Hyatt House South Melbourne – What to Expect
I don’t normally seek out a Hyatt House for a holiday, but I wanted to do my homework on the properties all around Melbourne so I could give you an idea of what the property offerings are.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Melbourne that gives you a little more space and flexibility than a traditional hotel room, the Hyatt House South Melbourne is worth considering. Located in South Melbourne, the hotel puts you within easy reach of the South Melbourne Market, local cafés, restaurants and shops, while also giving you the convenience of a kitchenette in your room.
I stayed here as part of a Melbourne trip where I also popped into the Hyatt Place Caribbean Park, and there are a few things I particularly liked about the property – as well as a couple of things I’d keep in mind before booking.
What’s great about the Hyatt House South Melbourne
Near the markets and local shops
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the location. You can walk to the South Melbourne Market and explore plenty of the independent shops, cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area.
It’s an easy neighborhood to explore on foot, although I’ll admit that on a particularly cold Melbourne day I was happy to call an Uber rather than make the walk!
The location also gives you a chance to experience a slightly different side of Melbourne compared with staying right in the CBD. South Melbourne has plenty going on without feeling quite as hectic. I felt more like I was surrounded by people living their normal lives and frequenting their local shops rather than being in a tourist area.
A kitchenette in your room
One of my favorite things about Hyatt House is the self-contained feel. You get a kitchenette in the room, which is a nice change of pace for me because I normally stay in more traditional hotel rooms.
Having the ability to store a few things in the fridge or prepare something simple can be particularly useful if you’re staying for several nights, traveling with family, or simply don’t want to eat every meal at a restaurant.
It’s a small feature, but it makes the room feel a little more like your own space rather than somewhere where you’re simply sleeping for the night.
A more residential feel
The Hyatt House concept is designed around longer stays, and that comes through in the room setup. It feels more like an apartment-style hotel than a conventional city hotel, which may appeal to travelers who like having a bit more independence.
For a short stay, you may not make full use of all those features, but for a longer Melbourne visit I could see the appeal becoming even more obvious.
A few helpful tips before you stay at the Hyatt House South Melbourne
Bring a water bottle
There are carafes in the room, but if you prefer drinking from a reusable water bottle, you’ll want to bring your own. It’s an easy thing to forget when packing, so consider this your reminder!
Check out the South Melbourne Market
If you’re staying on a day when the market is open, I’d definitely make the trip. It’s one of the attractions that makes this location particularly appealing, and it’s a great place to pick up fresh food or simply wander around and see what’s on offer.
It’s also another reason I like having the kitchenette in the room – you have the option of bringing some market finds back with you rather than needing to eat everything while you’re out.
Give yourself time to explore South Melbourne
Don’t think of the hotel as somewhere you simply use as a base for visiting the CBD. One of the nice things about staying here is having South Melbourne right outside your door.
Leave some time in your itinerary to walk around the neighborhood, grab a coffee, check out the shops and see what restaurants are nearby.
Is there room service at the Hyatt House South Melbourne?
There is no traditional room service at this property, so this is something to be aware of if having meals directly delivered to your room is important to you.
There is, however, a restaurant downstairs. Plus, you’re in Melbourne – there are plenty of food options nearby, so you’re certainly not going to be stuck for somewhere to eat.
For me, the lack of room service wasn’t a major issue because of the location and the number of nearby dining options.
Is there a Globalist breakfast at the Hyatt House South Melbourne?
There is a breakfast option for Globalist members. You can order a main meal and choose from the continental buffet, which includes choices such as fruit, pastries and baked goods.
I found the breakfast perfectly fine, but this is one of those situations where the location comes into play.
South Melbourne has so many great food options that breakfast is one of the few hotel benefits I would consider skipping here. If you’re someone who enjoys getting out and exploring local cafes when you travel, you may find that more appealing than eating breakfast at the hotel every morning.
Of course, if convenience is your priority – or you’re traveling on a schedule – having breakfast available at the hotel is still a useful perk.
What is the gym like at the Hyatt House South Melbourne?
The gym is spacious enough with a selection of free weights, cardio machines and cable machines. Have tried to capture most of the area in the photos below.
What is the Hyatt House South Melbourne best for?
I think the hotel makes the most sense for travelers who value a little extra space and flexibility, particularly if you’re staying for several nights.
The kitchenette is useful, the neighborhood has plenty to explore, and the South Melbourne Market is within walking distance. It also works well if you prefer staying outside the immediate CBD and experiencing more of Melbourne’s neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for a hotel where you can settle in rather than simply crash after a day of sightseeing, the Hyatt House format is worth considering.