I arrived early in the morning from Abu Dhabi and after clearing immigration I was at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne by about 6.30am. (The hotel is a 25-30 minute drive from the airport.) I had booked a room to accommodate this, and the hotel had been in touch a few days before to confirm my arrival. There was no line at check-in, and having used a Diamond Suite Upgrade I was delighted to receive a two room suite on the 27th Floor. Taxi’s drop off at the lower level and you need to take the lift or escalator to Reception.
It had been a long time since I had stayed at this hotel. More than a decade and whilst it has had a refit, the public areas were the same as I remember. You press the LED screen in the lift to choose the floor. The Grand Club is on the 31st floor.
A few hours sleep in a proper bed, a bath and I was ready to explore my room.
The living room had a large sofa, a couple of easy chairs, a desk and a large, flat screen TV in the corner. The bedroom also had a TV, more seating. Both rooms had large windows and effective blackout curtains and blinds.
The room was comfortable and felt new and fresh. Located at the end of the corridor it had expansive views. The property is in the centre of the city and is in easy walking distance of the major retail and business areas. The driver is just behind the hotel and it is in the ‘free tram area’ giving quick access on trams which past the front of the hotel regularly.
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
A bottle of red wine had been provided, with some grapes and nuts. (I also received the 1,000 Gold Passport points amenity, although this is no longer offered since the launch of World of Hyatt.)
There was a kettle with tea and coffee provided as well as a Nespresso machine and capsules; with fresh milk in the mini-bar.
The all marble bathroom was large, and located behind the bed. The jacuzzi bath and separate shower was a nice touch. There were plenty of towels and bathrobes were provided in the walk in wardrobe.
Grand Hyatt Melbourne Bathroom
Each day a newspaper arrived in the morning and the housekeeping staff kept the room clean and tidy for me. Bed sheets were changed every two days.
The air conditioning worked well and despite temperatures outside reaching 27C, the room was cool enough to sleep each night.
The Grand Hyatt was a host hotel for the Australian Open which was going on whilst I was there. The hotel was busy with tennis fans and I presume players. I was offered a 4pm check-out which I used as I transferred to the Park Hyatt for one night. The rates at the Grand Hyatt increased significantly as the tennis drew to a close.
A great stay, in a nice property. The suite upgrade made it special and I would not hesitate to return if I need to be in Melbourne again.
I’ll review the Grand Club at the property tomorrow.
The GH has been the official Australian Open hotel for many years, probably since it opened around 30 years ago. It’s a great time to stay there…other than the likelihood of having to pay a higher rate. It is common to see many of the old-time players in the lounge, many of them working in media these days. The players are a bit more elusive, usually seen only from the elevator to the car.
Interesting about the wine: they always used to put a bottle in the room, in addition to the amenity points but I thought they had stopped doing it. It’s a nice touch and it’s a nice property.
I was there the same time! Did a DSU also
Can you clarify what you meant when you said you had arranged for an early check-in? I’m arriving at around the same time in a couple of months and would be nice to have a room ready. Thanks.