New waterfront hotel enhances up-and-coming convention precinct in Victoria. Photo Credit: Crowne Plaza Geelong
Crowne Plaza Geelong has opened as part of the emerging Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct in Victoria, Australia.
The 200-room hotel, a A$120 million (US$83.9 million) development operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts, began welcoming guests this month, just steps from soon-to-open convention facilities for large-scale gatherings.
When open in mid 2026, the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre will further expand the precinct’s offerings with approximately 3,700 sqm of flexible event space, including a 1,000-seat theatre and exhibition halls.
The 200-key hotel enhances the precinct’s capabilities with flexible event spaces, including the 250-guest Waterfront Room, with floor-to-ceiling windows and bay views. The space can be divided into two rooms, each for up to 150 guests, providing flexibility for concurrent meetings or breakout sessions.
On the second floor, the hotel caters to more intimate formats with The Pier Room for up to 40 guests, as well as the You Yangs Room for boardroom-style discussions, private lunches or dinners for up to 20 guests, with views stretching across the bay to the You Yangs ranges.
On the same floor is Social Space, a versatile area accommodating up to 150 guests.
The Skybar Private Dining Room for up to 40 guests sits within a rooftop bar venue, with sweeping waterfront views for high-level meetings or private dining.
The rest of the rooftop Skybar can host up to 150 guests, making it a suitable venue for sunset soirees overlooking Geelong’s waterfront.