The Ritz Hotel Geelong to open to the public on March 1

Geelong’s ugly duckling has been transformed into a magnificent swan — and will soon be open to the public. Check out the finished product.

Geelong’s heritage-listed Ritz site, which has undergone an extensive makeover after sitting dormant for 40 years, will open its doors to the public on March 1.

Formerly known as the Belle-Vue Hotel and built circa 1854, The Ritz Hotel will launch with 128 rooms and apartments over nine floors, with captivating views over Geelong’s north facing waterfront and city skyline.

Located just five minutes’ walk to Eastern Beach, The Ritz Hotel Geelong will offer visitors a 4.5-star full service hotel experience.

The Ritz Hotel Geelong has been transformed from a city eyesore. Picture: Supplied

As much as possible, interior fittings and furnishings have been sourced from local Geelong, and Australian makers. Local companies worked on room interiors, beds are made in Victoria, tables made in Geelong and artwork from Melbourne.

An inside look at The Ritz Hotel in Geelong. Picture: Supplied

Speaking to the Geelong Advertiser last September, developer Phil Petch called the site’s development a “game-changer” for the Geelong region.

“The Ritz would just be another fancy hotel without the heritage facade intact,” he said.

“Now it blends two worlds: The elegant past and the exciting stylish future.”

The Ritz Hotel Geelong will feature some spectacular views. Picture: Supplied

Mr Petch said the project had seen increasing interest from interstate buyers since the announcement Geelong would be the new Victorian home of the Spirit of Tasmania.

While a handful of apartments remain for sale, he said the Ritz Hotel would fill a gap in the local market.

“The shortage of short-stay apartments in the Geelong region is fantastic news for property investors and that investment property is all about yield,” Mr Petch said.

“I know it’s strange to be talking about tourism at a time when almost everyone is worried about anything other than tourists, but today yield means everything to astute investors.”

MORE NEWS

VIDEO: MOTORBIKE ERUPTS INTO FLAMES IN CBD

PAIR DODGE JAIL OVER GEELONG CHILD STEALING

PRISONER PUNCHED IN FACE BEFORE COP’S KICKS

Originally published as The Ritz Hotel Geelong to open to the public on March 1