Novotel Geelong
➔
➔
Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Info
Summary of reviewsNovotel Geelong is lauded for its exceptional location on the waterfront, offering guests easy access to the beach, shops, cafes and restaurants. The hotel provides stunning views of the bay and pier, contributing to its picturesque and relaxing setting. The convenience of being centrally positioned in Geelong enhances the experience for both leisure and business travelers.
The hotel's service is highly praised with frequent commendations for the friendly, helpful staff and thoughtful touches like well-stocked amenities. Clean and comfortable rooms are a highlight, often featuring lovely views of the water that add to the overall appeal. The spacious and modern design, along with comfortable beds, ensures a pleasant stay. However, there are occasional notes on minor maintenance issues and noise concerns.
Breakfast at Novotel Geelong receives mixed reactions, though many find the buffet delicious and varied. Service at breakfast is often celebrated for its friendliness, despite occasional delays and chaotic conditions. Pricing for breakfast can be a sticking point with some finding it overpriced, especially considering the fixed cost and limited options for specific dietary needs.
Dining at the hotel is appreciated for its quality and convenience with many enjoying meals in the restaurant and via room service. However, some guests find the prices high and menu variety limited and there are occasional issues with slow service and poorly prepared dishes.
Cleanliness is generally commendable with many guests noting the neat and spotless condition of the hotel. Some areas, such as the carpets in hallways and stairwells, could benefit from more thorough cleaning.
The staff are a significant asset to the hotel, often described as friendly, helpful and professional. Specific individuals are highlighted for their exceptional service, making the guest experience even more enjoyable.
While the free wifi is a valued amenity, experiences with its reliability vary with some guests encountering connectivity issues.
The gym and pool facilities are adequate, though both have room for improvement. The gym is functional but limited in equipment and the pool, while generally appreciated for its warm temperature and kid-friendly environment, has mixed reviews on maintenance and size.
Parking at Novotel Geelong is convenient with valet service, though its cost is a frequent point of concern. Some guests find the valet parking expensive and have noted limited parking availability.
Families find the hotel accommodating with facilities and activities catering to kids, although the children's play area could use some enhancement.
Lastly, the hotel's location near bustling nightlife is a significant draw, offering easy access to bars, pubs and clubs while maintaining a balance of excitement and tranquility.
Categories
The hotel's service is highly praised with frequent commendations for the friendly, helpful staff and thoughtful touches like well-stocked amenities. Clean and comfortable rooms are a highlight, often featuring lovely views of the water that add to the overall appeal. The spacious and modern design, along with comfortable beds, ensures a pleasant stay. However, there are occasional notes on minor maintenance issues and noise concerns.
Breakfast at Novotel Geelong receives mixed reactions, though many find the buffet delicious and varied. Service at breakfast is often celebrated for its friendliness, despite occasional delays and chaotic conditions. Pricing for breakfast can be a sticking point with some finding it overpriced, especially considering the fixed cost and limited options for specific dietary needs.
Dining at the hotel is appreciated for its quality and convenience with many enjoying meals in the restaurant and via room service. However, some guests find the prices high and menu variety limited and there are occasional issues with slow service and poorly prepared dishes.
Cleanliness is generally commendable with many guests noting the neat and spotless condition of the hotel. Some areas, such as the carpets in hallways and stairwells, could benefit from more thorough cleaning.
The staff are a significant asset to the hotel, often described as friendly, helpful and professional. Specific individuals are highlighted for their exceptional service, making the guest experience even more enjoyable.
While the free wifi is a valued amenity, experiences with its reliability vary with some guests encountering connectivity issues.
The gym and pool facilities are adequate, though both have room for improvement. The gym is functional but limited in equipment and the pool, while generally appreciated for its warm temperature and kid-friendly environment, has mixed reviews on maintenance and size.
Parking at Novotel Geelong is convenient with valet service, though its cost is a frequent point of concern. Some guests find the valet parking expensive and have noted limited parking availability.
Families find the hotel accommodating with facilities and activities catering to kids, although the children's play area could use some enhancement.
Lastly, the hotel's location near bustling nightlife is a significant draw, offering easy access to bars, pubs and clubs while maintaining a balance of excitement and tranquility.
Hotel with Parking
Novotel Geelong offers parking facilities. Its waterfront location and proximity to Eastern Beach make it a convenient choice for travelers. The availability of parking adds to its appeal.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel offers 5 accessible rooms, including 3 with queen beds and 2 with twin beds. These rooms feature bathrooms and furniture designed for ease of movement. The hotel provides step-free access to all public areas, including the restaurant, and accessible public toilets. They also welcome assistance animals and offer hearing loops for meetings and conferences.
