Park Hyatt Melbourne REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
May 18, 2007, 1:08 am
#46
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 594
My colleagues are telling me there's a Sheraton along the riverwalk in Melbourne. They say this hotel is a fine alternative to the Park Hyatt, but no one here has mentioned it and I can't find it on the Starwood site. Is there a Sheraton in Melbourne that would be better than the PH?
May 18, 2007, 12:31 pm
#47
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,857
My colleagues are telling me there's a Sheraton along the riverwalk in Melbourne. They say this hotel is a fine alternative to the Park Hyatt, but no one here has mentioned it and I can't find it on the Starwood site. Is there a Sheraton in Melbourne that would be better than the PH?
May 19, 2007, 7:30 am
#48
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: MEL
Programs: SQ
Posts: 174
Dec 5, 2007, 12:29 pm
#49
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Seattle,WA
Programs: Hyatt Diamond+, Alaska Airlines MVP, Priority Club Platinum
Posts: 2,682
Returned to the Park Hyatt Melbourne after 3 years and was not that impressed anymore. I am sad to make such a review particularly when the staff went out of their way because I was a Diamond to get me a room at my originally rate after I accidently cancelled my room on a night when the hotel was full. Kudos for them coming through for me.
I was given a very nice room on the top floor only because the hotel was completely full (fireplace, living room, huge bathroom) but it smelled so bad of smoke. Made multiple requests for an ozone machine but because we were only there one night did not worry about it too much.
Went into the lounge in the afternoon and saw the soda behind a locked glass door in the cooler. Asked the staff lady about getting a soda. She said sorry but those will be served from 6 to 8 pm only and I tried to restrain myself from laughing. "Are you kidding me" I said to myself. I VERY much got a sense the hotel is trying to be cheap. Which is sad since the hotel is pretty expensive. But I think this is the same hotel that years ago someone reported yelled at them for taking a soda back to their room.
Even the food from 6 to 8 pm was not all that great from what I remember. However, don't be afraid. If you are someone who is use to the pathetic U.S. Hyatts they will probably be very impressed but I was expecting so much more from a previous visit I had to the hotel. It is similar to food offerings at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Not really substanstial (unlike Grand Hyatt Hong Kong which IMHO is the best RC right now having great food) but a few foo foo snacks unique to the country. Wine and liquor was self serve and what you might expect but there was plenty of beer offered and also self serve.
Breakfast in the restaurant was better than your typical continental but the terrible, terrible service really takes away from the whole experience. (They need to send all of their staff to Tokyo/Kyoto ASAP for massive retraining). They said they were going to charge an $8 upcharge per person for hot vs. continental but as a Diamond they never charged me which as nice.
Outside of 6 to 8 pm the lounge offered a fairly average, bordering on pathetic, espresso machine and a tiny self serve jar of dry cookies.
Diamond amenity is still a bottle of wine (which is great for an international property) but be sure to ask for it.
As I am back home the fact that I was denied a simple soda still echos through my head. But different cultures have different expectations. Sadly, I recently read such great reviews about the Grand Hyatt Melbourne Lounge and that hotel would have been so much cheaper. I will certainly consider the Grand Hyatt in the future.
I was given a very nice room on the top floor only because the hotel was completely full (fireplace, living room, huge bathroom) but it smelled so bad of smoke. Made multiple requests for an ozone machine but because we were only there one night did not worry about it too much.
Went into the lounge in the afternoon and saw the soda behind a locked glass door in the cooler. Asked the staff lady about getting a soda. She said sorry but those will be served from 6 to 8 pm only and I tried to restrain myself from laughing. "Are you kidding me" I said to myself. I VERY much got a sense the hotel is trying to be cheap. Which is sad since the hotel is pretty expensive. But I think this is the same hotel that years ago someone reported yelled at them for taking a soda back to their room.
Even the food from 6 to 8 pm was not all that great from what I remember. However, don't be afraid. If you are someone who is use to the pathetic U.S. Hyatts they will probably be very impressed but I was expecting so much more from a previous visit I had to the hotel. It is similar to food offerings at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Not really substanstial (unlike Grand Hyatt Hong Kong which IMHO is the best RC right now having great food) but a few foo foo snacks unique to the country. Wine and liquor was self serve and what you might expect but there was plenty of beer offered and also self serve.
