First trip to Australia. We want very luxurious accomodation. anybody stayed at Hotel Como in Melbourne ? I understand Park Hyatt in Melbourne is very new . We prefer smaller boutique hotels . Any one stayed there before ? In Sydney, would Ritz Carlton be the best hotel ? Somewhere I read near Victoria is a castle or stately home that is very expensive but lovely scenery. Any clues ? <BR>Thanks <BR> <BR>Lee

If you can afford the Ritz in Sydney, you may also want to check the Sydney ANA - lovely hotel with great people and wonderful views - close to everything...

Hi Lee, <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Hotel Como about 3 months ago. It's great! They also have some excellent package deals so it is worth giving them a call directly. It is worth spending the extra money for a suite.They are huge. <BR>It is located in the fashionable shopping area and there are fabulous restaurants everywhere. <BR>Go to caffe e cuccina which is a fantastic italian restaurant. Have to book.

I stayed at the Ritz in Sydney for my honeymoon a couple of years ago and it was great! the rooms are wonderful and the staff incredible. The hotel is located right across the street from the Botanical Gardens and right up the street from the Opera House. If there is one draw back to the hotel, it is the lack of views. If you are looking for views and everything the Ritz has, try the Park Hyatt in Sydeny. Although a little bigger and little flashier than the Ritz the views are spectacular. The ANA, as mentioned above, is also a good bet. If views do not matter, then check out The Observatory or the Sable as well (both are incredible). Notwithstanding these other suggestions, the Ritz was incredible and would not hesitate for a moment to recommend or stay there again. In terms of the Park Hyatt in Melbourne, I have heard very good things about it. We stayed at the Sofitel which used to be the Regent and were very pleased with it. Although not as charming as the Ritz, the views over Melbourne are great and the Collins street address is wonderful. Have a wonderful trip and feel free to e-mail with any other questions. Hans

Lee <BR>I too like smaller boutique hotels in general but in this instance I'd go for the Park Hyatt in Sydney - still the best hotel in the city although there are some new contenders coming up behind ! I was there last weekend and it's still very good indeed. If money is no object take a suite - very nice and great (really great) view. <BR>I usually stay at the Adelphi in Melbourne but I'd be tempted to give the new Park Hyatt a go there too on the assumption it may be as good as the one in Sydney. I'll be in Melbourne again in the next couple of weeks and am planning to do so myself. Incidentally, in case you're wondering I don't work for Hyatt and I'm not normally a fan of Hyatt hotels but I've stayed at pretty much all the upscale Sydney hotels now and the PH is best (in my opinion of course !) Have a great trip. Australia is a wonderful part of the world. <BR>Neil