4-Star Hotel
Novotel Geelong offers comfortable rooms with modern bathrooms and is located on the waterfront. It features amenities such as a bar, restaurant, and fitness center.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Hotel for Yoga
Hotel with Indoor Pool
Hotel with Heated Pool
Guest Reviews
Novotel Geelong enjoys an exceptional location, frequently praised for its proximity to various amenities and attractions. Nestled right on the waterfront, the hotel is within easy walking distance to the beach, shops, cafes and restaurants, making it incredibly convenient for travelers. The central position in Geelong ensures easy access to the city center and Eastern Beach, offering stunning views of the bay and pier.
This prime location is repeatedly described as perfect, superb and amazing with guests appreciating the hotel's closeness to both the beach and city attractions. The surrounding area is considered beautiful and relaxing, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors. The waterfront setting not only offers spectacular views but also easy access to parks and nightlife, enhancing the overall experience for both leisure and business travelers.
Additionally, the hotel boasts great service, clean and comfortable rooms and convenient facilities. Guests have highlighted the helpful and friendly staff, excellent amenities and the inclusion of thoughtful touches like shower gels. The rooms are noted for their lovely views of the water, adding to the overall appeal of staying at Novotel Geelong.
The breakfast experience at Novotel Geelong receives a mix of reactions from guests. Many guests highlight the buffet breakfast as amazing, delicious and offering a large selection. The buffet is described as yummy and featuring good variety with some specific favorites like the Bircher muesli and pastries, although the latter can be dry.
Service at breakfast is often praised as incredible and friendly, but there are notable comments on service speed with some guests experiencing delays and chaotic conditions. Despite this, the breakfast area is well set out and the food is generally good and fresh.
Price seems to be a frequent point of contention. While some guests found the breakfast to be of very good value, others felt it was overpriced or not worth the cost, particularly noting the fixed cost of around $38 for the full breakfast. Specific criticisms included limited vegetarian and gluten-free options, the coffee policy allowing only one cup and instances of cold or poorly presented hot food.
Overall, the breakfast at Novotel Geelong is seen as one of the best features for many visitors, but improvements on variety, pricing and service efficiency could enhance the experience further.
Novotel Geelong's dining scene receives mixed reviews from its guests. Many appreciate the convenience and quality, often describing the restaurant as amazing and fantastic with friendly and attentive staff. Guests frequently mention enjoying delicious food, especially during lunch, dinner and breakfast. Share meals and room service are highlighted positively with praise for the friendly staff and good food quality.
However, several guests feel the restaurant pricing is on the higher side for what is offered. The variety on the menu is sometimes considered limited and portions small. There were a few complaints regarding the quality of specific dishes like steak and fish and chips being poor and overpriced. Some experiences were further marred by slow service, incorrect orders and cold food.
Room service, while convenient, faces criticism for ending too early and offering limited options. Additionally, guests experienced confusion with ordering and menu availability. The closure of the restaurant on certain days without prior notice frustrated some visitors and others had their dinner bookings unexpectedly canceled. Despite these issues, the enchanting waterfront views and overall positive food quality offer redeeming aspects to dining at Novotel Geelong.
The guest reviews for the rooms at Novotel Geelong highlight a generally positive experience with common praise for the spacious and clean accommodations. Many guests appreciated the beautiful and modern design, comfortable beds and well-maintained interiors. The rooms often provided full amenities, including large bathrooms and good-sized balconies with spectacular water views. Cleanliness was a frequent compliment, although some reviews mentioned occasional issues with dust, outdated decor and minor maintenance problems like non-functional fridges and small or dirty balconies. Despite a few negative remarks about noise, temperature and overall value for money, the overall impression is that the rooms offer a pleasant and comfortable stay, especially given the scenic views and convenient location right across from the beach.
Guests who have stayed at Novotel Geelong frequently praise the comfort of the hotel's beds. Words like super comfortable, very comfortable and comfy are consistently used to describe the sleeping experience. For some, the beds were even deemed the most comfortable they've encountered. Both beds and pillows have garnered positive feedback for their comfort, contributing to a welcoming and restful atmosphere.
There were a few mentions of beds being too soft, too hard or feeling worn out on the sides. However, these comments are in the minority compared to the overwhelmingly positive reviews about the comfy king-size beds and excellent mattresses.
Overall, guests can expect a very comfortable sleeping experience at Novotel Geelong, making it a suitable choice for a restful stay.
