Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit Sergeant Colin Grenfell would not say whether the fire was suspicious and said investigations into its cause were ongoing.    

Metcalfe, Maldon, Lockwood, Walmer and Bendigo fire crews were called to the historic hotel on Monday when they were alerted to the fire about 9.30pm. 

It took three hours to control. 

Police closed off one lane of the Calder Highway in the Bendigo-bound direction.

The fire reignited on Tuesday about 6.30am but was controlled in just over an hour. 

Owners Coby and Joe Jansen were away and learnt of the news via telephone. 

They have lived at the hotel for nine years and had put the property up for sale in January last year.