Portarlington Grand Hotel on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula will re-open this August following an extensive, multi-million-dollar renovation, which includes the addition of 18 boutique rooms and the refurbishment of several dining spaces including The Front Bar, Bistro, The Atrium and The Lawn. Just 70-minutes with Port Phillip Ferries from Melbourne’s docklands, the new Portarlington Grand Hotel will serve as the gateway to Victoria’s best-kept secret, offering beaches, nature and some of the state’s best locally produced food and wine.
Located in the heart of Portarlington on Newcombe street since 1888, the property was acquired by The Little Group, who also operate Port Phillip Ferries, and began its transformation in March 2021. The Portarlington Grand Hotel’s façade and grand staircase have been carefully restored to hark back to the golden age of Port Phillip Bay, with Melbourne based architects Technē Architecture + Interior Design creating new interiors that strike a superb balance between modern luxury and heritage detailing with their artistic goal to authentically recapture the Hotel’s former grandeur within its new contemporary context. Weatherworn timber has been utilised throughout to reference the old timber of the Portarlington pier, and heritage experts were consulted to retrace history and ensure the new designs were true to the original intent.
The renovation includes the introduction of 18 elegant, heritage inspired rooms positioned across two levels, with many featuring balconies and bay views. Two fully accessible rooms are also available, with the property and venues designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind.
A modern take on classic Victorian grandeur, the rooms retain original design features such as ornamental fireplaces and archways, juxtaposed against luxurious, timeless textures and furnishings. Various shades of blues, greens, and beige feature prominently and are used to convey the hues of the surrounding seaside town. The new rooms will provide a modern seaside retreat, with the hotel serving as the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula.
Catering for locals and visitors, guests will be able to enjoy some of the region’s best produce across the four dining spaces, including famous Portarlington Mussels harvested from local waters, craft beers and award-winning wines from local wineries such as Bennetts on Bellarine, Scotchmans Hill and Terindah Estate, as well as local gins from the Bellarine Distillery.
The Front Bar and Bistro will provide a sophisticated yet relaxed setting for anything from light snacks and cocktails to classic pub fare with a modern spin including Pork Knuckle and BBQ Ribs, and highlighting locally caught seafood, including the hotel’s signature Seafood Risotto.
Lively new beer garden The Atrium, which opened in January, offers guests the opportunity to soak up the sun and enjoy seaside views, with seating over three tiered levels. The menu includes traditional wood-fired pizzas cooked in an outdoor kitchen, along with local beer, wine and spirits, adding to the vibrant ambience. The Lawn will be a favourite for families, groups and dog lovers, offering an expansive lawn area decked out with picnic tables and yellow and white striped umbrellas, while providing the full bistro menu, including seafood platters and signature cocktails.
Easily reached from Melbourne’s Docklands, visitors can take a 70-minute ferry journey with Port Phillip Ferries to Portarlington Pier, just a short walk from the Portarlington Grand Hotel. The concierge team will be on hand to arrange an itinerary showcasing the best of the Bellarine Taste Trail, including award-winning wineries, restaurants and intimate experiences with local makers, growers and artisans. Day-trippers needn’t worry about missing the journey home, with a warning bell rung at the Portarlington Grand Hotel 30-minutes before each ferry’s departure – just enough time for one last Espresso Martini.
While foodies will delight in sampling the region’s best and most indulgent local fare, the Bellarine Peninsula is also home to pristine beaches and superb surfing including Thirteenth Beach, and a host of activities including some of Australia’s best golf courses, water sports including paddle-boarding and kayaks, and more.
Overnight rates will be available from $250. Bookings can be made for after 1 August 2022.
www.portarlingtongrandhotel.com.au
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