Portarlington Grand Hotel, c. 1888
History
Since the late 19th century, holiday makers made the journey by paddle steamer from Melbourne to the Portarlington Grand Hotel, one of the Bellarine Peninsula’s most popular seaside resorts. Sitting opposite the harbour front, with views stretching across Port Phillip Bay, this outstanding Victorian heritage-listed building was recently restored and redesigned in 2022 by Techne Architecture and Interior Design.
Extensive research on the building’s heritage was undertaken to understand its original structure. Bringing the hotel back to its former glory, the impressive facade was carefully retained, including reinstatement of detailed cast iron lacework on the upper verandahs. Original internal archways, cornices, wall filigree, etched glazing, and the central staircase balustrade were all painstakingly restored, and hand-trawled walls with soft lighting add a textural warmth throughout the hotel.
Reimagined for the 21st century and beyond, while respecting and acknowledging the building’s history, Portarlington Grand Hotel is once again a place to come and holiday by the sea, for locals to gather, and friends and family to celebrate in a welcoming, relaxed environment.
Accommodation
With just 18 rooms, Portarlington Grand Hotel offers a boutique stay experience. Two rooms are fully accessible, conveniently located near the lift, and feature spacious bathrooms with open showers.
Every room has been designed to offer guests modern, luxurious amenities. Old meets new, with stylish Australian-made Zuster designer furniture that enhances, rather than detracts, from the building’s stunning heritage architectural details. Enjoy complimentary high-speed WiFi in all rooms, along with large Smart TVs and USB ports, tea & coffee, and local parking. Bathrooms with beautiful tessellated tiles feature individual bath robes, and eco-friendly, organic bath & body products.
Grand Bay Rooms offer an expansive space, king-size bed, and sweeping vistas over the sapphire bay with direct access onto your own balcony. Start your day here sipping coffee, while breathing in the fresh seaside air.
Bay Rooms also feature king-size beds, with direct balcony access. Settle into the cosy outdoor furniture, perhaps with a glass of local wine in hand at sunset, before heading downstairs for dinner.
Mural Rooms are located in a peaceful and quiet location within the hotel, with comfortable queen beds, and Atrium Rooms also with queen beds, face east and are light and bright.
You only need venture downstairs to sample the Bellarine’s best produce at the hotel. Enjoy drinks in the historic Front Bar, then choose to dine in the relaxed Bistro, with a menu of gourmet pub fare. On sunny days, the Atrium with its open-air dining area with seaside views is the perfect place to soak up the relaxed holiday atmosphere.
And feel the grass between your toes under bright and colourful umbrellas in the hotel’s Lawn area. With picnic tables seating up to 10, gather the family for a long lunch before strolling the bay.
Why not explore the hotel’s stay packages, including ferry cruises, golf experiences, and special hotel dining options.
Exclusive Offer
Stay 2+ nights and mention Historic Stays when booking, to receive a complimentary bottle of local Bellarine red wine. Book direct below.
Special Features
Complimentary WiFi
Historic Township
Balcony Rooms with Bay Views
Hotel Bar & Dining
Things To Do
We recommend experiencing a slower pace of life by arriving by ferry direct from Melbourne, with Port Phillip Ferries, leaving daily from Melbourne’s Docklands. Evoking memories of a bygone era, you’ll feel as though you’re on holidays the moment you board!
On the last Sunday of every month, visit Portarlington Market, a vibrant community market offering a range of products and a fun day out.
And wine and dine in style with The Q Train that departs from nearby Queenscliff, a restored heritage restaurant train that travels through the heart of the Bellarine, serving local produce and drinks in refurbished dining cars. Sit back and relax while enjoying unique views of Swan Bay and the Bellarine.
