Outlook from the Hyatt Regency, Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane welcomes first Hyatt Regency

Brisbane Hyatt Regency comes with a lot of baggage, historical baggage that is. Originally known as the Lennons Hotel, Hotelier John Lennon built the hotel in George street Brisbane in 1884. In its heyday it was the place to be seen in, even the Beatles stayed there in 1964. After outgrowing it's capacity the hotel was totally rebuilt in the current Queen street location where it opened for business in 1972. The hotel went through a full modernisation, and reopened in 2014 as a Next Hotel; the first hotel opening in Australia for the brand, only to rebirth once again as the Hyatt Regency in 2021. This quirky shaped building still has the original creaky elevators that roll their way to the top floors. That aside this hotel's rejuvenation comes with some modern surprises; follow me as we check into the Hyatt Regency Brisbane.

A quiet escape above the city mall

An arrival refresh away from the heat

House guests were treated with complimentary refreshments during their stay. The Inchcolm Hotel in Spring Hill has also been known to do the same. This promotional trend was a common sense approach that offered simple pleasures and good will to guests. A guest who felt welcome and recognised, and received gifts, may be considered more likely to return.

Lennons, reminiscent of the past

In recognition of its historical value the main restaurant retains the hotel's namesake. Lennons restaurant features significantly in the hotel foyer and acts as a meeting spot for guests and locals alike. The restaurant caters for breakfast and offers a choice of la carte or buffet breakfast; while a la carte dining is available at lunch and dinner. Bar meals and snacks are available from the bar throughout the day. There are also a range of zones for guests to dine and relax, bench seating, high work tables and lounge area.

Its all about the pool deck

In my books a city hotel that has a pool can be the deciding factor when booking a hotel. If you've travelled for ages to get to your accommodation; there's nothing better than stretching out and doing a few laps in the hotel pool . . .  one that is longer than the pond we tend to have in our back yards. The infinity pool at the Hyatt Regency its a stunning aqua coloured blue pool sitting right above the city mall. It's a restful place for guests to swim, relax and enjoy something from the Hibiscus bar. Lounges line one length of the pool, while chairs and tables line the other, that have views down the mall.

Surprising bright and airy rooms

The adage goes, never judge a book by its cover. The same could be said for the Hyatt Regency; with its odd shape, small windows and charcoal coloured exterior walls; it gave the appearance of something out of fashion. So it was a welcome surprise to walk into a bright and airy room. The room was quite spacious with wall to wall carpet creating warmth that softened the acoustics. A large TV commanded a wall overlooking the king size bed. But a significant feature of this room layout was the bathroom with no wall. It really opened up the room giving it a roomy feel and natural light in the bathroom, now that's not something you get often in a hotel bathroom. At first I thought, "goodness, no wall; that's awkward!" But after further investigation I discovered a sliding wall that could close off the bathroom to the bedroom. That was cool, and there was a second access point to the bathroom when the wall was closed making the bathroom accessible from another point.

Stephen's Take

Unit of Competency Mapping

Please note; the purpose of this article is to introduce current hospitality trends. The content broadly applies to the units of competency listed. It is not intended that all content in this article maps directly to all performance evidence and knowledge evidence in the unit of competency.

Article and photos original by Stephen Duncan