Grand Hyatt Melbourne Review

Grand Hyatt Melbourne Review

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is a Category 4 property, meaning it costs 15,000 points for an award night stay.  Since it is a Category 4, you may also use your Chase Hyatt Visa anniversary night for a free night stay at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

As my annual award night was about to expire, this made for an opportunity to use the certificate.  I planned to stay two nights so my second night I made a Points + Cash reservation and used an expiring Diamond Suite Upgrade.  I hoped they would have pity on my and upgrade me for both nights.  Typically the Visa award night is not eligible for an upgrade.

I should also note that there is a Park Hyatt in Melbourne that often goes for the same price, or even less, than the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.  However the Park Hyatt is a bit farther out of the city and, according to reviews, isn’t up to the Park Hyatt name.

Location: The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is located at the intersection of Collins St (with an east/west tram) and Russell St.  It is a short walk to the Flinders St Station where you can cross a bridge to the South Bank.  Federation Square, a lively civic center, is also just a few minute walk away.  Directly behind the Grand Hyatt Melbourne is Flinders Lane, a hip set of alley ways filled with top notch restaurants and bars.  With the tram stop nearly in front of the hotel, you are able to get around the city pretty easily.

I took the SkyBus in from the airport and then the tram (free) to the hotel.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Check In: The Grand Hyatt Melbourne turned 30 the month of my visit.  While the outside looks quite dated, the public areas and the rooms have been updated (minus the bathrooms).  There are two lobbies at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.  The main lobby is on the second floor (entrance off of Collins) while the main entrance is actually down a level off of Russell.  It can be a bit confusing.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne in gold

There was no wait for me to check in and they had my room ready.  The did inform me I would need to switch rooms the second night for my suite.  It was not available for my free night.  It was probably more trouble than it was worth but I did want to check out what a suite was like at the property.

I was asked what welcome amenity I would like.  I said the 1,000 points and the agent asked if I would like that for both nights.  I said sure, but only ended up getting credited for my first night (as I would expect).

I had to ask about the pool facilities, Grand Club etc.  The agent seemed surprised I asked.  She then said that she thought I was a regular at the property.  I would guess she had me mixed up with another guest since this was my first time visiting.  After that she went over all the details with me.

Room: My first room was on the 31st floor (Room 3123) of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.  The 31st floor also houses the Grand Club.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Hallway

As you first enter the room the bathroom is immediately on your left.  Just past it the room opens up with enough space for a bed, a creative “booth” seating area, and entertainment center.  Overall a fairly small room.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

The large window faced an office building, so not much of a view at all.  The carpet and furniture was modern and in good shape.  Everything worked properly.  There were no “universal” plugs so be sure to bring an adapter.  One may be provided if requested, I believe there might have even been one in the drawer.

The only storage was in a closet in the “hall” just before the bathroom.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Bathroom: The bathroom is quite dated and needs an update.  Some of the metal was rusty and there were discoloration in the mirror.

The sink is a single vanity and they insisted on putting two metal cups on either side of the faucet.  The whole vibe was late 80’s.  There was a large soaking tub and stand alone shower with rain shower head.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

The bath products were all June Jacobs, my least favorite of any hotel product.  They did provide a box with various additional amenities.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Everything in the room and bathroom was clean, but just dated.

Suite: The second night I was moved to a suite.  Unfortunately the suite wasn’t ready until after 4:00pm and housekeeping was intent on getting me out of my previous room.  I explained the situation and they finally let me be in my room until the suite was ready.

Unfortunately the keys I was brought for the suite didn’t work.  However, when I got it fixed I went up to the 32nd floor to the suite room 3320.

The suite is quite large with a living room area with large table and powder room.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

The bedroom area is similar to my first room with much nicer view.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

The main bathroom is nearly identical except for the addition of a jetted jacuzzi tub.  There is also an additional walk in closet just outside the bathroom.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

While I picked the points for my welcome amenity, I was also brought food and beverage for my suite.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Pool/Gym: Both the pool and gym are located on the 9th floor.  The gym is quite large and offers local membership; so it feels more like a 24 Hour Fitness than hotel gym and pool.  The pool is inside and looked quite dated.  I didn’t feel any need to try out the pool.

Grand Club: The Grand Hyatt Melbourne Club is quite standard.  Breakfast is served in the morning with happy hour from 5-7 with enough food to replace a meal if so inclined.  It was quite busy and it seemed many were doing just that.  The views of the city are quite nice from the club.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Staff: I found the staff just okay.  Changing my room for my second night seemed to confuse them.  It took a couple of check ins on my part before they got around to making the switch.  The Club staff were friendly and nice but not the attention to detail you might find at another property.

Overall: The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is a decent metropolitan hotel.  It is a good home base for business or to explore the city.  It does not feel overly luxurious, but reminds me of many of the Grand Hyatt or Regency properties I have stayed at in the US.  If I were to return to Melbourne I would probably try out the Park Hyatt just to compare.  UPDATE: My review of the Park Hyatt Melbourne (2018).

 

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