HOTEL

Melbourne and the Park Hyatt

Text Denise Hummel
Photography Courtesy of the Park Hyatt, Melbourne

Melbourne is a lovely city to visit for business or leisure, with a vibrant waterfront dining scene, a quaint, if not somewhat staid center, shopping that includes all of the world's fashion dynasties, and a surrounding natural environment of beaches and islands, just minutes away from town, that offers a pleasing alternative to urban life.

I chose to stay at The Park Hyatt in Melbourne’s historic center. For the business traveler it is conveniently located near the Central Business District (CBD), as well as a subway stop and within walking distance of the free City Circle Tram, an antique version of the very efficient pay-as-you-go tram system that dissects the city at every major intersection, soft as a whisper, frequent, and providing seamless travel throughout the city.

The Park Hyatt with its elegant cosmopolitan ambiance is one of Melbourne’s premier hotels. I enjoyed starting each day with a swim in the 25 meter, aquamarine infinity pool, finishing up with a Jacuzzi that overlooks the Melbourne skyline, followed by a sauna or steam. I could have played tennis had I been so inclined or used the Day Spa, which includes a myriad of treatments, featuring La Prairie and Aveda products, had I had the time to do so. Sadly, duty called far too often for me to avail myself of the number of opportunities for relaxation and so I am unable to report to you the details of a spa experience, except to say that it is small and unassuming and staffed by pleasant, accommodating faces.

There are a total of 240 rooms, 24 of them suites, and five levels of suites, all quite lovely, my favorite being the Presidential Suite. It has a commanding position on the 17th Floor of the Park Tower and is literally nestled amongst the trees with views onto the historic buildings of the area, the surrounding gardens and parklands.

The master suite has two king beds, with gas fireplace, plasma television, extraordinary en suite, master Italian marble bathroom, oversized custom spa bath with inset television, separate shower and double vanity. There is a separate guest bathroom near the study and a dining room. The living area also features a gas fireplace. There is an executive area of the study that includes a facsimile, CD Player, four direct dial telephones and data ports.

In descending order from there, the Ambassador Suite is also located in the Park Tower, with separate bedroom and living space, a study area, a dining table for six, gas fireplace and views, which in varying degrees overlook many of the botanic and historic features of the area. The average room size is 165 square meters, quite ample for most needs. The Diplomatic Suite, smaller at approximately 120 square meters, offers the same amenities, in smaller proportion and is also in the Tower.

The Terrace Suite is located in the Cathedral residence and features king accommodation with separate bedroom and living room. There are large outdoor terraces that take in the view of St. Patrick's Cathedral. The average room size is 65 square meters. Lastly, the Park Executive Suites feature the same separation of living space with views of the historic precinct and are similar in size to the Terrace Suites.

All the guest rooms have a high speed wired internet connection and the business center provides an extensive range of free-standing services and facilities that include confidential secretarial and office services, translation and interpretation, photocopying, business reference library, equipment hire, data processing facilities and workstations with computer and internet access.

The ease of doing business here, its central location and lovely pool make it a perfect choice for combining business with a little sightseeing and relaxation.

THE PARK HYATT, MELBOURNE

Style Hi-rise, modern

Setting City center

Why you'll appreciate it Stunning pool, great location

Good to know The tram is within walking distance

Business Facilities:

Type of Internet Connection
Hardwire in the room
Number of in-room phone lines
Varies
Type of Desk Space
Ample, especially larger rooms
Fax Machine
In business centre
Printing Facilities
In Business Center and locally
Business Centre
There is an extensive range of business services, including confidential secretarial and office services, translation and interpretation, business reference library, equipment hire, data processing facilities and workstations with computer and internet access

Address 1 Parliament Square, off Parliament Place, Melbourne, Victoria 3002 Australia

Telephone Number +61 3 9224 1234
Fax Number +61 3 9224 1200
Email address cpm@hyatt.com.au
Website http://melbourne.park.hyatt.com

How to Get There

From Melbourne Airport to the Hotel
Distance: 21 km / 13 miles
Time: 30 minutes by car or taxi

From Parliament Station to the Hotel
Distance: 500 metres / 0.3 miles
Time: Three-minute walk