The Ascott Limited, Australia (Ascott Australia) is proud to announce its latest apartment hotel in the heart of the gateway city, Quest Geelong Central, is now open.
Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles officially cut the ribbon.
Ascott Australia has invested in a second Geelong property to capitalise on major local investments in tourism, healthcare and events, including the $500m Geelong women’s and children’s hospital to be built within Barwon Health’s CBD site, and the $294 million Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre precinct on the waterfront.

Quest Geelong Central represents Ascott Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting the sustained expansion of the local visitor economy, expected to be worth $1.2 billion by 2025. The greenfield hotel offers 87 spacious self-contained apartments with fully equipped kitchens.

Configurations include modern studios, and 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with balconies and Corio Bay views available, in addition to accessible and pet-friendly rooms to provide a true home away from home experience for all guests.

Part of Pellicano’s $70 million mixed-use Pivot House development, guests will enjoy comfortable serviced apartments with access to amenities including a rooftop gym, business lounge, 40-person conference room, BBQ areas and secure onsite parking.
Ascott Australia’s GM Growth and Capital Strategy, James Shields, says Quest Geelong Central occupies prime position to attract both leisure and corporate travellers.

“Ascott continues prioritising investment in strategically located properties and building mutually beneficial relationships with our trusted development partners like Pellicano to ensure we maximise returns for Quest business owners and deliver an effortless experience for guests,” said James. “Geelong has attractive short and long-term demand drivers in place for a second Quest property, particularly given the expanding local healthcare sector and upcoming Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre precinct.”

Quest Geelong Central is the eighth joint development project with Pellicano. Managing Director of Pellicano, Nando Pellicano, said he was proud of the long-standing relationship with Quest.

“This latest property in Geelong reflects the continued success of our collaboration with Quest and is the fifth apartment hotel building retained in our portfolio. We’re pleased to deliver this much needed asset to Geelong and wish the Quest team every success,” Nando said.

Brendan Sanders, Acting Executive Director, Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine said Quest Geelong Central opening in the region is another exciting step forward in the diversification of room stock in Geelong and The Bellarine and growth of the local tourism sector more broadly.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming this internationally branded hotel to Geelong’s accommodation mix, strengthening our region’s vision in becoming a regional hub for domestic and international travel. The addition of the 87 self-contained apartments will have more visitors staying longer and exploring more of the exceptional experiences we have on offer in the region.”

Quest Geelong Central is owned by hospitality industry veterans Greg O’Shea and Linda Murray, who are new Quest franchise business owners, and existing Quest franchisees Mark and Ky O’Shea, and Daniel and Jennifer Wilson.

“Growing up in Camperdown, Geelong was always my weekend getaway,” said Greg. “I love the people, the culture and the sense of community here. I’m proud to be opening Quest Geelong Central after 35 years in hospitality, particularly as Quest celebrates 35 years of franchising.”

“I’m a proud Rotarian and my community values drew me to Quest. I want my guests to feel like they’ve checked into a small town. Local businesses are so supportive and we’re working together to add value for guests so they can live as local as they like it here in Geelong. It’s a city of opportunity at the moment, there’s so much investment and a real buzz around town.”

“I love that my business is backed by the global recognition of The Ascott Limited, and the respect and confidence corporate and leisure travellers have for the Quest brand means we’re in a strong position as Geelong continues to grow. Booking enquiries are much higher than we expected for the summer period due to upcoming major events and concerts.”

“I know that achieving our goal of making guest stays effortless comes down to the quality and consistency of customer service. I’m excited for our guests to meet our talented and dedicated team who will help guests experience the best of Geelong.”