There’s an earthy brown and blue snake out my window. Its thick body gleams in the sunlight as it curves and slithers around the trees. I’m not, of course, talking about the kind you wouldn’t want to come face-to-face with in the bush, but Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River. It looks remarkable from this view – 30-something floors above ground. The whole city does, really. That’s because I’m staying at Grand Hyatt Melbourne, which boasts a prime CBD address on Collins Street and some of the best views of Melbourne I’ve seen. Down below, there’s the whimsical Forum and Fed Square. I spot the trademark dome of Flinders Street Station, and in the distance, I can see the MCG. And now, it’s time to hop into a fluffy white robe and drink up those views – alongside a glass of chilled bubbles.
Why stay at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne?
Grand Hyatt Melbourne is one of the city’s landmark hotels, offering elegance and five-star hospitality in the heart of Melbourne. As well as its grid-worthy views, one of the best things about this luxe spot is its stellar location. How good is it being close to the action when you’re on holidays – where you can lace up and immerse yourself in the energy and magic of the streets? With Grand Hyatt Melbourne being walking distance to excellent restaurants and bars, top-notch attractions, and easy access to trains and trams, you can do just that here. And in case the name didn’t give it away – it’s also a pretty luxe experience. Whether you’re visiting Melbourne for work, an anniversary or a birthday, you can stay in style and comfort here.
What are the rooms like at Grand Hyatt Melbourne?
The Grand Hyatt Melbourne features 546 rooms and suites, from the king room to the premier suite – all with gold and brown tones, expansive windows that nearly take up the whole wall, and soft, king-sized beds. There’s also the option to book connecting rooms if you’re visiting with family.
I love that the rooms feel very private, with thick walls and no awkward neighbour noise. The heavy curtains mean your sleep won’t be disturbed by the peeping sun. Each room also comes with a Cruella de Vil-coded black-and-white bathroom decked out in fancy Italian marble. If you’re tall, do yourself a favour and book a spa room – you can actually stretch out in the bath. My other tip? Request a room on the 20th floor or higher to really soak up those Melbourne skyline views.
Tech-wise, the room feels a touch dated – for example, I have to get out of bed to turn off all the lights (first world problem, I know) – but overall, it’s a classy space.
Where can you eat at Grand Hyatt Melbourne?
Forget what you think you know about hotel restaurants – make sure you eat at Collins Kitchen while staying here. The ground-floor restaurant specialises in American-style barbecue using Aussie produce cooked over flames, as well as fresh seafood and desserts you’ll want to stick around for (hello, vanilla bean soft-serve sundae).
I begin with oysters jazzed-up with bright, burnt citrus and ponzu dressing, alongside creamy taramasalata piled onto puffy, charred flatbread straight from the wood-fired oven. I toy with the idea of ordering the barbecue chicken served with garlic yoghurt and pickles, and the grass-fed eye fillet with café de Paris butter. But in the end, I go for sticky-sweet pork belly skewers wrapped in wasabi leaves with a trio of house-made sauces. Sweet, spicy, savoury, delicious – it’s the right decision.
Feel like a cocktail? Head to hidden laneway spot Ru-Co Bar for a globe-trotting tipple. Or if you’ve got a breakfast meeting or casual catch-up, Bistro Bar is your place.
The Grand Club Lounge, located on level 31, features sweeping cityscape views. From complimentary breakfast to afternoon cocktails and canapés, this is the place to unwind. Access is exclusive to guests booking suites or Club Access rooms.
What is the service like at Grand Hyatt Melbourne?
Walking into the lobby at Grand Hyatt Melbourne is an experience in itself. The shiny, golden reception hall and its soaring ceiling instantly feel, well, very grand. I’m also a big fan of the large, colourful abstract painting Almanac by Melbourne-based artist Paul Partos, which is one of the first things you see. The team at the front desk greeted me with warmth and a big smile – just like the service I received later that night at Collins Kitchen.
What is the gym and spa like at Grand Hyatt Melbourne?
Grand Hyatt Melbourne is home to the City Club Health and Fitness Centre, and I can’t say for sure, but I reckon it’s got to be the biggest hotel gym in Melbourne. Think: every piece of equipment under the sun, an indoor swimming pool and a rooftop tennis court. Feel like some downtime? You can get a massage or facial here, including a full-body total relaxation massage. I can smell the scented oil already.
What’s the area like around Grand Hyatt Melbourne?
It sounds like a cliché, but you really are in the heart of the city at Grand Hyatt Melbourne – close to attractions, bougie designer shops and cool cafés. The surrounding area feels cosmopolitan, with city workers en route to meetings and tourists hitting the streets. It’s about a six-minute walk to Hector’s Deli for loaded sambos (go for the pastrami and pickles), and an eight-minute walk to Maison Bâtard for a nighttime Martini on the are-we-in-Paris rooftop terrace.
Why should you book a stay at Grand Hyatt Melbourne?
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Melbourne with cracking views and a side of luxury – this is it.
Address: 123 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Price per night: Prices start at around $350
Closest transport link: Flinders Street Station is a seven-minute walk away
Book now: You can book a stay at Grand Hyatt Melbourne here