Breakfast in the restaurant was better than your typical continental but the terrible, terrible service really takes away from the whole experience. (They need to send all of their staff to Tokyo/Kyoto ASAP for massive retraining). They said they were going to charge an $8 upcharge per person for hot vs. continental but as a Diamond they never charged me which as nice.
Outside of 6 to 8 pm the lounge offered a fairly average, bordering on pathetic, espresso machine and a tiny self serve jar of dry cookies.
Diamond amenity is still a bottle of wine (which is great for an international property) but be sure to ask for it.
As I am back home the fact that I was denied a simple soda still echos through my head. But different cultures have different expectations. Sadly, I recently read such great reviews about the Grand Hyatt Melbourne Lounge and that hotel would have been so much cheaper. I will certainly consider the Grand Hyatt in the future.
Dec 5, 2007, 6:26 pm
#50
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,092
My colleagues are telling me there's a Sheraton along the riverwalk in Melbourne. They say this hotel is a fine alternative to the Park Hyatt, but no one here has mentioned it and I can't find it on the Starwood site. Is there a Sheraton in Melbourne that would be better than the PH?
Sadly it’s with a very small hotel group these days.
It had service levels that the Park Hyatt never was able to achieve. I am sure the Langham is doing a great job as many of their excellent team members remain.
I love the Park Hyatt as a property however the management and ultimately the ownership lie at fault with service and business culture. Hyatt as many know gave up to some degree on the Park Hyatt brand and enforcing brand standards. Their priorities seem to be elsewhere primarily launching new brands.And where there attention is placed they seem to be doing an impressive job with Hyatt Place and other new brands that hold the key at present to Hyatts future.Park Hyatt in North America with the exception of some select International properties was very painful to watch over the last year or two.It was my favorite brand in the US
Especially when they had properties
Dec 5, 2007, 6:42 pm
#51
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,092
Sorry to hear about your stay westcoastman
I too will spend a few nights at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne next year
The last time I was there at the Grand it wasn't as nice as the Park only with regard to the rooms. The service at the Grand Hyatt however was excellent and the club lounge was hospitable.I look forward to seeing them after their renovation. I have always preferred the location of the Grand
Management has really taken the Park Hyatt business culture down to new lows.
At one time business was so bad shockingly they started accepting hospital patients that were released.
Don't know if that is still happening.
But I hope when patients were calling to conquer their thirsts out of surgery they weren't told calll back bewteen 6 and 8 PM when beverages are offered
Glad they lock tight all those bottled waters from greedy GP elites and all that pay to use the facility
Either you are proud to serve guests and build relationships or get out of the business and turn it into a condo.The Park Hyatt early on was a proud hotel and Ernesto the former GM really cared about making it an excellent destination property that performed.There isn't anything he wouldn't do to make a guest happy within reason.
While Mr. Holliger on the other hand who I will assume is still manager from the present review has not been guest experienced/ focused over the years past.Sadly under his regime the hotel has slipped in most areas of the guest experience.In room dining was so good in past stays years ago I would typically spend hundreds happily to eat like a king in my suite during my stay.
My last visit the food was inedible and I never ordered again.
Nor did anyone care
The only highly positive thing I can say about the PH was with regard to Gold Passport recognition. The upgrade was excellent and world class .
The front office manager would walk you up to your room.
However the joy was soon ruined over disagreements at the front desk over club lounge access which was orginally denied.I was told upgrade or club access as a Diamond member NOT BOTH
Then in a complete turnaround or stroke of luck the 5 star prison team granted both
When I went up to use the club next morning it was locked shut /closed no one bothered to let us know......Mr.Hollinger couldn't be bothered following up a single concern.