Novotel Geelong generally receives positive feedback for its cleanliness with many guests frequently noting how neat, tidy and spotlessly clean the hotel is. The rooms specifically are often described as clean and comfortable, providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Daily housekeeping services seem to maintain a good level of cleanliness with clean bathrooms and spacious, tidy rooms. Common areas, including the lobby and dining areas, also uphold a good cleaning standard.
However, some areas show room for improvement. Several guests pointed out that the cleanliness of the carpets, particularly in the hallways and stairwells, could be better with stains being a recurrent issue. Public areas and hallways have been described as outdated and in need of more thorough cleaning. There were also specific concerns about dust and general upkeep in some rooms and on the property. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the hotel still offers a clean and pleasant stay for most of its guests.
The staff at Novotel Geelong consistently receive glowing feedback from guests, underscoring the high level of service provided across various facets of the hotel experience. Words such as friendly, helpful, amazing and fantastic frequently describe the interactions with guests. Front desk and reception staff are particularly noted for their professionalism, attentiveness and accommodating nature, making check-in and check-out processes smooth and efficient.
Specific individuals, such as Josh and Leon, have been highlighted for going above and beyond to ensure guests feel informed and welcomed. Housekeeping staff are also praised for their good work and cheerful demeanor, contributing to a positive stay. The overall customer service is lauded as excellent with many remarks about the staff's readiness to assist and resolve issues promptly.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, there are some discrepancies in service quality with a few guests noting that certain staff members were not as attentive or enthusiastic. However, these instances appear to be exceptions rather than the rule. The consensus remains that the staff at Novotel Geelong are a major asset to the hotel, offering warm, professional and efficient service that enhances the overall guest experience.
The wifi at Novotel Geelong receives a mixed reception from guests. Many reviewers highlight the availability of free wifi, noting it as a positive feature. Some guests found the wifi to be good and reliable. However, several others encountered issues such as an unstable or unreliable connection and difficulty connecting to streaming services on the TV. A few even reported being unable to connect to the internet at certain times. Overall, while some guests had a satisfactory experience with the wifi, others faced intermittent issues that affected their stay.
Novotel Geelong features a gym with basic amenities, including a running machine, cycling machine and stepper, although it lacks weights and mats. The fitness center is accessible and offers decent facilities, but the space is rather small and could benefit from a refresh. Despite its limited equipment, families appreciate the gym's location overlooking the pool, as it allows for simultaneous exercise and swimming. While there are no instructors available, yoga classes are offered. Overall, the gym is functional and clean, but improvements could enhance the experience.
The pool at Novotel Geelong receives mixed feedback from guests, though there are several positive aspects worth noting. Many reviews highlight the pool's appealing temperature with descriptions such as warm, lovely and heated contributing to this sentiment. Several guests found the pool to be one of the best they have experienced, specifically pointing out the warmth as a key factor.
The pool is described as refreshing and there are positive mentions of it being kid-friendly, making it a suitable option for families. The pool area itself is described as clean by some reviewers and it offers a great view, enhancing the overall experience of leisurely swims.
However, there are consistent mentions of maintenance issues with some guests noting that the pool and its surrounding area look tired and in need of renovation. While some found the pool well-maintained and clean, others experienced it as dirty and not well-kept. The size of the pool is also a point of contention with some finding it small and not particularly inviting.
In terms of amenities, the presence of a steam room adds value and the pool area is generally supplied well, though there were mentions of limited towel availability and a lack of seating areas for relaxation.
Visitors staying at Novotel Geelong have varied experiences with parking at the hotel. A significant number of guests have mentioned the availability of valet parking, which offers the convenience of having one's car parked for them. The cost for valet parking has been frequently noted as $40 per night with some mentioning a slightly lower fee of $27. However, the cost was a recurring point of concern with many finding it expensive, especially when considering it an additional charge on top of the accommodation fee.
While some guests found the valet service to be excellent and appreciated the secure, locked area provided for their cars, there were instances where parking was reported to be tight, cumbersome or even lacking space. A few visitors pointed out issues like cars not being under cover and minimal parking availability around the hotel, which sometimes led them to seek street parking options nearby, albeit these were subject to local limits such as 3-hour zones.
Overall, while the convenience of valet parking is a positive highlight for some, the associated costs and limited parking options were noted as areas that could be improved for a more seamless and cost-effective guest experience.
'Novotel Geelong' comes across as a family-friendly resort that's perfect for families looking to enjoy their vacation together. With a special focus on providing a welcoming experience for family members, the hotel offers numerous facilities designed with families in mind, including a dedicated children's area and a restaurant catering to family needs. Many guests have highlighted that their family and kids particularly enjoyed the amenities and some even entrusted the hotel with important family events, indicating a reliable service.
