This page contains affiliate links. If you book a stay through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

We took a mid-week trip flying from Sydney to Melbourne to see the new Harry Potter and the Cursed Child play. On this trip we were delighted to be hosted by the Grand Hyatt Melbourne hotel.

Watch our Grand Hyatt Melbourne hotel tour video

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The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is pure luxury, yet wonderfully family friendly! From the moment you stroll past the ultra-exclusive designer stores lining the entrance to the crystal lit Main Lobby, you know this is no ordinary hotel.

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne Main Lobby atmosphere is one of exclusivity and elegance. The reception desk staff’s welcome is as warm and genuine as can be – you just know you and your family are about to be spoiled!

Modern convenience – five star service

The hotel Concierge had our taxi doors opened and our suitcases whipped away in a flash. After we checked in, we were on our way up to our 17th floor rooms in no time, thanks to the express hotel elevators. We soon learned that whilst this hotel is historically luxurious, it also boasts every modern convenience.

With several lifts available we never had to wait for a lift once during our stay – and indeed this seemed to set the theme of our stay at the Grand Hyatt. We were never inconvenienced by any hotel service. From the health club, to room service, to a simple desk enquiry – everything was attended to above and beyond efficiently – now that’s five-star service!

Our interconnecting family rooms

Watch our Grand Hyatt Melbourne hotel interconnecting room tours video!

No time to read? Watch our video tour of our interconnecting hotel rooms at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne hotel here.

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During our stay at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne we stayed in two interconnecting en suite rooms on the 17th floor.

Room 1708, a Spa King corner room and room 1709, a Twin room.

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne Spa King corner room with a view

My corner Spa King room was luxury personified. Whilst the room itself was deluxe comfort and elegance all the way, it was the fabulous sweeping views that were the wow-factor. A stunning Melbourne vista stretching down to Federation Square and beyond, along the Yarra River. I found myself ordering frequent room service just to sit and enjoy the view!

The room’s sumptuous all-marble spa bath ensuite bathroom was just gorgeous, with the bath also serving as a spa bath. There were plenty of large soft towels and luxury amenities included too.

A wardrobe housed all the handy conveniences such as an iron & ironing board, a safe, white robes and slippers.

A large dresser held a flat screen TV, and within was a well stocked mini bar, fridge and tea & coffee facilities. All luxury items of course – every detail had been considered.

Booking a Spa King room at the Grand Hyatt hotel is how to pamper yourself, whether it be on a staycation, a Melbourne weekend away or a Melbourne city holiday.

The Grand Hyatt Twin room

My teenage girls stayed in the adjoining twin bed ensuite room, with a view every bit as gorgeous as mine!

With the exception of the size of the room and the side corner window, their hotel room offered the same luxury features, from the floor to ceiling marble ensuite bathroom (minus the spa bath function) to the tea and coffee drawer and white robes!

Our interconnecting hotel rooms

The best thing about the Grand Hyatt Melbourne for families is the option to expand your accommodation by booking a connecting room.

These interconnecting deluxe rooms mean the kids are close at hand, yet you have your own luxurious space.

With a connecting door between our corner spa room and twin room, I had both privacy yet direct access to my girls.

They had their own accommodation space – and bathroom to mess up! (Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than having to share a bathroom with your kids when you’re on holiday!)

Apart from the bed configurations and size, there was very little difference between the rooms, including the view – this kept everyone very happy.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne City Club

Not just a hotel gym and pool, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne has a fully operating health and well-being club, the City Club. It features day spa treatments, personal trainers, an expansive gym, heated pool and even a rooftop tennis court.

The Hyatt Melbourne Gym

Much more than just an exercise and workout room, the Grand Hyatt gym is huge, extending across an entire floor, and into several levels.

There are specific weight lifting rooms, banks of all kinds of exercise equipment including weight presses and treadmills, a dedicated Peloton cycle class room and open mirrored spaces.

For the travelling dance troupe or cheer squad, there’s even a large polished floor dance studio.

A rooftop tennis court in the Melbourne CBD

Up a staircase you’ll find a full-sized outdoor rooftop tennis court. Surrounded on all sides by both historic buildings and modern city high rises. This tennis court provides a surreal, totally unique place to play a few sets of tennis right in the middle of the city of Melbourne!

Alongside the tennis court is a basketball half court and several golf driving cages too.

The entertainment and exercise spaces available to the Grand Hyatt Melbourne and their guests are simply mind blowing.

The Heated Indoor Pool unique to Melbourne

Inside the Health Club is also where you will find the iconic hotel pool.

With its art deco black and white tiling, a separate plunge pool and spa, this heated indoor swimming pool is totally unique to the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

Steam rooms and saunas

Branching off from the pool are the steam rooms, saunas. There are dedicated women’s and men’s separate steam rooms and hot timber sauna rooms located on either side of the swimming pool.

The women’s steam room area includes two stories of facilities, including showers, dressing rooms with mirrors and secure lockers.

Collins Kitchen Full buffet breakfast restaurant

When the Grand Hyatt say full buffet breakfast – they mean it! Anything your heart desires for breakfast is available.