Perhaps hospital patients felt his brand of management style was a step up. And the hotel thought patients were in no position to make requests due to their compromised condition and might make better guests 
Its sad as this was once the top three hotels in the city to a large degree
I too will spend a few nights at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne next year
The last time I was there at the Grand it wasn't as nice as the Park only with regard to the rooms. The service at the Grand Hyatt however was excellent and the club lounge was hospitable.I look forward to seeing them after their renovation. I have always preferred the location of the Grand
Management has really taken the Park Hyatt business culture down to new lows.
At one time business was so bad shockingly they started accepting hospital patients that were released.
Don't know if that is still happening.
But I hope when patients were calling to conquer their thirsts out of surgery they weren't told calll back bewteen 6 and 8 PM when beverages are offered
Glad they lock tight all those bottled waters from greedy GP elites and all that pay to use the facility
Either you are proud to serve guests and build relationships or get out of the business and turn it into a condo.The Park Hyatt early on was a proud hotel and Ernesto the former GM really cared about making it an excellent destination property that performed.There isn't anything he wouldn't do to make a guest happy within reason.
While Mr. Holliger on the other hand who I will assume is still manager from the present review has not been guest experienced/ focused over the years past.Sadly under his regime the hotel has slipped in most areas of the guest experience.In room dining was so good in past stays years ago I would typically spend hundreds happily to eat like a king in my suite during my stay.
My last visit the food was inedible and I never ordered again.
Nor did anyone care
The only highly positive thing I can say about the PH was with regard to Gold Passport recognition. The upgrade was excellent and world class .
The front office manager would walk you up to your room.
However the joy was soon ruined over disagreements at the front desk over club lounge access which was orginally denied.I was told upgrade or club access as a Diamond member NOT BOTH
Then in a complete turnaround or stroke of luck the 5 star prison team granted both
When I went up to use the club next morning it was locked shut /closed no one bothered to let us know......Mr.Hollinger couldn't be bothered following up a single concern.
Perhaps hospital patients felt his brand of management style was a step up. And the hotel thought patients were in no position to make requests due to their compromised condition and might make better guests
Its sad as this was once the top three hotels in the city to a large degree
Last edited by 777 global mile hound; Dec 6, 2007 at 9:17 am
Dec 6, 2007, 2:43 am
#52
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Manhattan Beach, California
Programs: BMI Diamond Club Gold forever
Posts: 6,367
I was all set to write a bad review of the place from a stay last month... but I see you guys have that covered!
In addition to some of the problems listed in prior posts, I would particularly complain about the F&B experience. Our dinner was sooo overpriced for what we got (plain, luke warm, bland) and then we only got one breakfast credited for Diamond status (that was a new one, in over 3 years of Diamond status we've always gotten 2).
Not sure what else there is in town but I would avoid this place. I hope they get the sense to pull the Park brand, this is bad company for Seoul and Saigon.
In addition to some of the problems listed in prior posts, I would particularly complain about the F&B experience. Our dinner was sooo overpriced for what we got (plain, luke warm, bland) and then we only got one breakfast credited for Diamond status (that was a new one, in over 3 years of Diamond status we've always gotten 2).
Not sure what else there is in town but I would avoid this place. I hope they get the sense to pull the Park brand, this is bad company for Seoul and Saigon.
Dec 6, 2007, 9:39 am
#53
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,092
I was all set to write a bad review of the place from a stay last month... but I see you guys have that covered!
In addition to some of the problems listed in prior posts, I would particularly complain about the F&B experience. Our dinner was sooo overpriced for what we got (plain, luke warm, bland) and then we only got one breakfast credited for Diamond status (that was a new one, in over 3 years of Diamond status we've always gotten 2).
Not sure what else there is in town but I would avoid this place. I hope they get the sense to pull the Park brand, this is bad company for Seoul and Saigon.
In addition to some of the problems listed in prior posts, I would particularly complain about the F&B experience. Our dinner was sooo overpriced for what we got (plain, luke warm, bland) and then we only got one breakfast credited for Diamond status (that was a new one, in over 3 years of Diamond status we've always gotten 2).
Not sure what else there is in town but I would avoid this place. I hope they get the sense to pull the Park brand, this is bad company for Seoul and Saigon.
What I would like to see them do is return their focus to the full guest experience and gain control over their hotels and brand assurance.
