Joss K.
Yelp
Frankly, the only reason this hotel gets 4 and not 5 stars is likely because I just left the bastion of hotel perfection at the Park Hyatt Sydney. While this is an excellent hotel, the Park Hyatt Sydney is in a class of its own.
That said...we were warmly welcomed after a delayed flight and an incredibly rough landing due to terribly inclement weather. We were glad to be on solid ground and in good hands, to say the least. Check in was smooth, though they missed a few of the usual Diamond member perks and when they offered the amenity, they passed it off as "just a jar of nuts and an in-house wine." Felt a bit like we were at a Regency in the United States, where that is commonplace, but again, a far cry from the Sydney's "when shall we deliver a bottle of Veuve Clicquot to your room?" Alas, we return to reality.
On the very plus side of things, our room was beautifully appointed--feels a little Wiener Werkstatte, as my colleague pointed out--and it was nearly 650 square feet, replete with walk in closet and changing areas, an oversized bath area, and a sitting room with a fireplace! We had fires every night, sometimes with a glass of red wine. Just perfect for this wintry season in Melbourne. Housekeeping staff were efficient and unobtrusive.
The Park Club on the 19th floor, where our room was located, offers superb views of the city, a solid continental breakfast on Sundays only--other days one takes breakfast in the Radii Restaurant--and evening cocktails, wine, and heavy canapés and dessert petit fours. Access is limited.
The breakfast buffet in Radii is an excellent international spread--just as one would expect. Service here is, again, efficient and unobtrusive, and one's teapot is never empty.
We enjoyed our stay so much, in fact, that we opted to switch our last two nights from the Grand Hyatt--which I'm sure is lovely in its own regard--and just stay put. Vignesh at the front desk took care of this request effortlessly, along with booking early morning cabs to the airport and arranging for a breakfast on the go. Top honors to him for excellent and personal service, but without overlooking any of the other wonderful associates. I felt as though we were staying not at a hotel, but among friends.
Oh, and if you've a few days, try the relaxation massage packaged with high tea and a glass of champagne. Just a perfect way to while away the afternoon, and the lovely spa hostess Apple is tops.
This will surely be my go-to for any further visit to Melbourne. It should be yours, too.