GRAND HYATT MELBOURNE
Though it’s almost 10 years since the Grand Hyatt’s last big renovation, it remains one of Melbourne’s most coveted business hotels. The location is key to its appeal – smack bang in the big-business end of the CBD but also just moments away from the city’s most exciting eating, drinking and shopping. It’s not just the award-winning buffet breakfast that drives a brisk repeat business; the brass-and-awe lobby impresses without snobbery, as do the discreet and friendly staff. A step in any direction is a chooseyour-own adventure, to the gym (a full-blown 24-hour fitness centre), the rooftop tennis court or Ru-Co, the hotel’s destination cocktail bar. 23 Collins St, Melbourne, (03) 9657 1234, melbourne.grand.hyatt.com As well as handy items to buy and keep, the hotel keeps a “Hyatt Has It” inventory full of thoughtful extras, from ties and cufflinks for the forgetful to a humidifier and even a spin bike.
The rooftop tennis court, a rarity in city hotels, is the perfect prelude to a power lunch. Lobby restaurant Collins Kitchen combines expansive variety with impeccable attention to detail at breakfast. The organic kalamata olive loaf comes with food-allergen details, and gluten-free pastries are made in-house. Comprehensive à la carte offerings bolster the buffet’s juice, egg, smoothie and superfood stations ($44). The kitchen’s commitment to local sourcing extends to dinner, where menus feature Port Phillip
Bay whiting and High Country cod. Ru-Co styles itself as a laneway bar in a hotel.
Peruse the 2,700-bottle wine list while eavesdropping on Tinder dates.
WHERE CBD. COST From $472, without breakfast. AT A GLANCE 550 rooms and suites, adjoining rooms; bars, restaurant, pool, health centre, sauna, steam room, tennis court, paid valet parking. IN ROOM Free WiFi, bath, some kitchenettes, some coffee machines, pillow menu, June Jacobs toiletries. BEST ROOM Opt for a corner room such as 2207, a Grand Deluxe King with views of the Domain parklands.