The current management style is better suited for running apartment or condo complexes where there is no guest interaction. You need a people person. Good to the team and good to the guests.And bring back the former chef.That individual knew it was time to fly the coop it wasn't just the guests
I highly recommend the Grand Hyatt though beware to see what stage of renovation they are in. The InterContinental will be opening near the Park Hyatt and there is a huge investment going into renovating a historic treasured landmark and making it a high profile luxury property. It is interesting to note that within North America InterContinental has blazed trails opening great properties
The way I had originally thought the Park Hyatt would when it was in it’s prime not that long ago
The Langham (Former luxury collection Sheraton) also runs a great show down by the Southgate area. One of my favorite properties in the world,. We use to always get upgraded as SPG Platinum members to a Riverview suite, exec club access and be assigned a private butler. Great location and you can walk to the very upscale Crown Casino. I will give the Westin another try too.
They have been weak on upgrades in the past for Platinum members
The only reason I booked away from them in the past besides overpricing problems
But they too run a great act otherwise. Oddly for non elite members I think the Westin does a better job.You get what you pay for and you have no expectations
Jan 19, 2008, 12:16 am
#54
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,531
Underwhelmed :(
Stay in January, 2008
Context: Aussie Open Visit, Compliments of the UA LAX-AKL debacle
Rate: Booked via Amex FHR
Location: Outstanding location, particularly for the tennis. A very popular tram line (the major mode of transport for many Melbournians) is right outside the door, which can take you to the St. Kilda/Beach area. A train station is also nearby. You can walk to the tennis centre/cricket grounds, and fashionable Collins Street is right off the hotel.
Physical Plant: Very good. This is a large Park Hyatt, with multiple wings and countless room configurations. The lobby is small, but spotless and classy. There is not a lot of seating. The restaurant/bar space is attractive, but awkwardly designed. The room quality is good with modern furnishings and fairly fresh paint/wallpaper, etc.
Check-In/Out: Fast and efficient. Hyatt status not recognized. Upgraded because of American Express Fine Hotels rate to a "spa" king. Fine hotel amenities were not clearly explained (ie is the breakfast daily a credit towards anything on the menu? how often is tea included?) I was handed a card with the amenities. Check out was similarly fast and efficient.
Concierge: Mixed. I had emailed prior to my arrival with a request that was only partially attended to. At check-in (Thursday around 8pm), I was told the concierge had gone home for the day and check back when he started work at 10am the next day. At 10:05am the next day, the concierge was again nowhere to be found. I found him on my third try and he was not aware of my prior request. Friendly, but this is not the service I expect at Park Hyatt. I'm surprised there isn't 24-hour concierge coverage
Room: As above. Slightly disappointing. Large size, but poor use of space. Internet access at 29 AUD is extortion and I could only used wired in my room. The lobby access also requires payment. Mattress was noisy/bouncy, but comfortable. Toiletries were non-descript and were not replenished daily. Turn down consisted of muzak on the tv, sheets pulled, curtains closed, and a dry cleaning bag with the price list on my pillow
. Typical focus on electronic controls at the bedside, as well as doors for toilet, closet, and bathroom. I did get to peek in one suite and it looked fantastic included see-through fireplace between living and bed room.
Dining: Focus is on breakfast buffet, continental (AUD 30/day) or hot (AUD ?40/day). Service for coffee/tea, etc. was agonizingly slow. However, there are always tons of staff standing around doing nothing! Very poor resource management. Breakfast was of good quality and the juices were particularly noteworthy. I took "high tea" one afternoon where I was looked at as if I was from Mars for asking for a decaf brew ("the service comes with regular coffee or tea. anything else is extra"). Far from a relaxing experience. Seating was uncomfortable and ambience was thin.
Fitness: Attractive lap pool and hot tub. Gym was above-average with several cardio machines, free, and nautilus-esque machines. Extra charge for headsets (bring your own). Water is via the fountain. Men and ladies have separate sauna and steam rooms in the respective lockers. Complimentary. The spa menu was adequate and surprisingly well-priced (I did not partake).
