Melbourne
Australia


The Experience

They weren't kidding when they named the Park Hyatt Melbourne -- you can kick off your shoes, lie on the lawn and snatch an al fresco snooze in the middle of a modern city. Surrounded by lush gardens -- and an actual park next door -- the hotel and its sleek retro facade blend perfectly into a neighborhood of Gothic spires and Victorian townhouses on the edge of downtown. The casual elegance continues inside, where the oval lobby flaunts the sort of art normally reserved for top museums. But the absolute best thing about the Park Hyatt is a location that puts you within walking distance of nearly all of Melbourne's hottest spots: the central business district, the wickedly refurbished Southbank of the Yarra River and that wacky multimedia assault-on-the-senses called Federation Square.

The Rooms

Forgoing the temptation to cram rooms into an inner-city plot, the hotel doesn't skimp on space. Even the smallest quarters average 517 square feet, including king-size bed, spacious work area, a walk-in closet large enough to double as a dressing room and an Italian marble bathroom with double sinks, walk-in shower and soak tub with built-in television. Madrona burlwood paneling adds to the sumptuous feel, while wood-and-rice-paper screens lend an Asian touch. Better still, the 700-square-feet Park Executive and Terrace suites flaunt a gas fireplace and separate study, with either picture windows or a large outdoor patio.

The Service

You can only get so snooty Down Under and still keep your dignity, and the Park Hyatt seems to achieve the balance between sophisticated efficiency and Aussie affability. The valets are willing to chat all day, but if you're rushed, your vehicle arrives posthaste. And the front desk will go that extra mile, from trading small talk with your kids to opening the business center after hours.

The Highlights

Even locals flock here -- to get married, and for the food. Chrome- and wood-rich Radii Restaurant tumbles down five levels, with tables secluded on their own tiny terraces. The nouvelle Aussie menu blends surf and turf with farm-fresh foliage from Melbourne's rich agricultural hinterland. Take advantage of the indoor, edgeless, aquamarine pool and rooftop tennis court, grab a snack from the spa cuisine bar and relax on the outdoor sundeck or just sneak in that nap on the lawn.

-- Joe Yogerst

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