However, the children’s play room seems to need some attention and could be improved to enhance the family experience further. While the hotel provides options like valet parking for families, some guests were disappointed with the balcony rooms, as views were limited and not as appealing as expected.
Despite these minor drawbacks, many families expressed their intention to return, drawn by the overall family-friendly atmosphere and the various activities available. The hotel seems to be working towards being an ideal destination for a family getaway, providing ample activities and facilities to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Novotel Geelong boasts a prime location for those seeking vibrant nightlife with an abundance of bars, pubs and clubs nearby. Situated close to the beach, it offers easy access to both the wharfs and various eateries. Guests appreciate the convenience of walking to restaurants and nightlife spots, making it simple to explore after dark. Notable nearby attractions like the National Wool Museum and Art Gallery are also within walking distance. While the nightlife is plentiful and varied, it is not overly noisy, providing a balance of excitement and tranquility. Some reviews noted the presence of hoons with loud cars, but overall, the nightlife scene is described as fantastic, offering options for a lively evening or a quiet, relaxing night walk along the beach. Fireworks displays were a highlight for some visitors, adding to the overall positive experience.
Novotel Geelong receives a mixed reception when it comes to its four-star rating. Several guests agree that the hotel meets the four-star stipulations with clean, tidy accommodations and four-star amenities. The hotel is frequently praised for being the best accommodation in the area and for offering great value for money, aligning with the price expectations of a four-star establishment. Despite this, some guests feel that the hotel falls short compared to other four-star experiences, suggesting it feels more like a three-star hotel. While it might not offer the luxury some anticipate from a four-star hotel, it remains a very nice option overall.
Novotel Geelong offers a highly convenient location, making it ideal for business travelers. The hotel stands out with its clean facilities and proximity to key locations, catering perfectly for those on work trips. It provides a great venue for conferences and business meetings, equipped with nice conference rooms and a restaurant that serves quality food. The strong WiFi connection in the conference rooms is a notable advantage for meetings. Additionally, the business center, although functional, could benefit from more computers. Overall, it functions well for business purposes, though some guests have reported issues with billing questions.
The heated pool at Novotel Geelong generally receives positive feedback from guests. Many appreciate that the pool is available and heated with comments highlighting that it works well and is warm or even hot. The pool is also noted as being suitable for kids. However, there are occasional mentions of the pool being a bit cool and some guests suggest that it could benefit from further renovations. Overall, the presence of a heated pool adds a valuable amenity to the hotel's offerings, providing a pleasant experience for most guests.
Novotel Geelong offers a mixed experience when it comes to luxury. On the positive side, several guests described their stay as luxurious, enjoying luxurious rooms and a generally luxurious experience at this lux property. The property maintains a level of cleanliness and loveliness that stands out with some reviewers even recommending the hotel despite the higher room rates, noting it as a luxury property.
However, the hotel seems to fall short of the high luxury standards expected by some guests. There were mentions of the property not being updated in a decade and some areas, such as the lobby, not meeting luxury expectations. While the rooms were clean and lovely, they were at times described more akin to a motel room rather than a five-star experience. The overall consensus highlights a disparity between the high cost and the level of luxury provided with some feeling that the hotel charges prices on par with top-tier city hotels without delivering the equivalent luxury standard.
In summary, while Novotel Geelong offers elements of a luxurious stay with clean and lovely rooms, there are significant areas for improvement to meet the full expectations of a luxury hotel experience.
Location Show Map
Location
This prime location is repeatedly described as perfect, superb and amazing with guests appreciating the hotel's closeness to both the beach and city attractions. The surrounding area is considered beautiful and relaxing, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors. The waterfront setting not only offers spectacular views but also easy access to parks and nightlife, enhancing the overall experience for both leisure and business travelers.
Additionally, the hotel boasts great service, clean and comfortable rooms and convenient facilities. Guests have highlighted the helpful and friendly staff, excellent amenities and the inclusion of thoughtful touches like shower gels. The rooms are noted for their lovely views of the water, adding to the overall appeal of staying at Novotel Geelong.
Breakfast
Service at breakfast is often praised as incredible and friendly, but there are notable comments on service speed with some guests experiencing delays and chaotic conditions. Despite this, the breakfast area is well set out and the food is generally good and fresh.
Price seems to be a frequent point of contention. While some guests found the breakfast to be of very good value, others felt it was overpriced or not worth the cost, particularly noting the fixed cost of around $38 for the full breakfast. Specific criticisms included limited vegetarian and gluten-free options, the coffee policy allowing only one cup and instances of cold or poorly presented hot food.