There are dedicated hot food buffets, plenty of fresh cold foods such as fruit and cereal stations  plus yoghurts, juices and pastries.

From chef-curated eggs to a dedicated pancake cook and of course barrista, you’ll start your day wondering if you’ll be able to fit lunch in at all!

Dinner, bars and room service

The Grand Hyatt hotel restaurant Collins Kitchen is also open for dinner, plus there is a bistro bar and lounges on site to grab a bite to eat – or a pre-show or dinner cocktail!

Grand Hyatt room service

Room service is fast and efficient and also offers a range of snacks and drinks to decadent meal cuisines. We rarely had to wait more than 15 minutes for a simple snack or drink order.

Centrally located for the perfect Melbourne staycation

The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is ideally located in the heart of the city, only a few minutes stroll from some of Melbourne’s most iconic tourist spots such as Federation Square, Hosier Lane and Flinders Street Station.

Designer shopping is right at the door on prestigious Collins Street, with major city department stores such as Myer and David Jones, museums and theatres only a short stroll away.

A beautiful Melbourne family holiday

We all loved our stay at the Grand Hyatt – spoil yourself and book a stay now – because all mums and dads deserve to be spoiled like the Grand Hyatt Melbourne spoils their guests – and that includes the kids!

The Letsgomum family partnered with Jetstar Australia & the Grand Hyatt Melbourne hotel for this Melbourne trip. 

Grand Hyatt Melbourne hotel handy information

Grand Hyatt Melbourne Address: 123 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia

Grand Hyatt Melbourne phone number: 03 9657 1234

Grand Hyatt Melbourne distance from Airport: 19.5km – 20 minutes taxi or uber drive

Grand Hyatt Melbourne Valet and hotel parking is available

The number 7 tram stop servicing trams 11, 12, 48 and 109 is located right outside the hotel on Collins Street

To find out more – visit the official Hyatt website here

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This page contains affiliate links. If you book a stay through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

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This page contains affiliate links. If you book a stay through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

If you’re looking for a fantastic afternoon or evening  out in Melbourne, I think we’ve found it for you!

This week we attended the opening night of the new theatre production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and it has cast its magical spell over Melbourne already!

Opening Night – the hottest event in Melbourne!

The Opening Night event was held in the forecourt of the Princess Theatre, and had to be the best party in town!

A star studded VIP invitation-only event, there were shoulder-to-shoulder Melbourne elite, TV celebrities, social media influencers – and of course, die-hard Harry Potter fans! We felt so thrilled to be there.

See our Instagram post about Harry Potter And The Cursed Child with more photos here

Watch our Harry Potter And The Cursed Child opening night experience on YouTube

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One thing about Harry Potter is that everyone loves him! Attendees were embracing the theme en masse, and costumed appropriately. Robes twirled, scarves swung and wands swished and flicked everywhere. Because let’s face it – dressing up for Hogwarts is so much fun!

We pulled my girl’s precious Hogwarts robes out of the wardrobe and added a few new accessories, including my new favourite – a screaming Mandrake scarf!

This premiere event took full advantage of the beloved magical Potter theme with several impressive installations. They proved perfect for fun family and Instagram photos.

The first thing to catch our eye entering the event was a massive flaming golden snitch dominating the forecourt. It was an impressive sight that served to emphasise the flickering, magical atmosphere.

As we circulated we posed for some really fun Harry Potter themed photos.

There was a Dumbledore picture frame you could step into, like the moving pictures on the walls at Hogwarts.

There was even a Platform 9¾ wall, complete with a half-through baggage trolley – so that you could pretend to make a run at the wall of course!

A red carpet photo wall was there too, and perhaps the most fun surprise of all – a trolley lady handing out chocolate!

The Hogwarts Express Trolley Lady

The trolley lady was just like the one in the Harry Potter movies on the Hogwarts Express! We were met with a cocky “Anything from the trolley, dears?”. Potter fans from way-back in, I thought my girls were going to jump for joy at the sight of her!

It wasn’t just my teenagers clamouring around her, either – adults left right and centre were excitedly lining up to interact with the trolley lady, and get their own chocolate! Harry Potter of course now has generations of adult fans too.

A brand new version of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child

This Wizarding World licensed production is a Potter Head’s dream! A brand new, reimagined version of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child that has been combined into one part instead of the original two part version. The result is a fast-paced exciting tale that is a delight to watch.

On with the show! Act 1

From the moment you enter the theatre, the atmosphere is other-worldly. You can hear eerie, indistinct train station platform calls echoing in the light-studded dim of the historic Princess Theatre.

The stage offers a mysterious glimpse at what is to come, with suitcases spotlighted by a station clock.

A levitating bowler hat is seemingly suspended above the stage, and you find yourself trying to puzzle out how it’s actually DOING THAT? The answer just may be – magic!

The show starts off at a run, and at the appearance of each original character, there are audience roars of approval and love.

The whole gang is back for this play – Harry (Gareth Reeves), Ron (Michael Whalley), Ginny (Lucy Goleby), Hermione (Paula Arundell) and Draco (Lachlan Woods)…plus some fun surprise come-backs! But this magical tale is really all about the new generation. New characters to instantly adore such as Albus Potter (Ben Walter), Scorpius Malfoy (Nyx Calder) and Rose (Aisha Aidara) .