Misc: Bell stand is a bit awkward. They are off to the side and seem more like valet car attendants. For several days, luggage was stored outside of the hotel in full public view. Don't they have a huge storage room to keep luggage? Very bizarre. Replies to directional queries were always curt and not typical of the friendly Aussie nature ("the tram is over there."). Confirming 777's observations, they still take maternity patients, although I did not see any.
Verdict: I'll skip this one next time. So far, my most disappointing Park Hyatt stay.
Context: Aussie Open Visit, Compliments of the UA LAX-AKL debacle
Rate: Booked via Amex FHR
Location: Outstanding location, particularly for the tennis. A very popular tram line (the major mode of transport for many Melbournians) is right outside the door, which can take you to the St. Kilda/Beach area. A train station is also nearby. You can walk to the tennis centre/cricket grounds, and fashionable Collins Street is right off the hotel.
Physical Plant: Very good. This is a large Park Hyatt, with multiple wings and countless room configurations. The lobby is small, but spotless and classy. There is not a lot of seating. The restaurant/bar space is attractive, but awkwardly designed. The room quality is good with modern furnishings and fairly fresh paint/wallpaper, etc.
Check-In/Out: Fast and efficient. Hyatt status not recognized. Upgraded because of American Express Fine Hotels rate to a "spa" king. Fine hotel amenities were not clearly explained (ie is the breakfast daily a credit towards anything on the menu? how often is tea included?) I was handed a card with the amenities. Check out was similarly fast and efficient.
Concierge: Mixed. I had emailed prior to my arrival with a request that was only partially attended to. At check-in (Thursday around 8pm), I was told the concierge had gone home for the day and check back when he started work at 10am the next day. At 10:05am the next day, the concierge was again nowhere to be found. I found him on my third try and he was not aware of my prior request. Friendly, but this is not the service I expect at Park Hyatt. I'm surprised there isn't 24-hour concierge coverage
Room: As above. Slightly disappointing. Large size, but poor use of space. Internet access at 29 AUD is extortion and I could only used wired in my room. The lobby access also requires payment. Mattress was noisy/bouncy, but comfortable. Toiletries were non-descript and were not replenished daily. Turn down consisted of muzak on the tv, sheets pulled, curtains closed, and a dry cleaning bag with the price list on my pillow
. Typical focus on electronic controls at the bedside, as well as doors for toilet, closet, and bathroom. I did get to peek in one suite and it looked fantastic included see-through fireplace between living and bed room.Dining: Focus is on breakfast buffet, continental (AUD 30/day) or hot (AUD ?40/day). Service for coffee/tea, etc. was agonizingly slow. However, there are always tons of staff standing around doing nothing! Very poor resource management. Breakfast was of good quality and the juices were particularly noteworthy. I took "high tea" one afternoon where I was looked at as if I was from Mars for asking for a decaf brew ("the service comes with regular coffee or tea. anything else is extra"). Far from a relaxing experience. Seating was uncomfortable and ambience was thin.
Fitness: Attractive lap pool and hot tub. Gym was above-average with several cardio machines, free, and nautilus-esque machines. Extra charge for headsets (bring your own). Water is via the fountain
. Men and ladies have separate sauna and steam rooms in the respective lockers. Complimentary. The spa menu was adequate and surprisingly well-priced (I did not partake).Misc: Bell stand is a bit awkward. They are off to the side and seem more like valet car attendants. For several days, luggage was stored outside of the hotel in full public view. Don't they have a huge storage room to keep luggage? Very bizarre. Replies to directional queries were always curt and not typical of the friendly Aussie nature ("the tram is over there."). Confirming 777's observations, they still take maternity patients, although I did not see any.
Verdict: I'll skip this one next time. So far, my most disappointing Park Hyatt stay.
Last edited by 19103_aa; Jan 19, 2008 at 12:25 am
Jan 19, 2008, 12:38 am
#55
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Sydney
Posts: 5,769
I am a frequent guest at the PH melbourne. i have NEVER had a bad stay and usually get a larger room or suite as Diamond. The club is great and they are extremely pleasant.
My bill is always correct and I have never had a problem with bell boys or anything like that but then again I very rearly use them for anything.. I park on the street as usually dont arrive there till after 6 and am away at 8 so pay no parking fees.
