Historic Portarlington Grand Hotel set to re-open

Portarington Grand Hotel on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula will re-open this July following an extensive, multi-million-dollar renovation. 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.

The renovation includes the addition of 18 boutique rooms and the refurbishment of several dining spaces including The Front Bar, Bistro, The Atrium and The Lawn.

The rooms are a modern take on classic Victorian grandeur. Retaining the original design features such as ornamental fireplaces and archways, juxtaposed against luxurious, timeless textures and furnishings. The new rooms will provide a modern seaside retreat.

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 locally caught seafood and 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 groups, offering an expansive lawn area decked out with picnic tables and yellow and white striped umbrellas.

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.