[Updated September 2026: Most recently stayed here again on points and was pleasantly surprised with changes to this already pleasant property. Includes new photos of gym, globalist gift, and ensuite tub]
I always refer to this as the Hyatt near Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport. It’s a fine place to stay if you need somewhere comfortable to rest outside the main part of the city. The last time I was here, was when I travelled from the Gold Coast to the City for the historic NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams at the MCG I stayed for a night after arriving on a flight from Greece, before continuing home to the Gold Coast the next morning.
On another occasion, I used my World of Hyatt points to book a room for my son when he flew down to Melbourne for the first Formula 1 race of the season. This ended up being a fantastic use of points, and I’ll share more on that below.
It’s not quite as luxurious as other Hyatt properties near international airports—like the Grand Hyatt Incheon or the Grand Hyatt SFO—but it offers a comfortable and reliable stay for transit travelers or those who prefer to base themselves outside the CBD.
What’s Great About the Hyatt Place Essendon Fields
Proximity to the Airport
This hotel is just under 10 minutes from Melbourne Airport and offers a complimentary airport shuttle that runs at scheduled times. It’s ideal if you’ve got a late arrival, early departure, or just want to avoid navigating into the city straight away.
Price Point
Compared to central Melbourne hotels, Hyatt Place Essendon Fields is significantly more affordable—especially on weekends or during peak events. A taxi to the CBD is roughly $75, while an Uber is usually closer to $40. Depending on the purpose of your trip, staying here could be a more economical choice without sacrificing comfort.
Good Use of Hyatt Points
Hyatt Place Essendon Fields is a Category 2 hotel, meaning it’s only 6,500–9,500 points per night depending on demand. This makes it an excellent redemption option during high-demand events like the Australian Open or Grand Prix, where other hotels can cost hundreds of dollars per night. Even when cash prices surge, the points rate remains fixed unless it’s a blackout date—so this is one of the few properties in Australia where you can really stretch your points.
Reliable Comfort
The rooms are consistent with the Hyatt Place brand—simple, clean, modern, and equipped with everything you need for a short stay: a large bed, a sofa or lounge area, workspace, and walk-in shower. Rooms are also surprisingly quiet considering the proximity to the airport and main roads.
On this most recent stay I was pleased to have a room that appeared to be recently renovated and had a gigantic bathroom with a large tub!
A Few Helpful Tips Before You Stay
Food & Dining:
Food options at the hotel are quite limited. There’s a small 24/7 Gallery Market with grab-and-go snacks and meals, and the Gallery Kitchen offers some light meals during operating hours. I arrived late at night and was pleasantly surprised by a fresh pre-packaged salad—so it’s worth checking what’s available. If you’re craving something more substantial or Melbourne-level culinary experiences, consider ordering in or heading to nearby suburbs like Essendon or Moonee Ponds.
A few of the grab and go market options at the Hyatt Place Essendon Fields
No Suites, But Thoughtful Upgrades:
This isn’t a full-service Hyatt, so there are no suite upgrades available. However, as a Globalist, I was given a larger room with a view and early check-in. The staff go out of their way to accommodate elite members, even without the bells and whistles.Nearby Amenities:
The hotel is part of the Essendon Fields precinct, which includes a handful of restaurants, a small shopping plaza, and even a medical centre. There’s also a tram not far away that connects you to the city if you’re not in a rush.Limited Shuttle Times:
We arrived after 10pm at Melbourne Airport and needed to grab an Uber since the complimentary shuttle doesn’t run that late. Just a consideration if you’re coming either super early or super late.
Is There Room Service at the Hyatt Place Essendon Fields?
Like most Hyatt Place properties, there’s no formal room service. However, food and drinks can be ordered and brought to your room from the Gallery Kitchen or Market. It's not luxurious dining, but it is quick and convenient.
Is There a Globalist Breakfast at the Hyatt Place Essendon Fields?
Yes, Globalist members receive complimentary breakfast. It’s served buffet-style and includes a basic selection of hot and cold items—think scrambled eggs, toast, cereals, fruit, and coffee. Nothing particularly exciting, and if you have more time or are heading into the city, you might want to save your appetite for somewhere special.
What is the Globalist Gift at the Hyatt Place Essendon Fields?
I found a small package of local chocolate truffles and a nice note on this stay as the Hyatt Place Essendon Fields Globalist gift.
I didn’t receive a Globalist gift here—and that’s not surprising. Hyatt Place properties are typically more focused on value than luxury perks. That said, I’ve consistently found the service to be warm, welcoming, and efficient, which makes a big difference.
What is the gym like at the Hyatt place Essendon Fields?
There’s a good amount of space with cardio machines, free weights, a couple of machines (the kind that are usually too large for me to use and not quite as adjustable- like those catch-all machines I’ve talked about in some of the other European Hyatts.
Spacious gym at the Hyatt Place Essendon Fields in Melbourne
Why Stay at the Hyatt Place Essendon Fields?
This hotel shines in its practicality. Whether you're in transit, attending an event in the city, or just looking to spend your points wisely, it offers a solid stay with the consistency Hyatt loyalists expect. It’s also one of the very few affordable Hyatt properties in Australia where you can realistically accrue multiple elite-qualifying nights without spending a fortune.
It’s not a destination hotel, but for certain travel needs—particularly airport proximity and value for money—it really delivers. I’ve even considered using it as a low-key writer’s retreat: quiet, comfortable, and close to the airport if I need a quick escape. Realistically though, I’d probably still make the occasional trip into Melbourne’s CBD for coffee and inspiration but this is a nice way to save a bit of money.
Visiting Melbourne soon? Check out these properties:
Hyatt House South Melbourne