I find it among the best hotels I have ever stayed at and compare it with the grand hyatt HK.
(the regency club is no where near as good of course!!!)they have moet!
I always get a bottle of red sent to the room ad the room is always spotless. I stayed there when the hotel was a week old and it doesnt seem to have aged at all and its been 10 yrs.
My bill is always correct and I have never had a problem with bell boys or anything like that but then again I very rearly use them for anything.. I park on the street as usually dont arrive there till after 6 and am away at 8 so pay no parking fees.
I find it among the best hotels I have ever stayed at and compare it with the grand hyatt HK.
(the regency club is no where near as good of course!!!)they have moet!I always get a bottle of red sent to the room ad the room is always spotless. I stayed there when the hotel was a week old and it doesnt seem to have aged at all and its been 10 yrs.
Last edited by tinkybelle; Jan 19, 2008 at 4:27 am
Jan 19, 2008, 1:16 am
#56
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,092
Thanks for your report and update PHLbuddy^
Very helpful as I was wondering if there has been a turn around since my last stay.
When I went to book for my next trip in April the first thing I went to do is look to see who the GM is.
When I saw who it was I ran to book elsewhere.
I wanted more then anything to make the PH my number one choice in Melbourne as it is a beautiful property.
Unfortunately in a nutshell this is one property where the GM most likely needs to go.
My last experience while excellent as far as accommodations and Gold Passport recognition go was very similar to yours.
They are damaging the Park Hyatt brand and reputation to a fair degree.
Not that it apparently matters anymore to to Hyatt or the hotel and its ownership.Its business as usual.
This lack of professionalism in places has gone unchecked for years now.
This is not to say that nice folks don't work at the property they do a number of them.
Some days the lounge would be locked tight and other days open for guests.
The problem is nobody communicates with the guest at least in my own experience.
They have allowed the lack of a full time professional concierge to go on for some number of years now. It wasn’t always that way I did have some excellent stays prior to the current management and while I sound a bit negative in tone here as in my past posts the rooms have always been excellent. But accommodations are just one part of an exceptional stay.
I booked the Westin Melbourne for a week and will spend two nights at the Grand Hyatt Mel where I have always appreciated their excellent club lounge and kind dedicated service team. If only I could ship the folks over to the Park Hyatt from the Grand I would have the perfect hotel.
I know my room probably won't be as nice but it has a good location and I know I probably will be well looked after.
I feel confident I have made the right choice for my upcoming trip
Very helpful as I was wondering if there has been a turn around since my last stay.
When I went to book for my next trip in April the first thing I went to do is look to see who the GM is.
When I saw who it was I ran to book elsewhere.
I wanted more then anything to make the PH my number one choice in Melbourne as it is a beautiful property.
Unfortunately in a nutshell this is one property where the GM most likely needs to go.
My last experience while excellent as far as accommodations and Gold Passport recognition go was very similar to yours.
They are damaging the Park Hyatt brand and reputation to a fair degree.
Not that it apparently matters anymore to to Hyatt or the hotel and its ownership.Its business as usual.
This lack of professionalism in places has gone unchecked for years now.
This is not to say that nice folks don't work at the property they do a number of them.
Some days the lounge would be locked tight and other days open for guests.
The problem is nobody communicates with the guest at least in my own experience.
They have allowed the lack of a full time professional concierge to go on for some number of years now. It wasn’t always that way I did have some excellent stays prior to the current management and while I sound a bit negative in tone here as in my past posts the rooms have always been excellent. But accommodations are just one part of an exceptional stay.
I booked the Westin Melbourne for a week and will spend two nights at the Grand Hyatt Mel where I have always appreciated their excellent club lounge and kind dedicated service team. If only I could ship the folks over to the Park Hyatt from the Grand I would have the perfect hotel.
I know my room probably won't be as nice but it has a good location and I know I probably will be well looked after.
