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Geelong is an excellent place for a weekend away from Melbourne or to head somewhere slightly bigger if you live in another regional area. This guide is a basic overview of some of the Geelong hotels and other accommodation options available for a fun weekend in Geelong.
Where to stay in Geelong
If your coming for a weekend away in Geelong just for fun its likely that staying in Geelong CBD close to the foreshore is the best choice.
The waterfront is where many of the restaurants in the CBD are located and you can book a room with a great view. It is still walking distance for most people to get to Little Malop street where the wine, brewery and cocktail bars are located.
If you are particularly interested in boutique shopping then you may enjoy staying close to Packington street which also has excellent restaurants. However you can always drive/catch an uber over and then you can still enjoy evenings on the foreshore.
However if you are visiting for a family or friends event or for work there are other options that may suit better in suburburan Geelong.
Waterfront
The waterfront in Geelong is a vibrant busy precinct in the warmer months with full restaurants and bbq areas and people enjoying the warm evenings on foreshore walks with an icecream.
In winter the restaurants fill up inside and many restaurants warm outdoor areas with big gas heaters so you can comfortably enjoy sitting outdoors with foreshore views.
Popular Hotels near the Waterfront
The Novotel
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The Novotel Geelong (booking.com link) is a very popular choice for people staying in Geelong as it is right on the waterfront and has the option of rooms with waterfront views. Its also a great option if your looking for Geelong Accommodation with a pool has it has an indoor heated pool that you can swim in year round.
It has a 2022 Travellers Choice Award from Trip Advisor and you always have a pretty good idea of you will get a comfortable experience at a Novotel branded property.
If you are an accor plus member you can use can also use your free night (when available) and get 50% off dining.
Quest Geelong – Apartments
Quest Geelong has studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments which are also a popular choice, particularly for families and groups that need a bit more space or those visiting for a longer stay like a work trip.
R Hotel Geelong
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A brand new addition to Geelong the R Hotel Geelong is a new building above a refurbished historical hotel building. It has great reviews and its a very short walk from the Geelong Waterfront, home to eastern beach and the popular outdoor pool and esplanade.
There is also a new IHG hotel being currently built in Geelong which will be a good addition and at this stage is apparently earmarked to open late 2022ish.
Belmont
There are 2 holiday parks and several good value hotels in Belmont which are popular place to stay for holidays as well as people visiting family and friends or on work trips to Geelong. Some are walking distance to Kardinia Park for the football and fast food and restaurants in Belmont .
They are usually better value in price than staying in the CBD (which you can walk to if you don’t mind a longer walk or its only a short bus or uber ride).
Some are also close to the Barwon River walk (a large loop track around the river) for those who like to walk or have their bike with them.
Discovery Parks Geelong
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Well rated and very popular, Discovery Parks Geelong has lots of accommodation options to choose from and is just across the road from the reserve with the Barwon River, playgrounds and bike paths.
Reviews show guests love that It has an indoor heated pool which means you can still have a swim in the colder months!
Pakington Street
Accommodation on Pakington street area is primarily private rentals. If you are visiting friends and family or have a party to go to (some places have function rooms or do events) in the area you may prefer to stay in this spot. However distance wise, its only a short uber to the CBD where there are a lot more accommodation options.
Norlane
This is not a major tourist area of Geelong and is primarily a popular place for good value accommodation for tradies and others visiting for work in the industrial parks as well as people going to events in the North like at Beckley Park.