Intercontinental Sorrento lives up to the hype

One of Victoria’s most iconic venues underwent a dramatic transformation two years ago. It is now a must-visit destination.

What does it mean to stay in “luxury” in 2025? 

Fine dining? Absolutely. Attention to detail? Most definitely. Restaurants, pools, bars? Again I would say those are non-negotiables.

During the summer break I undertook a bit of an experiment to find out once and for all what “luxury” really means and whether it’s worth the hype.

Over three nights I spent time at three very different hotels within Melbourne and the spectacular Mornington Peninsula. 

One hotel was what you might typically classify as a budget-friendly option. Another would easily be categorised as “premium”. And for the sake of science, I took one for the team and stayed at one of Victoria’s highest-rated luxury hotels.

This is what I learned about each.

The InterContinental Sorrento lives up the hype.

Luxury lives up to the hype in Sorrento

The four-storey limestone behemoth high on the hill in Sorrento was built in 1875 and has been through various iterations — most notably as a beloved pub servicing the Mornington Peninsula and its steady stream of tourists for decades.

But in recent years it undertook a dramatic transformation.

Ask seasoned travellers about a bucket list hotel in Victoria and most will tell you the InterContinental Sorrento is at the top of the list.

Since reopening in August 2022, it has been the subject of much hype. Most of it, from what I could see, was justified.

Designed by architects Woods Bagot, the hotel pays homage to Victorian and Art Deco eras. Across 108 rooms and suites — many overlooking Port Phillip Bay and the historic facades of Sorrento’s main street — every detail is meticulously thought out.

The view from the InterContinental Sorrento.

Aurora Spa and Bathhouse at the InterContinental.

The suites at the InterContinental Sorrento are luxurious.

A wraparound balcony is a stunning feature of the suites at the Sorrento location.

The star of the show is the guests-only Mediterranean-inspired pool deck with ocean views and an outdoor bar that serves food, too.

The Aurora spa and bathhouse is on hand for those looking for extra pampering and the rooms are grand and expertly detailed.

It is the latest offering in IHG’s luxury & lifestyle portfolio and joins a long list of InterContinental hotels and resorts globally — some 220 hotels in 70 countries.

Is it luxury? Absolutely.

The hotel brand’s ownership described the place as “sweeping in a revival of seaside glamour” and it is honestly hard to find a more fitting description.

Iconic Melbourne laneway takes on new life

Meander down any narrow laneway in Melbourne’s CBD and you might expect to find hidden restaurants, a speak-easy bar or a live music venue.

Timothy Lane has something different to offer. Towering above the narrow laneway is one of the city’s best kept secrets — the Voco hotel offering fine dining, breathtaking vistas of Melbourne’s skyline and even a spectacular plunge pool and restaurant.

It is part of the IHG group’s “premium” portfolio but even it has a “luxury” feel.

Winding staircases, hidden reading nooks and stunning architectural design greet visitors in the sky lobby on level 6 of the hotel.

The views from the pool deck at Voco in the Melbourne CBD.

Blacksmith Brasserie and Bar on level 7.

A reading nook at Voco Melbourne is a lovely touch.

Sustainability is at the heart of the design at Voco Melbourne.

But level 7 is where the hotel really comes into its own. There you’ll find the Blacksmith Bar and Grill, expansive balconies and even a swimming pool that takes in views across the CBD, including the iconic glass cone ceiling at Melbourne Central.

The rooms are equally charming, beautifully designed by architects Elenberg Fraser and fitted out by Suede Interior Design. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the lights of the city indoors after the sun goes down.

But perhaps the most impressive details at Voco Melbourne are the ones you can’t see.

The beds are made using recycled materials and linen is from sustainably farmed cotton. The windows in each of the skyscraper’s 252 rooms open just enough to let fresh air in and reduce the need for airconditioning.

It’s a welcome addition to Melbourne’s tourism landscape and most importantly blends in seamlessly.

New hotel charming and perfectly located

Having soaked in luxury at the InterContinental and been delighted by the one of Melbourne’s newest hotels at Voco Melbourne Central, it was time for a road trip to the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula.

The view from the Holiday Inn and Suites at Geelong.

Inside Adrian Richardson’s newest offering, Maestro at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Geelong.

Geelong’s newest hotel opened in 2023.

There, in the $200m Geelong Quarter, is the newly-opened Holiday Inn and Suites — a short walk from boardwalk at the historic Eastern Beach reserve.

The hotel, which opened in 2023, is part of the IHG brand’s “essentials” portfolio and hits the mark as a budget-friendly destination with all that you might ordinarily expect from fancier establishments.

Developed by Franze group, the hotel features 180 modern rooms including 23 suites. They are spacious, immaculate and impeccably designed — each offers a big bathroom, cosy bed, a lounge, a desk and a small dining space.

Downstairs on level one is the hotel’s biggest drawcard — the restaurant Maestro that is the latest offering from TV chef Adrian Richardson.

Richardson is renowned for his steaks and Maestro delivers on that front. It’s a venue that is worth visiting in its own right.

A little taste of luxury at a venue where you might not normally expect it.

The writer stayed as a guest of IHG hotels.