I feel confident I have made the right choice for my upcoming trip
Jan 19, 2008, 1:36 am
#57
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,092
Various quotes & comments from other guests
“For business hotel - they need to supply a torch for reading”
Stayed here for 3 nights in September. Had a horribly expensive rate of $530 per night as everywhere else was booked. For that I got a very big room - value, no way. Later stayed at Sofitel, Grand Hyatt, Como, Sebel on Collins, Crown Towers, Quay West, Somerset on Elizabeth and Docklands Grand Mercure.
In terms of comfort - a little lacking in my view. Felt cheap springy mattress.
777 comment(I don't agree I like the Park Hyatt beds but ok subjective)
For a business hotel, it is lacking - lighting is all too dim including desk light. Struggling to read without using bed light. Taste - a bit chintzy. I preferred Crown Towers bedroom and Como style, but finish is much better than Mirvac properties (Como, Sebel and Quay West). Service - did not really use it. Breakfast - OK, but Grand Hyatt better. Dinner - was pretty good but no atmosphere. Location- very good, as nice end of town and nice to open windows. Overall - I chose not to stay there again as I wanted to try other places.
Inconsistent Service Experiences at the Park Hyatt”
I have had the opportunity to stay at this hotel serveral times over the last few years
(On At least 8 occasions, the company I am employed by has this as their nominated hotel) .
The place is a 10/10 for location - close enough to all the restaurants and situated on a nice side of town. The property itself is very well maintained and I would rate as the highest out of all properties I have ever visited. The rooms have always been clean and to Hyatt’s 1st Rate standards.
The downside is that the customer service is somewhat inconsistent and patchy and I feel this is where the hotel needs to lift their game substantially and perhaps also empower their junior staff to make decisions more easily.
I will provide one example. On one occasion, I had rung ahead earlier before we had arrived, (WHICH WAS AFTER nominated check-in time of 2pm) and had been advised that "yes" our room was ready, only to turn up to the hotel and finding out that "no" unfortunately the room was not ready and would be "Ready Soon". When I questioned the reception staff member, if we would be provided at least a complimentary beverage whilst we waited I received a blank look.... Anyway, the "ready soon" comment actually turned into a 3hr wait, (and it was only after i went back to the counter on the 3rd time that I was given a complimentary beverage voucher!!)this was after I had advised that we had a function to go to (we basically got our room and my wife had approximately 20 minutes to get ready for the evening function !!)
is a service shortfall at this time...and there are usually a handful of functions on...
On a good note, my wife and I had our wedding night at the hotel and this was executed flawlessly by hotel staff (both reception and concierge). We had a beautiful room and I strongly recommend if you are going to splash out and stay at the Park Hyatt - you go ahead and pay the extra for a spa-suite room - overlooking the cathedral. Beautiful.
Baby Central”
In the middle of the night the sound of screaming newborn babies resonated all around. The hotel floor is 'rented' to a local private hospital as their 'executive birthing suites' mmmmmmmmmm?
Look, apart from being woken in the small hours by babies who didn't want to sleep and nurses trying to calm them down, the Park Hyatt experience is flawless. Perhaps sound-proofing might aid this, and I don't want to appear to be picky, however guests who stay at the Park Hyatt Melbourne might be able to request a floor which doesn't have these disturbances.
777 comment Flawless? the above poster is way too kind
Stayed here for 3 nights in September. Had a horribly expensive rate of $530 per night as everywhere else was booked. For that I got a very big room - value, no way. Later stayed at Sofitel, Grand Hyatt, Como, Sebel on Collins, Crown Towers, Quay West, Somerset on Elizabeth and Docklands Grand Mercure.
In terms of comfort - a little lacking in my view. Felt cheap springy mattress.
777 comment(I don't agree I like the Park Hyatt beds but ok subjective)
For a business hotel, it is lacking - lighting is all too dim including desk light. Struggling to read without using bed light. Taste - a bit chintzy. I preferred Crown Towers bedroom and Como style, but finish is much better than Mirvac properties (Como, Sebel and Quay West). Service - did not really use it. Breakfast - OK, but Grand Hyatt better. Dinner - was pretty good but no atmosphere. Location- very good, as nice end of town and nice to open windows. Overall - I chose not to stay there again as I wanted to try other places.
