Review: Park Hyatt Melbourne

Hi Lucky!

I have four nights here later this year. Have you stayed at the Grand Hyatt? I'm thinking of splitting up my nights. Or would you recommend the Westin or Sheraton over either of the Hyatts? Thanks for the detailed reviews!

I stayed in this one a year ago. And, I actually preferred it to the Park Hyatt in Sydney, which I felt was a disappointment. The location in Melbourne is better than the PH Sydney's location is in Sydney for the things I actually wanted to see and do. The view isn't as good, of course. And it's the small things, too. As a taller guy, I loved the size of the bathtub at the PH Melbourne much more than PH Sydney.

I would definitely stay there again. I loved it.

OMG, the decor and design of this Park Hyatt is HIDEOUS, and makes the PH Aviara look like an Aman resort at least aesthetically.

The Park Hyatt in Saigon is actually sort of "traditional"-feeling in design as a nod to the country's French colonial influence, and is slated for a re-design, but still feels classic and luxurious even if not "modern" in the typical PH way. But this - the PH Melbourne looks like if a blind interior designer tried to take a stab at "Art Deco." It looks like one of those cheesy "iPic" suburban movie theaters where they charge you $22 to have a "classy" leather recliner. I can't even imagine when this was first designed that it ever felt fresh and classic.

Colo(u)r me disappointed!

I think I'd actually prefer the Westin over the Park Hyatt in the situation.

For first time MEL visitors, I think the GH would be better located. PH is quieter...but I guess does have a decent breakfast and lounge.

Could you explain why you chose this hotel over the Grand Hyatt?

We stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne years ago and the pictures of the lobby make me think it is the same hotel rebranded? Weird. Sure doesn't look like a Park Hyatt at all.

The Westin would be a much better choice for most, at least given my experience a few years back. The PH looked dated even then. Thanks for the review.

Wow, for what this hotel is supposed to be, it looks pretty terrible. That tennis court looks like a prison's outdoor exercise area...

I have stayed at the Grand Hyatt in MEL a few times (22 years ago - pre remodel, and 12 years ago - post remodel). I guess it needs a remodel again, I will be there this coming summer. Back in earlier visits - I don't believe the Park Hyatt existed as a Park Hyatt. It likely is a rebranded hotel.

I like the Grand Hyatt - great location and large high rise hotel. It used to be the premier hotel in MEL. They use a connected, full service gym (membership type) for their spa/gym.

Thanks for this review. I stayed at a suite at the Grand Hyatt and am glad I changed from the Park to there. Much better price, much better location as well. Lovely pool at the Park it seems, though!

The Melbourne Grand Hyatt is much more central, being right in the middle of the city. It has been completely refurbished within the past few years. The Park Hyatt doesn't look like it's changed at all since I stayed there 15 years ago!

(Long time reader - First time commenter - Melbournian)

Great review of the Park Hyatt - you are spot on with your reference to it having a cruse ship feel.

If I was to list in order of preference the hotels discussed.

1. Grand Hyatt - The oldest of the four (1985) but a complete refurbishment in 2011 has given the GH a new feel and has a very central location. (Good club lounge).

2. Sheraton - Opening in 2014 is the newest 5 star hotel in Melbourne and is very smart and not yet got that "used" feel about it. The standard rooms have a good feel to them but they are smallest of the four. (No club lounge).

3. Park Hyatt - I feel this property is starting to show it's age as it was completed in 1999 with a high level of specification. Big standard rooms, great staff and upmarket location just outside the city grid near Parliament House.

4. Westin - Like the PH this property has had very little work done over its 15 year history. Very central location and good vibe in the lobby and bar. (Poor restaurant and no club lounge).

Thanks Lucky for the great reviews and eagerly awaiting your Qantas First A380 report as I am doing my first Qantas First later this year.

Sounds exactly like my Tripadvisor review. We had a number of miscues at the front desk. They always apologized and made it right but in no way did this feel like a PH. Worthwhile and a good deal. Could not believe the beautiful lounge was open for a measly 2 hrs per day!

So the question is would you choose the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne over this property?

@ DP81 -- Unfortunately this is the only property I've stayed at in Melbourne, so can't really chime in about the other options. All things considered I do think it's an excellent option, still.

@ chris -- Well because generally Park Hyatt > Grand Hyatt, and all things considered this is still a very nice hotel.

@ Stevie -- Thanks for the insight!

@ JustSaying -- I would certainly check it out next time for some variety, if nothing else.

The two Hyatts are a 5-10 minute walk apart so not much difference in location. The GH has always been the locals favourite and where the money is spent. Some stay just to use the gym! Westin is more dated than the Park Hyatt while not mentioned as chains go,Sofitel would be my choice. The Melbourne market is much more independant or boutique style as they provide more the standard of food, design, drink that the locals are used to. The advantage of the Grand Hyatt & Sofitel is some of the best/fashionable/new food is minutes away, though you have to leave the hotel for it.

So I am hearing if there is a one time visit that the Grand Hyatt should be the property of first choice......

I can't comment on what it's like to stay there but the park Hyatt probably has the best location out of the major chain hotels in Melbourne, edge of the CBD, very close to Fitzroy and Collingwood where a lot of the more interesting bars and restaurants are and by parliament station for everywhere else.

