyline.

Over the years, Novotel Geelong has received multiple industry accolades, including Regional Accommodation of the Year at the 2024 Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence, while its signature restaurant, Tempo Kitchen & Bar, recently won Regional Hotel Restaurant of the Year at the 2025 Victorian Accommodation Awards for Excellence.

The hotel further strengthened its appeal with a major refurbishment in 2018.

“Geelong is undergoing an incredible transformation, and we see an exciting future ahead for the city as both a visitor destination and a business hub,” ERDI Group chief executive officer Ricky Jeffs said.

“By creating Geelong’s largest and most impressive hotel, we’re not only elevating the Novotel Geelong experience but also making a long-term commitment to supporting the city’s growth and its thriving tourism economy.

“This expansion is about future-proofing the hotel, ensuring we can meet the needs of business and leisure travellers for decades to come.”

Accor Pacific chief operating officer Adrian Williams said the new tower would take Novotel Geelong to the next level.

“It will put Geelong firmly on the map as one of Australia’s best destinations for conferences, events and tourism.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be part of this landmark project with our long-term partner ERDI, whose vision and investment continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Geelong’s tourism and hospitality scene.

“This project is a true reflection of the incredible energy and growth the city is experiencing.”