123 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia | (618) 248-8274
Luxurious rooms with generous floor plans and king beds
Sparkling marble bathrooms with June Jacobs toiletries
Impressive health club with a pool and rooftop tennis court, saunas, golf cages, and a basketball half court
Several on-site venues for drinks
Located on Melbourne's most prestigious stretch of road
Numerous meeting facilities
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Turndown service must be requested
Complaints of cleanliness issues in rooms and noisy plumbing
This opulent, centrally located hotel caters to the needs -- and deep wallets -- of business travelers. With big, comfortable rooms and plenty of on-site amenities, including a pool and rooftop tennis court, meeting facilities, and a spa, the luxurious Grand Hyatt is a solid pick for those who want to combine work and pleasure. It is, however, missing the small touches that set other luxury hotels apart, such as automatic turndown service or refreshments upon arrival.
Scene
Old-school decor and a white-collar crowd make for a refined atmosphere
With a simple (but luxe), neutral color scheme of earth tones, the Grand Hyatt has an elegant vibe, but those looking for a modern or daring aesthetic may be slightly disappointed. Instead of making a bold statement like the Hilton across the river, the Grand Hyatt seems designed to calm the nerves of the business travelers who make it their home during the week. On weekends, the vibe is a bit livelier, with honeymooners and interstate vacationers filling most of the rooms, and locals packing the various dining and drinking spaces.
Location
Conveniently positioned for shopping, with numerous transport options nearby
The Grand Hyatt is located at what locals call the "Paris end" of Collins Street -- a stretch that is home to many of Melbourne's luxury boutiques and high-end hotels. It's in the southeast corner of the Central Business District, or CBD, within walking distance of most of central Melbourne's attractions. A number of trams run along Collins Street, and many more can be caught from Flinders Street (which runs parallel to Collins) or Swanston Street (which runs perpendicular). Taxis congregate in front of the hotel and can also be hailed on Collins Street. Valet parking is available for $50/night. Melbourne Airport is about a 30 minutes' drive away.
Rooms
Understated luxury and a palpable sense of calm
At 350 square feet, even the smallest rooms feel generously proportioned, with plenty of space for the king beds and sofas, which are standard in all rooms. Flat-screen TVs are medium-sized, and there are iPod docking stations. The more expensive rooms feature Nespresso coffeemakers.The marble-clad bathrooms are a highlight: They all feature separate showers and tubs, as well as fluffy robes and a generous selection of toiletries from the June Jacobs Spa Collection.Newspapers are delivered free (on request), and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The turndown service must also be requested in advance.
Features
A modern health club -- with tons of facilities -- is the highlight of the amenities list.
The hotel's fitness center, City Club, is one of the largest and best-equipped health clubs in central Melbourne (it's popular with local office workers, who pay extravagant membership fees). In addition to all the usual cardio and weight equipment, there's a rooftop tennis court, a 35-foot indoor pool, saunas, steam rooms, a whirlpool, golf cages, and even a basketball half court. The club also has treatment rooms for massages, facials, and other beauty procedures.Collins Kitchen serves breakfast starting in the early morning, and features a casual, varied menu at lunch and dinner. There are several options for drinks and snacks: RU-CO has an extensive cocktail list and is popular with the after-work crowd; Bistro Bar is a low-key spot for coffee or a glass of wine; and the Lobby Lounge specializes in stately afternoon teas.