To be fair the Westin is in a pretty good spot at the centre of the CBD, close to flinders St and Fed Square so there isn't a great deal in it.

Also on that, the bar at the top of the Sofitel looks good and the new Sheraton is in a great spot. Definitely err on the eastern end of the CBD

I should point out that none of the major hotels mentioned in this thread are no more than 5-10 minutes walk away from any of the others, and with trams being free in the CBD now the location should really not be an issue when deciding between them.

OMG, 1990, and not just the decor, but the architecture, which will be loads of fun working around in the next refresh.

I'll be MEL in November for 2 nights. I was gonna default to PH, but now after reading...not sure. Great trip report btw.

I'm a current Melburnite, but I stayed in both Hyatts while planning my move here. Overall I preferred the Grand, and would probably stay there again unless the Park were cheaper (which it never is). Better location (I know, they're close together, but it's still a few blocks' walking saved every time you come or go), better service (in my own experience at least; the PH staff always seemed like they were waiting for someone more important to come along), better views. On the other hand the Park Hyatt had bigger rooms and a nice indoor pool.

The one caveat with the Grand is that in an otherwise-sweet renovation they somehow managed to install doors that don't go all the way to the floor, which causes a bit of corridor noise in your room. This wasn't a problem for me, but could be an issue if you stay on the club floor or any other floor with stuff going on.

We don't think this hotel has been a roaring success.

Same developer as the Grand Hyatt Melbourne (Lustig & Moar), and they spent AU$150 million to develop it (its only a 240 room hotel), finishing it in 1999.

The Singaporeans (GIC) bought it in 2003 for ~AU$126 million, and it was sold to the Chinese (Fu Wah International Group) in early 2014 for a figure believed to be AU$135 million.

From a guests perspective, this property has some massive rooms.

Also interesting to see that they have Aesop amenities now. When we last stayed here (albeit in a Club Deluxe room not a Suite), the amenities were Le Labo BERGAMOTE 22.

Lucky,

This is a very nice hotel, having stayed there in January last year. My guess is you want everything to look like the Park Hyatt NYC, which is a bit crazy, and not sure you are really in touch with much of your audience. Time for a reality check buddy.

Best,

David

@ David -- Call it what you will, stylistically this is more like a Grand Hyatt than a Park Hyatt. And that's not me saying it isn't nice, but just saying it's different from what you expect from a Park Hyatt.

@ Miles Down Under -- thank you for the information! Are the new owners planning to refresh the hotel?

@ Lucky -- by all accounts it sounds like GH is a preferred choice, especially since it's Category 4 so cheaper on points/points+cash and Hyatt credit card free night certificate can be used on it (don't have the card but I think free night is limited to Cat. 1-4).

Also, is it standard for Australian hotels to have a surcharge for credit card payments? Both GH and PH show this message when checking rates:

An additional 3% service fee will apply to the total stay account when paying by Amex and Diners credit cards upon departure.

All other credit cards will incur an additional 1.5% fee which will apply to the total stay upon departure. Fee does not apply to prepaid or advanced purchase rates.

@ Ivan Y -- Haven't heard of any immediate plans to do so, unfortunately.

@ Lucky
Fine answer.Ii have the same mindset as well (PH>GH) when I begin to compare. I do struggle however deciding with places like melbourne, goa, and beijing when it comes to what the actual better hotel is especially if your considering using your DSU. The former two, I usually lean towards the GH as the better hotel. Any cities where you think the GH > PH?

@ Chris -- Hmmm, haven't done either property in Goa or Beijing. In Melbourne I'd definitely give the GH a try. So it's clear in some cases that the gap is small. Interesting question...

My wife and I feel Park Hyatt Melb is really a Grand Hyatt hiding behind PH brand while Grand Hyatt Hong Kong operates at PH standard but hiding behind GH brand. The newly renovated suites there has similar fit out to PH Sydney.

@TKK - you're right about the GH HK, those renovated suites are absolutely amazing!

@Ivan Y - no plans.

Also, it is standard 'down under' for hotels to have a credit card surcharge.

No way would I stay at the GH vs the PH. PH location is much better unless you love views of adjacent high rises and lots of city traffic. PH is just on the edge of the CBD next to St Patrick's Cathedral (stunning night views when the spires are lit up) and close to the Parliament building. Other side gets expansive park/city views that only a few rooms at the GH enjoy. PH is in a much more upscale neighborhood but only a couple blocks away from the GH.

Now, if you're a 20-30 something and bar hopping is your scene and want action, then perhaps the GH is a more appropriate choice.

As for the property looking like a bit like a GH, I agree. But the service level is as good as any PH we've stayed at, the property is in immaculate condition and the rooms are clean and spacious. The finishes are top notch and trashing it to give a more neutral PH look would be a travesty.

The lounge can get very full (to capacity) at times, so count yourself lucky if you had a quiet experience.

I just spent 2 nights at both of the Melbourne Hyatts and in the end preferred the Grand Hyatt by a long shot... but to each his own for sure! Am heading back to MEL our way home from Australia and chose the GH over the Park....

@ stacey -- Thanks for the data point! Will check out the Grand Hyatt next time.