Geelong’s waterfront is about to soar to new heights, with construction now underway on a striking 11-storey hotel tower at Novotel Geelong.

The $75 million project, owned by ERDI Group, will add 134 stylish new 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, cementing its position as the city’s flagship waterfront destination.

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 hotel will also include 1,200 square metres of combined event space across both the existing hotel and new tower.

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.

It comes at a time of rising visitor numbers to the Bellarine and Surf Coast, as Geelong cements its reputation as one of Victoria’s fastest-growing leisure and business destinations.

Since ERDI opened the hotel in 2001, Novotel Geelong has consistently been the top-performing hotel in the local market. Over the years, it 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.

ERDI Group Chief Executive Officer, Ricky Jeffs, said: “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. 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: “Novotel Geelong has always been a place people love to stay, and this new tower will take the hotel 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.”

Ireland Brown Constructions Construction & Delivery Director, Tom McKay, said: “We are proud to be partnering with ERDI Group and Accor on such a transformative project for Geelong. Beyond creating an iconic new hotel for the waterfront, this development will generate substantial employment during construction and long-term jobs for the community once open in 2027.”

The commencement of construction represents the first major announcement of the Novotel Geelong expansion, which is set to become a defining feature of the city’s skyline and a cornerstone of its tourism infrastructure.

To download a selection of artist impressions, click HERE

###

ABOUT ACCOR

Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,700 hotels & resorts, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL Accor, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay, gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

About ERDI

Founded by the late Eva and Les Erdi in the 1980s, ERDI is a leading Australian hospitality group with a portfolio of award-winning hotels and businesses that blend contemporary design, warm service, and innovative experiences. With a strong presence in Victoria, ERDI owns and operates renowned properties including Pullman Melbourne City Centre, Mercure Welcome Melbourne, Novotel Geelong, and Saint Kilda Beach Hotel, each recognised for their distinctive style and commitment to guest excellence. Driven by its values of passion, people, integrity, teamwork, innovation and excellence, ERDI delivers more than exceptional stays - it creates environments where guests, staff and communities feel connected and inspired. The group’s initiatives extend beyond hospitality through the ERDI Foundation, supporting charitable causes, and the ERDI Academy, which nurtures talent and future leaders within the industry.