(TAN): IHG Hotels & Resorts and Franzé Developments have jointly inaugurated a new Holiday Inn & Suites in Australia. This is the first major new-build hotel in the Geelong area in nearly two decades, a statement by IHG said.
Situated within the expansive million mixed-use development, Geelong Quarter, developed by Franzé Developments, this property is the largest hotel in the Geelong and Bellarine region. It offers 180 rooms, including 23 suites, as well as the hallmark Holiday Inn Open Lobby, all-day dining facilities, meeting and event spaces, and a heated indoor pool and gym.
[ALSO READ: AIDA Cruises partners with SpaceX’s Starlink for high-speed internet on its ships]
The Open Lobby design is a modern and inviting space that combines the reception, restaurant, lounge, and business center, providing guests with flexibility for dining, relaxation, work, or leisure activities in a single location. Additionally, the hotel features the restaurant Maestro, which serves a menu highlighting locally sourced ingredients and dishes curated by award-winning Australian chef Adrian Richardson.
Many rooms at Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong offer stunning views of the Geelong waterfront (Corio Bay) and balconies for guests to enjoy the city’s beauty. The hotel also prioritizes sustainability with rainwater harvesting for irrigation and energy-efficient shower heads in guest bathrooms. Additional features include fresh air circulation supported by individual split-system air conditioning and motion-sensor-controlled LED lighting.
Paul Franze, founder & director of Franzé Developments, expressed his pride in bringing this project to fruition and its positive impact on Geelong. He emphasized the city’s rapid growth in population and visitation and described the hotel as a testament to Franzé Developments’ commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable, and connected communities.
[ALSO READ: Emirates adds more winter flights to London Heathrow]
Matt Tripolone, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts Australasia & Pacific, said: “The opening is testament to our strong partnership with Franzé Developments who have brought the Holiday Inn vision to life with our Open Lobby concept to functional, design-led rooms and culinary offerings. This stand-out addition to our portfolio is an exceptional example of the brand’s next-generation design offering an authentic travel experience for visitors to Geelong.”
Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong General Manager Daniel Payne said: “As the newest and largest hotel in Geelong, our presence underscores the city’s commitment to growth and progress, attracting a new generation of guests with the introduction of the world’s largest brand family, and bringing 68 jobs to boost the local economy.”
