The Ritz Hotel Geelong features 128 apartments over nine levels.

A new full-service apartment hotel in Geelong is preparing to open doors to guests inside a formerly abandoned building which has sat dormant for four decades.

The former Belle-Vue Hotel, originally built in 1854, has undergone a comprehensive makeover and renovation and will open to guests as The Ritz Hotel, Geelong, on 01 March 2021.

Apartments offer full internal kitchen and laundry facilities.

The Ritz Hotel, Geelong will offer 128 apartment-style rooms over nine floors, offering north-facing views over the waterfront and the city skyline. The property will offer studio, one and two-bedroom per-friendly apartments and a 24-hour reception. The hotel is located five minutes’ walk to Eastern Beach, Westfield Shopping and the Royal Geelong Yacht Club, with other restaurants and attractions also located nearby.

Guest facilities will include high-speed WiFi, espresso coffee machine and full internal laundry and kitchen facilities, including a dishwasher, microwave, oven and cooktop. Guests can also access a dedicated bicycle parking area along with two charging stations for electric vehicles. Apartment furnishings have been sourced from local suppliers, with beds and tables made in Victoria and artworks being sourced from Melbourne.

Guests can enjoy views over the peninsula and over the Geelong city skyline.

The heritage building has been refitted for energy efficiency and features 80 solar panels on the roof, leading to a seven-star energy rating. Windows have been filled with argon gas to ensure heat and sound proofing.