Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG: Hotel Review
/Located right in the heart of Geelong’s vibrant waterfront precinct, Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG is a stylish and contemporary hotel that makes the perfect base for exploring Victoria’s second-largest city.
Positioned along Geelong’s main strip and just moments from the waterfront, the hotel offers easy access to Corio Bay, popular cafes, shops, and the lively Geelong foreshore. With comfortable modern suites, excellent dining at Maestro Restaurant and MBar, and thoughtful facilities throughout the property, it’s an ideal choice for both travellers and locals looking for a relaxing escape.
For those based in Melbourne, the hotel also makes a fantastic staycation destination, combining coastal views with city convenience just over an hour away.
Location & Getting There
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong enjoys an excellent central location in the heart of the city, placing guests within easy walking distance of many of Geelong’s most popular attractions.
Just a short stroll away is the beautiful Geelong Waterfront, where you can enjoy scenic walks along Corio Bay, visit the iconic Cunningham Pier, or explore the vibrant cafes and restaurants that line the foreshore.
The hotel is also extremely accessible for visitors travelling from Melbourne. Geelong Railway Station is only about a 10-minute walk away, with regular train services connecting to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne in just over an hour. This makes the hotel a very convenient option for a weekend escape or quick coastal getaway.
For guests arriving by car, the hotel offers secure on-site parking within the building, providing an easy and convenient option for drivers.
Our Room: King Suite with Dining and Kitchenette - Bay View'
During our stay we checked into the King Suite with Dining and Kitchenette – Bay View, and it was absolutely fantastic.
The suite was incredibly spacious, with large windows offering beautiful views across the Geelong Waterfront and Corio Bay. It felt more like a modern apartment than a typical hotel room.
One standout feature was the bathroom, which was enormous - honestly, it felt almost the size of a standard hotel room in itself! It added a real sense of luxury to the overall suite.
The kitchenette and dining area were also very useful, especially for longer stays or relaxed evenings in. During my staycation I even used the lounge space as a comfortable workspace, and it proved to be both productive and relaxing.
Facilities
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong offers several facilities that make the stay both comfortable and convenient.
The fitness centre is well equipped and perfect for guests who want to keep up with their workout routine while travelling.
One of the highlights is the indoor swimming pool, which has a sleek, modern design and a calming spa-like atmosphere. It’s a lovely place to unwind after a day exploring the city, and particularly enjoyable on a warm Geelong afternoon.
The hotel also offers a business centre and meeting rooms, making it well suited for both leisure and business travellers.
Dining
Maestro Restaurant
Maestro Restaurant and Bar is the hotel’s signature dining venue, located within the open lobby space on level one. The restaurant focuses on flavour-driven dishes that highlight locally sourced meats and produce from Geelong and the surrounding region, creating a menu that feels both fresh and authentic.
During our stay we were able to sample several dishes, and there were some real standouts. The pork skewers were packed with flavour, the fresh pasta was beautifully prepared, and the crudo was incredibly fresh and vibrant. It’s a welcoming space whether you’re dining solo, enjoying a relaxed meal, or gathering with friends.
MBar
MBar offers a stylish and relaxed lounge setting perfect for unwinding at any time of day. Whether you’re after a quiet drink or a lively evening with friends, the atmosphere strikes a nice balance between casual and sophisticated.
The bar menu pairs perfectly with an impressive drinks selection, including delicious cocktails and refreshing mocktails,along with wines from the nearby Geelong wine region. It’s a great spot to relax after a day exploring the waterfront.
Staff & Service
What truly made our stay special was the incredible hospitality from the team.
Everyone we encountered was genuinely friendly and welcoming, from the front desk staff to the bar and restaurant teams. The level of service felt warm, attentive, and effortless throughout the stay, which made the overall experience even more memorable.
Final Verdict
Our stay at Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG exceeded expectations and proved that Geelong is the perfect destination for a relaxed coastal getaway.
With its central location, spacious and comfortable suites, excellent dining options, and welcoming service, the hotel provides everything you need for a memorable stay.
For Melbourne locals looking for a quick escape, it’s an especially appealing staycation option - just over an hour away yet offering a completely different pace and atmosphere.
We had such a fantastic time here and can’t wait to staycation here again in the future.
👉 To book your stay at Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong by IHG, click here.