Hotel Review: Canberra’s Park Hyatt Hotel

Canberra’s Park Hyatt Hotel is considered by many to be the grand dame of Canberra hotels, and for good reason.

From spectacularly large marbled bathrooms to a stand alone fitness centre with state of the art equipment, and the best high tea in town, the Park Hyatt Canberra is true five star luxury.

I liked this hotel a little bit more the longer I stayed.  It is one of the few Park Hyatt Hotels globally that did not close during covid, a clever decision by General Manager Fredrick Arul, as the hotel is already buzzing and back to regular pre-covid occupancy numbers and service.

Overall rating: 8.5/10

The front section of the Park Hyatt Hotel Canberra is steeped in history, and was built in 1927, for visiting politicians. It has art deco features including geometric windows and carets, huge towering ceilings and elegant chandeliers.

One of the highlights of the hotel’s floor plan is that every time you leave your room, the immersive design takes you via the bustling lounge and lobby areas, so you always have a sense of atmosphere, people and positive energy during your stay.

The blooming green-filled immaculately tendered outdoor courtyard gardens on either side of the building are stunning places to sit on sunny afternoons and balmy nights, with a cocktail or designer tea watching five star life go by.

The Location 9/10

Sitting right on the edge of Lake Burleigh Griffin, morning walks, cycles or runs are a highlight of a stay here.

Trendy Manuka and it’s smattering of upmarket restaurants and bars is a five minute uber away.

And for day time pursuits, the National Gallery, Library, Parliament House and Questacon are walking distance or a 5 minute uber.

Service & Facilities: 8.5/10

The gym is impressive, and one of the best I have seen in a hotel in Australia. It is a stand alone facility behind the hotel and run by fully qualified instructors offering personal training, and classes. Cleaners abound to ensure safety and hygiene are in place.

There are two massive rooms packed with state of the art equipment as well as a lap pool, spa and sauna, and modern changing facilities. There is a full sized tennis court, and bikes for hire.

Service post covid is getting there, and the highlight for me were the bar and high tea staff.

The main lounge area of the hotel is set up for WFH with large tables and comfortable high back chairs, making this a great hotel during the pandemic, as it means there are other areas to work from other than your own room.

The Park Hyatt Hotel Canberra has a well earned reputation for their High Tea. It is is exceptional with delicate, beautifully crafted morsels of joy both in the presentation and the tasting department.

The menu of local and foreign teas is is extensive, and the whole experience is one of decadent, relaxed luxury.

The Rooms: 8/10

The highlight of the rooms are the bathrooms with wall to floor marble. Deluxe rooms have a separate bath as well as a massive shower and huge mirror with strong lighting.

Rooms are elegant – mine was at the back of the hotel with a calming view to the greenery behind, and beds are luxurious and comfortable.

Food & Drink: 8.5/10

The high tea was an absolute joy. Cocktails are good and the wins by the glass are very affordable and varied.

Breakfast is a delight and whilst a menu is provided, chefs will cook up anything you like.

Five star hotels with baristas are a rare thing, but they are in residence here. Hurrah!

And the setting in a long room overlooking the gardens with smart black and white flooring is just a bit Gatsby.

Juices are made fresh.

Insider Knowledge:

Renae says:

Who should Stay here: Absolutely everyone.

Who shouldn’t Stay here: I can’t think of anyone who would not love it.

Location: In the heart of Canberra.

Best culinary delight: High Tea is absolutely gorgeous

The Highlight: The amazing gym.

Insider Knowledge: There are bikes for in-house guests to sue and cycling along the river just outside is gorgeous.

The Lowlight: Some rooms are dated and need a refresh.

Click here to book your stay at Park Hyatt Canberra.