Rydges Geelong

Rydges Geelong has 138 rooms spread across a seven-storey Tri-Arc style building, with every room featuring bay or city views, large windows, an LCD TV, and a work desk with internet access. There’s a gym, an outdoor pool, a kids’ pool, and sun loungers for guests who want to make a proper day of it rather than just passing through.

On-site dining comes via Nautica Bar & Kitchen, serving a fresh modern Australian menu in a contemporary setting, covering everything from hearty breakfast buffets to sunset cocktails. For events, the hotel offers an open-plan, pillar-less function room with integrated AV and plenty of natural light — a popular pick locally for conferences and weddings.

Location is genuinely the hotel’s strongest card. It’s within walking distance of the Corio Bay esplanade, the city’s restaurant and bar scene, shopping centres, golf courses, museums, and galleries, and only minutes from Kardinia Park, home of the Geelong Cats — a genuine drawcard for AFL fans visiting on game day. It also works as a launchpad further out, with easy access to the Otway Ranges, Geelong’s wine region, and the Great Ocean Road.

It’s worth being upfront about a couple of things before booking. The hotel’s once-loved outdoor spa is no longer in service, and feedback on the property’s overall condition is mixed — some guests describe spacious, comfortable rooms with excellent service, while others have noted the hotel is showing its age, citing things like limited drawer space and a shortage of power points. Parking on-site is limited and comes at a cost, with a self-parking fee around $27 per night. Staff service, on the other hand, comes up overwhelmingly positive across reviews — multiple guests specifically praise front desk, restaurant, and bar staff for genuinely attentive service. AtlyAtly