Canberra has been one of my favourite destinations to visit this year. It seems to be a safe haven in Australia this year, when the rest of the country has been going through multiple lockdowns. So if you can visit Canberra, it is a perfect time to come to this great little city.
Canberra doesn’t require you to wear a mask (current as of 1st of August 2021), restaurants, bars and shops are brimming with people, in other words, life here is fun and perfectly normal.
Amazing museums, Parliament House, excellent zoo, vibrant dining scene, lots of parks, proximity to the snow are just a few reasons to visit Canberra this year.
When it came to choosing a hotel, Hyatt Hotel Canberra was an obvious choice for us– we knew that Park Hyatt brand would not disappoint. Every park Hyatt I have ever stayed at was outstanding. However Park Hyatt Canberra is much more than just a luxury hotel. It has a rich history, dating back to 1924 around the time when Federal Parliament moved to Canberra from Melbourne. It was Canberra’s first hotel, built in the Prairie style of architecture, with a distinct feel of a country estate.
Hotel’s history is enhanced by many stories of eminent visitors, Prime Ministers, political decisions and multiple toasts that took place within its illustrious walls.
The hotel has undergone extensive renovations since those times, and opened as a Hyatt in its full glory in 1988. Now it is the only international 5 star hotel in Canberra and a historical landmark.
Accommodation
Park Hyatt Canberra boasts 232 luxurious rooms and suites. All rooms are designed in a classic style and start from the generous 41 sq meters.
We stayed in a beautiful Park Suite, luxuriously appointed 82 sq meter suite with a separate living room featuring plush sofa, dining table for four, two beautiful marble bathrooms with oversized showers and a deep bath, large screen TVs and other little luxuries like bottled water, coffee machine, bath salts.
If you have to work on a trip, there is a large study desk in the bedroom and beautiful green views from all windows to cheer you up.
These suites are perfect for families and for long stays. They are plush, spacious, comfortable and luxurious – a true Park Hyatt experience.
For the ultimate luxury choose the Diplomatic or Presidential Suite. These unique, individually designed suites are exceptional in every way and would be a perfect setting for a romantic evening, special occasion or an elegant party.
Dining
One of the things I loved about this hotel is the atmosphere. Even on a week day there are visitors enjoying the famous Hyatt High Tea in the sophisticated Tea Lounge. This gorgeous affair is a must try, especially for the ladies. Enjoy a selection of beautifully presented mini deserts, finger sandwiches and hot scones accompanied by a cup of finest estate leaf tea or glass of champagne.
Another must-try is seafood dinner buffet. The restaurant gets very full on the weekends, so please book in advance. It seems like all of Canberra’s ‘who is who’ comes out to experience this dinner – everyone is beautifully dressed and the vibe is festive. The food is amazing with a selection of outstanding fresh seafood, huge prawns, salads, roast meats, vegetables and of course deserts.
Breakfast is served at the Promenade Cafe and offers a mini buffet accompanied by a choice of a hot dish from the a la carte menu. Their Avocado Toast is one of the best we tried lately.
Facilities
Hyatt Hotel Canberra has a fully equipped gym and stunning indoor swimming pool located in The Clubhouse. Guests also have access to a tennis court and bikes.
Hotel is also a home base to a Hot Air Balloon adventure offered by a third party, it makes it very handy for the hotel guests, as it starts early in the morning. We tried it and loved it; word of advice- choose a warm morning or put on some extra layers, it gets very chilly up in the air during winter months.
The Lux Traveller Loved
We loved our beautifully appointed, spacious suite, ultra comfortable beds, Christmas in July dinner, excellent, friendly service.
Splitting Hairs
There isn’t anything we didn’t enjoy during the stay. The only thing to note is that swimming pool is located in a separate pavilion from the rooms, which isn’t ideal if you want to pop out in a bathrobe and slippers on a cold winter’s evening.
All In All
Hyatt Hotel Canberra is a beautiful historic hotel in an excellent central location, steps away from the Parliament House.
There are many lovely hotels in Canberra to choose from, but only Park Hyatt offers a touch of old world glamour, elegant swimming pool pavilion and private gardens. Plus you never know who you might run into here, they say that Hyatt is still a favourite hotel for visiting VIPs.
