Once a car park, this is now one of regional Victoria's most impressive hotels

Crowne Plaza's first foray into regional Victoria is a nod to Geelong's rise as a premier destination for business and tourism. The 10-storey, $120 million property offering guests uninterrupted views of Corio Boy was previously a sprawling car park and is now the city's newest and largest accommodation provider. Opened in January, the 200-room hotel is operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts under the Crowne Plaza brand.

The atmosphere was electric as winter holiday-makers and Geelong AFL fans poured into the region to make Crowne Plaza their base for the weekend. Located just steps from the Cunningham Pier and Geelong's vibrant waterfront precinct, the hotel placed us in the heart of the action, with panoramic views across the bay from our 10th-floor room providing a spectacular introduction to the city.

The interiors of Crowne Plaza Geelong draw inspiration from the site's waterfront setting, combining soft textures, coastal hues and refined detailing to create a strong connection with the bay. The lobby sets the scene with oceanic blues anchoring the first level, while the restaurant and rooftop sky bar's warm oranges and reds capture the colours of a sunset horizon. The guest rooms are a masterclass in modern mid-century design, striking a balance between nostalgia and contemporary luxury.

A rain swept across Geelong during our winter stay, and the fact that we were perfectly content to spend hours in our room gazing across the bay spoke volumes about the hotel's success. More than just a place to stay, it felt like a sanctuary. A walk-in rainfall shower, plush bathrobes, premium Australian botanical amenities, crisp high-thread-count linens and comfortable lounge suits combined to create a level of comfort that made venturing outdoors entirely optional.

The food and drink offering is thoughtfully curated across three distinct levels. High-quality barista coffee and fresh pastries are served on the ground-floor cafe, Verde on Smythe, while one level up, Sociali Trattoria offers buffet breakfast before later showcasing Italian cuisine with a strong emphasis on locally sourced produce and expertly matched wines for lunch and dinner. Topping it all off is Skyline Bar on the 10th floor, where signature cocktails, fresh oysters and sweeping views of the bay combine to create one of the city's most memorable destinations, particularly during golden hour.

While the hotel's premium amenities - including its impressive dining venues, heated indoor pool and fitness centre - make it easy to unwind without ever stepping outside, its greatest asset may be its proximity to Geelong's most vibrant attractions. We were a five-minute stroll from the city's beautifully restored 1892 carousel, the iconic bathing complex at Eastern Beach and were within easy reach of the Geelong Gallery, one of Australia's oldest regional galleries.

Perched high above the city, the 10th-floor Skyline Bar is an unforgettable destination - not just as the city's only venue at that height, but for the sheer atmosphere. Guests can enjoy small-batch regional gins, signature cocktails and seasonal small plates in a stylish, colour-drenched bar with impressive views.

The writer was a guest of Crowne Plaza Geelong