Novotel Geelong

Novotel Geelong sits right on the waterfront in the heart of the CBD, and that location does most of the heavy lifting for why people keep coming back. All 109 rooms have a modern coastal feel and come with their own private balcony, with select rooms looking straight out over the bay. Rooms are fitted with free Wi-Fi, a 55-inch TV with Foxtel and Chromecast, and ensuite bathrooms with sustainable amenities — comfortable rather than flashy, which suits both the business traveller in town for a conference and the couple after a weekend by the water.

The hotel backs that comfort up with proper facilities: 15 flexible meeting and event spaces, self and valet parking, a fitness studio, and an indoor heated swimming pool. The fitness centre sits on level two with cardio equipment and a steam room, opening onto an outdoor sun terrace overlooking Steampacket Gardens. On-site dining comes via Tempo Kitchen and Bar, one of Geelong’s newer venues, which leans into local Victorian produce with a seafood and grill-style menu and has already picked up Best Regional Hotel Restaurant in 2025, following the hotel’s own Best Regional Accommodation of the Year win in 2024.

Reviews lean strongly positive on the things that matter most for a waterfront stay — location, balcony views, and a buffet breakfast that comes up repeatedly as a highlight. Staff service gets consistent praise too, with several guests specifically calling out front-desk and housekeeping interactions as a standout. That said, recent feedback has flagged some inconsistency: a handful of reviews mention dietary requirements not being properly catered for, and smaller meal portions than previous visits during group bookings — worth being aware of if either matters to your stay.

One important thing to know before booking: the hotel is currently building an additional tower, expected to be completed by May 2027, with intermittent construction noise between 8am and 4pm on weekdays. Several recent reviewers mention the noise is noticeable but manageable if you’re not trying to sleep in. If a quiet stay is a priority, it’s worth requesting a room away from the construction side when booking.