Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Which hotel in Melbourne?

We're trying to decide where to stay in Melbourne... Jan 12-14, 2005.

We only have a couple days, so we don't want to spend too much of our time schlepping around. My preferences are the Hilton, Marriott, or Hyatt (its all about the points... or elite status Hilton Gold, Marriott Silver).

Their descriptions all sound great and the pictures they provide are nice, but good marketing can even make a used Yugo sound like a gem. Anyone have experience staying in Melbourne for under $200 (AUD)?

Also any suggestions on what not to miss would be appreciated. We're hoping to take a Yarra Valley wine tasting tour, but anything else is fair game. I've even considered taking in a cricket match on the 14th (never been to one before), but I'm not sure the wife would enjoy herself.

Thanks in advance!

Park Hyatt is very nice but won't be under USD200 per night. Grand Hyatt is a dump, really awful (used to be a nice hotel but neglected and run into the ground). Hilton is not very good (at least when I stayed there a decade ago, don't have more recent experience). No idea about the Marriott but no matter what it will be better than the Grand Hyatt. My own choice is the Westin but that isn't on your list. Lots to see in Melbourne, a week isn't enough, particularly when the weather is good (about 2 weeks a year, might be your week).

All the big name hotels are pretty much within walking distance of everything - including public transportation (buses, trams, water taxis, trains at Flinders Station).

Most of my MEL stays are at the Westin. It is modern and very "W" like. The Sheraton Southgate is also great. These two hotels usually price out under 200 USD per night. Service is outstanding.

I stayed at the Grand Hyatt about four years ago. It wasn't that bad. We got an upgraded spacious corner room, and we enjoyed it. I haven't stayed at the Park Hyatt but have heard good things about it.

As far as what to see... You're a bit early for the Australian Open Tennis (January 17-30). I would recommend seeing an Australian Rules football game - even if you do or do not watch sports - because it is a highly entertaining event. Go wandering through some of the unique neighborhoods, and there are many. Take a day trip down the Great Ocean Road to see the 12 Apostles, which are amazing sand formations in the ocean. Drive to the small beach village of Sorrento, and spend a day at the beach and walking around the shops. Take the free tram ride that circles the downtown area of Melbourne. That's all that is coming to mind right now. Enjoy!!

the Park Hyatt is currently $A268 per night and certainly worth the extra$ especially with the current FFN.

the funny thing is that the GH is $320 at the time!
there is JUST no comparasin.

I have seen it at $A225 though.
The hilton I have seen at $170.

just keep checking

The Grand Hyatt and Park Hyatt both have good locations for sights, transport and walking, while I think the other two are less pleasant (Marriott) or convenient (Hilton). Can't comment on quality.

For a short stay in MEL, I'd stick to the city itself (other than your wine-tasting trip), rather than trying to fit in long-distance excursions, even though the Great Ocean Road is wonderful (full day trip). There are many accessible and interesting neighbourhoods which show the visitor what makes MEL such a great place to live... and parks abound, as do beaches along the bay if you need sun and water.

Not sure that there'll be any Aussie Rules Football matches in January, tealeaf99! But cricket, sure -- it's a game which probably entrances or bores sh!tless...

The weather could be anywhere between 18C and 45C during the day...