Geelong Hotel

The Carlton Hotel

The Carlton Hotel, Geelong, has an illustrious and colorful history having first been built in 1849 as the Union Club. It then underwent extensive renovations prior to the outbreak of WWII and was renamed The Carlton Hotel as Carlton and United Breweries Pty Ltd had financed the restorations and then used the hotel as a showcase for the brewing giant.

The elaborate scale of the renovations included two bars, 40 accommodation rooms, a lounge, servant accommoation and an entrance hall all finished with exquisite fittings.

The Carlton Hotel became an institution in its own right with a range of celebrity and royal guests staying at the hotel throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s including Queen Elizabeth II, Ava Gardner and then Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.

Sadly, by the end of the 70s the hotel's glory days faded and it wasn't until 2004 that its former grandeur was reignited by an innovative Melbourne design team that redisigned, restored and resurrected the iconic city landmark.

In August 2004, The Carlton Hotel was was reborn with a 110 seat Ala Carte Restaurant, five bars, two function rooms, a lounge with comfortable booths and a roaring fireplace.The hotel became an instant success with new owners John Mole, Rod Van der Chys and Martin Bayliss infusing the hotel with an enthusiasm rarely witnessed in Geelong.

The Carlton Hotel's Geelong bars boasts the best beer selection in Geelong with premium beers from 14 countries on offer as well as a contemporary and exquisite cocktail range inspired from the bars of New York and Edinburgh and an extensive wine list.

Executive Chef and co-owner Martin Bayliss prides himself on delivering delicious food and generous portions in the Geelong restaurant. This is confirmed by guests showing their appreciation and voting the hotel Best Family Restaurant and Best Casual Dining Restaurant in Geelong and The Bellarine Peninsula from 2005 to 2008 in The Entertainment Guide. These awards are earned entirely from the votes of loyal and satisfied guests - an envious achievement. The Geelong hotel has also been a finalist in the Telstra Golden Plate Awards.

The Carlton Hotel remains at the heart of Geelong's social life once again and remains the perfect venue when looking for a restaurant or function rooms or a visit to one of the most impressive bars in Geelong.