Inconsistent Service Experiences at the Park Hyatt”
I have had the opportunity to stay at this hotel serveral times over the last few years
(On At least 8 occasions, the company I am employed by has this as their nominated hotel) .
The place is a 10/10 for location - close enough to all the restaurants and situated on a nice side of town. The property itself is very well maintained and I would rate as the highest out of all properties I have ever visited. The rooms have always been clean and to Hyatt’s 1st Rate standards.
The downside is that the customer service is somewhat inconsistent and patchy and I feel this is where the hotel needs to lift their game substantially and perhaps also empower their junior staff to make decisions more easily.
I will provide one example. On one occasion, I had rung ahead earlier before we had arrived, (WHICH WAS AFTER nominated check-in time of 2pm) and had been advised that "yes" our room was ready, only to turn up to the hotel and finding out that "no" unfortunately the room was not ready and would be "Ready Soon". When I questioned the reception staff member, if we would be provided at least a complimentary beverage whilst we waited I received a blank look.... Anyway, the "ready soon" comment actually turned into a 3hr wait, (and it was only after i went back to the counter on the 3rd time that I was given a complimentary beverage voucher!!)this was after I had advised that we had a function to go to (we basically got our room and my wife had approximately 20 minutes to get ready for the evening function !!)
is a service shortfall at this time...and there are usually a handful of functions on...
On a good note, my wife and I had our wedding night at the hotel and this was executed flawlessly by hotel staff (both reception and concierge). We had a beautiful room and I strongly recommend if you are going to splash out and stay at the Park Hyatt - you go ahead and pay the extra for a spa-suite room - overlooking the cathedral. Beautiful.
Baby Central”
In the middle of the night the sound of screaming newborn babies resonated all around. The hotel floor is 'rented' to a local private hospital as their 'executive birthing suites' mmmmmmmmmm?
Look, apart from being woken in the small hours by babies who didn't want to sleep and nurses trying to calm them down, the Park Hyatt experience is flawless. Perhaps sound-proofing might aid this, and I don't want to appear to be picky, however guests who stay at the Park Hyatt Melbourne might be able to request a floor which doesn't have these disturbances.
777 comment Flawless?
the above poster is way too kind
Jan 19, 2008, 8:14 pm
#58
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 75K, Hertz President’s Circle, Accor Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,069
Management and Corporate out to lunch
Wow, I thought the service on my stay sucked but it was nowhere as bad as some! The Concierge thing is apalling. Really, for a Park Hyatt not to have a true concierge is shocking. CS did offer me some GP pts but pretty much refused to provide any clarity re: service faults. The management at the hotel are clearly out to lunch....permanently and corporate does not care. Shame as it is a very nice facility. No bottled water in the gym was annoying as the tap stuff tasted pretty bad.
Jan 26, 2008, 6:30 pm
#59
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,857
A better stay than previously
I am staying here on points for 6 nights, of which 5 of have elapsed. This is my first stay at this hotel where -- knock on wood -- there have so far been no major catastrophes. Sure, there have been plenty of minor and medium service errors, but the absence thus far of a major disaster is definite progress.
I know that sounds like I am damning with faint praise, but this should still be regarded as good news from me. On a subsequent trip when I would NOT be using points, I would try this hotel again, and that is a big change from my previous attitude which was to stay here on points only. I hope this experience is a harbinger of better things to come.
I know that sounds like I am damning with faint praise, but this should still be regarded as good news from me. On a subsequent trip when I would NOT be using points, I would try this hotel again, and that is a big change from my previous attitude which was to stay here on points only. I hope this experience is a harbinger of better things to come.
Jan 28, 2008, 5:42 pm
#60
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 6,359
Just wondering if you saw any of the tennis players at the PH? I saw Sharapova at PH Vendome during the French Open and heard that Roddick stayed there as well. I didn't stay at Churchill during Wimbledon (opted for IC London and Hilton Park Lane instead), but most players there stay in Wimbledon Village anyways, not relatively far away in London. I hear a lot of the players stay at the W and such during the US Open. So I was just wondering if you saw any players at the PH Melbourne as it is quite a decent location related to Rod Laver Arena..........................