Novotel, Geelong. Right, so, decent. That's the word. Decent. The lobby? Fine. The restaurant and bar? Pretty good, actually. The staff? Absolute legends. I mean, they were even smiling when I asked for a dental kit at 4 a.m. That's dedication. Now, the rooms. Oh, the rooms. Let's just say they've seen better days. They're like a time capsule from the '90s, but not in a cool, retro way. More in a "please, someone update this wallpaper" way. Dated is an understatement. Look, if you're looking for a place to crash for a night or two, and you're not too fussed about interior design, the Novotel will do the job. The staff are great, the food's decent, and the location's convenient.

Valet parking is $40 a day. Think its important I state that upfront because that was a surprise to me - given its at a great location with 3 hour paid parking probably understandable, but know that, you can leave your car out overnight on the street until the 9am paid comes back, which is what I did and that was fine. In terms of the stay, great location, a pool and steam room is pretty good value and I found the staff very pleasant and helpful although one just seemed to be reading off a script and not know too much . Couldnt hear any external noise while in the room which was great but one thing to note about the rooms is doors slam. Rooms were clean and well set up and a good size, along withe the bathroom so good value for money for what we paid. The breakfast buffet was elite and worth the money. We had a car park facing view, but I didnt mind it could still see the ocean. I couldn't get the smart tv to work, it has foxtel though which is more than enough.

I recently stayed at the Novotel Geelong and had a generally pleasant experience, though there are areas that could use improvement. The hotel’s standout feature is its fantastic location, right on the waterfront and within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and local attractions. The staff is friendly and welcoming, which made check-in and dining experiences enjoyable. The rooms are spacious enough for a comfortable stay, and the bathrooms are well-designed, though some fixtures could use maintenance—loose fittings and low water pressure in the shower were minor inconveniences. One of the best surprises of my stay was Tempo, the hotel’s downstairs restaurant. The food and service were excellent, making it a must-visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel. However, there were some drawbacks. The valet service can get messy, especially because the front desk staff is responsible for handling it alongside check-ins, causing delays. A dedicated valet team would make the process much smoother. Additionally, storage space in the rooms is lacking, with only two hangers provided and no usable drawers, making it difficult to unpack properly. The overall room quality varies—some could benefit from better cleaning and updates, as I noticed dust on top of the wardrobe and stains on the carpet. If you’re booking a bay view room, be aware that there’s a huge difference between them—some have wrap-around balconies, while others only have a small space just large enough for two chairs. It’s worth confirming the balcony type when making a reservation. Overall, the Novotel Geelong has a lot going for it, particularly its prime location and friendly service. With better organization at the front desk, improved storage solutions, and some maintenance updates, it could easily be a top-tier stay.