HYATT PLACE MELBOURNE OPEN

AUSTRALIA’S first Hyatt Place hotel opened with fanfare last Thu night, in an all-star event which featured Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Aussie pop celebrity Guy Sebastian.

After welcome drinks in the hotel foyer the Melbourne glitterati guests proceeded to the adjacent Australian Events Centre, which joins the hotel as part of the Essendon Fields development backed by tycoons Lindsay Fox and Max Beck.

The $60 million, 166room Hyatt Place is located just 6.5km from Melbourne airport and 10km from the CBD, meaning it is ideally located for meetings and events avoiding the congestion of the city.

“Not only is it strategically located at the entrance to Essendon Fields, but will make it possible for business or busy travellers to meet, organise conferences or just stay in Melbourne’s north-west - a region that supports more people than the Gold Coast,” said Essendon Fields chief executive officer Chris Cowan.

He said Hyatt had been selected to operate the hotel after a global search, and the group’s proposal to create Australia’s first Hyatt Place branded property “perfectly fitted our need for a point of difference in the hotel and hospitality sector”.

Hyatt area vice president, Pacific, Robert Dawson said the Hyatt Place brand has been designed for the multitasking, 24/7 lifestyle of modern travellers.

The “select service” offering includes high-speed wi-fi, a free hot breakfast, a gym and 24/7 “gallery menu and market”.

Owner Max Beck is pictured with his team and dignitaries as they cut the official cake.