Park Hyatt is an iconic property located on the water’s edge in Sydney’s historic Rocks area. Its location requires no description, simply one look at the photos says it all. The famous Sydney Opera House is right on your doorstep and one of the most beautiful harbours in the world is right in front of you.

 

Arrival

If you are arriving to the Park Hyatt by car, valet service is easy and pleasant – just pull up to the front door and the bell boys will do the rest. From the moment you walk into the foyer a feeling of luxury and exclusivity will surround you thanks to a combination of expensive finishes, tasteful flower arrangements, polished service and the type of guests this hotel attracts. The atmosphere in the Park Hyatt is quite unique, different from other 5-star properties that cater either to business travellers or offer casual hospitality so often found in Australia.

Our check in was swift and performed in the comfort of our suite. The helpful butler demonstrated all the special features of the room and showed us how to operate the lights and other technical gadgets. In this age of advanced technology it was really helpful.

 

Accommodation

Park Hyatt offers 142 rooms and only 11 suites. All the suites are amazing – they will truly make your stay in Sydney extra special.

We stayed in the Opera Suite, a one-bedroom 185 square metre home with all windows looking out directly onto the glorious Opera House as the name of the suite suggests. A view to remember! The suite offers multiple balconies to take in the mesmerising views al fresco.

From the minute we walked into this stunning suite we didn’t want to leave it. To say that the suite is beautiful is an understatement.

The Suite’s living room is tastefully decorated in cream and chocolate tones, with a dining table for four. The spacious bedroom features a king bed and another lounge relaxation area. We love the use of marble all through the suite – marble tables and marble bathrooms add to the elegant and luxurious feel. A walk-in wardrobe is big enough to accomodate all your luggage and store it neatly out of sight.

And here are a few of the other special touches that impressed us and if I may say, it is not an easy task to do! The Marble shower room converts to a steam room – a wonderful feature we haven’t seen anywhere else in Australia. We absolutely loved the steam at the end of a long day – we felt like we were at a spa resort rather than in a city hotel. There are two powder rooms in the suite, both equipped with smart Japanese TOTO toilets. Again unique to Australia.

 

 

If you are looking for a little more room then look no further that the sensational Sydney Suite, a true luxury home with the best of everything – unparalleled views of the harbour, marble finishes, designer furniture and priceless artwork.

This palatial 350-square-metre suite will impress even the most discerning traveller. Just a few of the wonderful features to mention are a sauna, fireplace, round bath for two with a view, indoor and outdoor dining for eight guests, custom-made linens and the list goes on. You’ll just have to experience it to believe it!

 

On the other hand, if these spectacular suites are out of your reach (suites start from $1,600 per night) then standard rooms won’t disappoint either. Park Hyatt has recently undergone a complete renovation so all rooms are finished to the highest standard. They all come with private balconies overlooking the harbour, feature elegant yet warm furnishings in neutral colours and marble bathrooms for two. The beautiful baths are set up in a way to allow guests to soak up the views while relaxing in a sea of bubbles. The more spacious 75-square-metre Deluxe Opera rooms are perfect for a longer stay.

Dining

 

Dining at the Park Hyatt is another highlight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the main restaurant, The Dining Room. Lunch can also be enjoyed either by the pool or in the lobby lounge.

 

Breakfast is fabulous, my favourite in Sydney. A healthy start to the day is guaranteed with berries, freshly squeezed juice for any taste, a glass of San Pellegrino and a wonderful selection of hot dishes with lots of healthy lean dishes to choose from. Beautiful food is served in one of the most elegant restaurants in Sydney with white table cloths and silver service.

Come and visit it  even if you live in Sydney. It is a wonderful way to spoil your loved ones on the weekend.

 

Dinner

Dinner is a glamorous affair that has been recently enhanced by the French chef Franck Detrait. Franck’s six course seasonal degustation menu is a must try and you can choose matching wines to enhance the meal.

We find that Franck has a magic touch with seafood, his salmon was some of the best I have ever tasted.

What we also love about dining at the Park Hyatt is the glamorous atmosphere. Views aside, it must be one of the best dressed venues in Sydney. Almost all men wear dinner jackets and ladies look as elegant as ever. Unlike many other fine dining establishments The Dining Room doesn’t attract business people, mostly couples and small groups of friends on a night out to enjoy the best Sydney has to offer. Dinner at the Park Hyatt is an exceptionally pleasant evening.

 

Facilities

 

Park Hyatt boasts the prettiest hotel swimming pool in town. Even though it is not very large it makes up for it with a magical setting.  Perched on the rooftop, facing the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House it commands the most spectacular views. The private cabanas are one of my favourite places in summer to laze around in, read a book, have a glass of champagne and a dip in the warm pool from time to time. The poolside menu features the usual favourites like burgers, steak sandwiches and chips but if you are after something healthy just ask the waiters for a special order and they will do their best to accommodate you.

The gym is again quite small with only three treadmills and a couple of weight machines but it is new, functional and has a great outlook. It is a pleasure to go for a run in the morning and watch the ferries go by under the Harbour Bridge.

Complimentary headphones, water and apples are lovely touches that add joy to your workout.

 

The Spa

 

The Spa in the Park Hyatt is a little hidden gem. With only four treatment rooms and some of the most qualified therapists in town it is booked out weeks in advance.

Many treatments combine age-old holistic therapies with native Australian ingredients. Try Australian Uplift or Native Clay and Hot Oil massage to nourish your body.

When it comes to facials don’t go past the Caviar Facial, another signature treatment that lifts, hydrates and firms your skin using protein caviar and powerful antioxidants. I have experienced this beautiful 90-minute treatment and have to say, my face stayed radiant for at least 24 hours afterwards. A great treat for a special occasion.

 

The Lux Traveller Loves

 

Park Hyatt wins many ‘Bests’ on The Lux Traveller’s list:

Best location in Sydney (no exaggeration)

Best hotel breakfast

Sensational six-course degustation menu in exquisite surroundings

Luxurious boutique feel of the hotel

Ultra glamorous guests (many celebrities call Park Hyatt home on their Sydney visits)

Rooftop pool with private cabanas

 

The Lux Traveller Didn’t Like

 

Even if you book the highest room category with Fine Hotels & Resorts you won’t get an upgrade to a suite. The only way to stay in a suite in this hotel is to book one. We found most other luxury hotels in the world to be a little more flexible.

Also, if you arrive at night, the choice of rooms is very limited as the hotel has a high occupancy rate for most of the year. So for the best chance of getting the room you want, arrive early.

 

All In All

 

Park Hyatt Sydney is without a doubt the best hotel in Sydney. It is at least double the price (rooms start from $750 per night) from other 5-star properties in Sydney, but in our opinion, if you can afford to experience this hotel you’ll never want to stay anywhere else.

The best time to visit is in the summer months, December to March, so you can take full advantage of the facilities.