A cremation urn was found in a room at the Bendigo Motor Inn last year, but attempts to trace the owner have been unsuccessful.

It contains ashes, which could be human.

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Police have now put out a public request for information saying they hope to reunite the item with its owner, as it could hold the remains of a loved one.

Senior Constable Aspen Quick said Bendigo Motor Inn owner was shocked to discover the vessel, just sitting on a shelf in a room.

She said the motel reported the urn to police on November 25 within a few days of finding it, after making their own enquiries.

The urn could have been in the room for weeks, as it lay empty during the second COVID-19 lockdown.

Senior Constable Quick said the urn had probably been left between October 22 and November 22, based on the dates the room was in use.

She said the motel owner had contacted everyone who had stayed in the room recently, but no one claimed ownership.

Senior Constable Quick said there were no names or numbers on the urn by which to identify it.

The silver vessel stands about 20 to 25 centimetres high and 15 centimetres wide. It's engravings are in a mix of blue, red and yellow.

Senior Constable Quick said those who owned the urn may not even have known where it was lost.

"There's potentially someone out there missing their family member or someone close to them," she said.

Anyone who believes the urn is theirs, or they know who the owner is, has been asked to contact Senior Constable Aspen Quick at the Bendigo Police Station on 5448 1300.

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