The hype
Travelers love the bay views and friendly staff but are consistently annoyed by the construction noise and dated pool area.
Novotel Geelong
$140-220/ night
Book this if You want the absolute best waterfront location in Geelong and plan to be out of your room by 8am on weekdays.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location right on the Eastern Beach waterfront
- Every single room has a balcony
- Walking distance to Westfield and the Carousel
Quick Take: A solid waterfront staple currently enduring the growing pains of a massive construction project next door.
Reviewed by @saygs_: I was surprised by how much I loved the view here! Waking up to the sun over the bay was magical. The location is perfect—I just walked out the door and was right on the waterfront promenade. Definitely grab a bay view room if you go, it makes the whole trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'heated' indoor pool is frequently described as too cold for comfort, and balconies on the city side are often dusty.
- You are a business traveler who needs to be central
- You are a morning person who won't be sleeping past 8am
- You prioritize ocean views over modern furniture
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed dusting on balconies.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mostly clean, but specific verified reports of 'red mould' in accessible shower seats and grout issues.
- Maintenance: Aging infrastructure showing; complaints about peeling paint and sliding doors not closing flush.
- Linens & towels: Standard commercial quality; clean but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Neutral to fresh inside, but dust/construction smells possible on balconies.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy construction machinery (South side)
- Traffic from Eastern Beach Road
- Thin connecting doors in some rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The construction project is ongoing through 2026/2027
- Buffet breakfast is good but pricey (~$42 AUD); plenty of cafes nearby
- Windows do not double-glaze effectively against the new construction noise
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for weekday mornings)
- Swim cap (sometimes required for the pool)
- Windbreaker (Geelong waterfront gets breezy)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe King Room with Bay View (North facing, best views, furthest from construction)
- Superior King Room (High floor, unobstructed water vistas)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Rooms on the South side (direct line of sight/sound to construction)
- Rooms near the elevators (high foot traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a North-facing room with a Bay View, specifically on a high floor to minimize street noise. Please ensure the room is NOT facing the south side construction site.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool actually heated?
Technically yes, but reviews consistently complain it feels lukewarm or cold.
How bad is the construction noise?
Significant. From 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, expect drilling and machinery noise if you are on the south side.
Can I park my own car?
Yes, but not on-site. You have to use the Westfield shopping center car park (~$30 AUD) which has restricted access hours.
Do all rooms have balconies?
Yes, every room has a balcony, though some face the city/construction rather than the bay.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no. It's a buffet at Tempo Kitchen & Bar, costing around $42 AUD per adult.
Is it pet friendly?
No. Only service animals are permitted.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 5 mins to 'Pavilion' for better coffee and the same view.
- ✨
The 'accessible' rooms have had specific complaints about shower drainage and mold—avoid unless required.
- ✨
Valet parking allows in/out privileges, whereas the cheaper Westfield self-park option does not.
5 things to know before you go
💡The balconies on the non-view side often accumulate spiderwebs and dust.
💡The 'heated' pool is often the coldest part of the hotel.
💡You can hear the Spirit of Tasmania ferry horn if you're on the bay side (charming or annoying, depending on you).
💡Room service stops relatively early (around 9pm-10pm), so plan late dinners accordingly.
💡The sliding bathroom doors in some rooms don't lock or close flush, leaving a 'privacy gap'.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Novotel Geelong is located and what's nearby.