Overall, the breakfast at Novotel Geelong is seen as one of the best features for many visitors, but improvements on variety, pricing and service efficiency could enhance the experience further.
Dinner
However, several guests feel the restaurant pricing is on the higher side for what is offered. The variety on the menu is sometimes considered limited and portions small. There were a few complaints regarding the quality of specific dishes like steak and fish and chips being poor and overpriced. Some experiences were further marred by slow service, incorrect orders and cold food.
Room service, while convenient, faces criticism for ending too early and offering limited options. Additionally, guests experienced confusion with ordering and menu availability. The closure of the restaurant on certain days without prior notice frustrated some visitors and others had their dinner bookings unexpectedly canceled. Despite these issues, the enchanting waterfront views and overall positive food quality offer redeeming aspects to dining at Novotel Geelong.
Rooms
Beds
There were a few mentions of beds being too soft, too hard or feeling worn out on the sides. However, these comments are in the minority compared to the overwhelmingly positive reviews about the comfy king-size beds and excellent mattresses.
Overall, guests can expect a very comfortable sleeping experience at Novotel Geelong, making it a suitable choice for a restful stay.
Cleanliness
However, some areas show room for improvement. Several guests pointed out that the cleanliness of the carpets, particularly in the hallways and stairwells, could be better with stains being a recurrent issue. Public areas and hallways have been described as outdated and in need of more thorough cleaning. There were also specific concerns about dust and general upkeep in some rooms and on the property. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the hotel still offers a clean and pleasant stay for most of its guests.
Staff
Specific individuals, such as Josh and Leon, have been highlighted for going above and beyond to ensure guests feel informed and welcomed. Housekeeping staff are also praised for their good work and cheerful demeanor, contributing to a positive stay. The overall customer service is lauded as excellent with many remarks about the staff's readiness to assist and resolve issues promptly.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews, there are some discrepancies in service quality with a few guests noting that certain staff members were not as attentive or enthusiastic. However, these instances appear to be exceptions rather than the rule. The consensus remains that the staff at Novotel Geelong are a major asset to the hotel, offering warm, professional and efficient service that enhances the overall guest experience.
Wi-Fi
Gym
Pool
The pool is described as refreshing and there are positive mentions of it being kid-friendly, making it a suitable option for families. The pool area itself is described as clean by some reviewers and it offers a great view, enhancing the overall experience of leisurely swims.
However, there are consistent mentions of maintenance issues with some guests noting that the pool and its surrounding area look tired and in need of renovation. While some found the pool well-maintained and clean, others experienced it as dirty and not well-kept. The size of the pool is also a point of contention with some finding it small and not particularly inviting.
In terms of amenities, the presence of a steam room adds value and the pool area is generally supplied well, though there were mentions of limited towel availability and a lack of seating areas for relaxation.
Parking
While some guests found the valet service to be excellent and appreciated the secure, locked area provided for their cars, there were instances where parking was reported to be tight, cumbersome or even lacking space. A few visitors pointed out issues like cars not being under cover and minimal parking availability around the hotel, which sometimes led them to seek street parking options nearby, albeit these were subject to local limits such as 3-hour zones.
Overall, while the convenience of valet parking is a positive highlight for some, the associated costs and limited parking options were noted as areas that could be improved for a more seamless and cost-effective guest experience.
Family
However, the children’s play room seems to need some attention and could be improved to enhance the family experience further. While the hotel provides options like valet parking for families, some guests were disappointed with the balcony rooms, as views were limited and not as appealing as expected.
Despite these minor drawbacks, many families expressed their intention to return, drawn by the overall family-friendly atmosphere and the various activities available. The hotel seems to be working towards being an ideal destination for a family getaway, providing ample activities and facilities to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Nightlife
4 Star
Business
Heated Pool
Luxury
However, the hotel seems to fall short of the high luxury standards expected by some guests. There were mentions of the property not being updated in a decade and some areas, such as the lobby, not meeting luxury expectations. While the rooms were clean and lovely, they were at times described more akin to a motel room rather than a five-star experience. The overall consensus highlights a disparity between the high cost and the level of luxury provided with some feeling that the hotel charges prices on par with top-tier city hotels without delivering the equivalent luxury standard.
In summary, while Novotel Geelong offers elements of a luxurious stay with clean and lovely rooms, there are significant areas for improvement to meet the full expectations of a luxury hotel experience.
Yes, Novotel Geelong has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Novotel Geelong.
No, Novotel Geelong doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Novotel Geelong.
Yes, Novotel Geelong has a gym.
Location Show Map
More Options