This play is very-much the story of what happens next – a continuation of the Harry Potter stories.

With a whirl of wizard and witches robes, scenes change and magical twists, turns and slight of hand illusions happen seamlessly.

Intermission

Intermission seemed to come all too soon, but somehow everyone replenished their drinks and snacks from the Princess Theatre bar in time to be back in their seats for the second act – no mean feat by theatre staff!

Harry Potter and the Cursed Chid Act 2

Act 2 was every bit as wonderful as the first, and the audience were so ready for it – you could feel the anticipation before it even began. After all, the stage was already set with an ominous Dark Mark!

I don’t want to go into too much detail or give out any spoilers, however I will say that this show takes you from wonder to joy and even to delighted fear!

The audience was completely caught up in what was happening on stage – and off of it!

Is the Harry Potter Play suitable for children?

My teenagers (and myself) loved this show. For older primary school aged children up, this would be a wonderful outing and magical experience. That said, I would probably leave the younger kids at home due to a scary section. Under-fours are not permitted at all.

A standing ovation

One things for sure- this new show is a highly entertaining, and often completely astonishing  production that will have you on the edge of your seat.

At the end of the play as the cast came to take their bows they were met with a very well deserved, noisy standing ovation. It was an obvious seal of audience approval. This fabulous production is a hit – and a truly spellbinding way to spend a special night out in Melbourne.

Exclusive to Melbourne at the Princess Theatre

Book your tickets without delay! Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is travelling the world, but playing only at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne. The production won’t be travelling Australia, or playing in other cities.

So if you don’t live in Melbourne then this is the excuse to visit you’ve been looking for!

Fly Sydney to Melbourne to see the show

Why not make a weekend of it and have a lovely getaway like we did?

We were flown Sydney to Melbourne by our sponsors and favourite budget airline Jetstar Australia.

The flying time between Sydney and Melbourne is just 1 hour 35 minutes, and check in and boarding is now as straightforward as it ever was.

We love buying our meals or snacks on board too, because it’s great to be able to eat and drink just what you feel like!

Have a luxury Melbourne Staycation at the Grand Hyatt

While you’re in Melbourne, why not spoil yourself with a decadent five star stay? We loved being hosted by the gorgeous Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

I highly recommend this stunning hotel for a luxurious Melbourne stay – and it’s just a few minutes walk from the Princess Theatre. Perfect!

Book a stay at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne here.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child quick info

Tickets are eligible for the Victorian Dining and Entertainment Program where you can claim 25% back on each ticket

Suitable for: all ages over 4, however there is an over 12 years recommendation, as there are some scary themes.

How long is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?: 3 hours, 20 minutes including intermission

How much are tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?: The Princess Theatre is three tiered levels with the Stalls at the bottom, Dress Circle in the centre and Grand Circle on the top tier. Tickets are priced from $56 (obstructed view Stalls) t0 $155 (Dress Circle front) each. You can phone 1300 795 012 or  buy tickets online here

Is there disabled access seating and room for a wheelchair? Accessible seating should be booked on the Stalls level on the ground floor, as there is no lift in the Princess Theatre.

Where is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child playing?: The Princess Theatre, 163 Spring Street, Melbourne.

When does Harry Potter and the Cursed Child finish?: Exclusive to the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, the season runs from the 19th of May to October 16th, 2022. Performances are generally every day excepting Monday, with afternoon performances on weekends.

Do I have to wear a mask during the performance? You must be vaccinated and wear a mask in the Princess Theatre.

Where can I buy tickets to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?: More info and tickets can be found at the official website here

Have you attended Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, or do you plan to go? Tell me how you liked it, or ask your questions in the comments below…

All information is correct as at May 2022 – theatre seat prices vary according to their position – please check the official websites as linked above for relevant, up to date information and prices.

We were invited guests to Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, and we’re sponsored by Jetstar Australia and the Grand Hyatt Melbourne for this trip. I speak from personal experience. As always, all opinions remain firmly my own.

This page contains affiliate links. If you book a stay through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

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The post Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Melbourne opening night & review appeared first on Let's go Mum.

This page contains affiliate links. If you book a stay through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

If you’re looking for a family-friendly luxury hotel for your next Melbourne trip or staycation, Melbourne Marriott is the one!

We took a trip to see the Christmas lights of Melbourne – and to do a bit of last-minute Christmas shopping – and absolutely loved our family getaway staying at the Melbourne Marriott!

Watch our Melbourne Marriott Hotel room tour video!

No time to read? Watch our video tour of the Melbourne Marriott hotel here.

Don’t miss another of our Australian family YouTube videos! Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here 

A family-friendly luxury hotel

Flying to Melbourne with Jetstar Australia (our Melbourne trip airline partner), the Melbourne Marriott was only twenty five minutes Uber trip from Melbourne Airport. We were soon receiving a warm welcome at the Melbourne Marriot hotel reception desk.

Our five-star hotel corner suite

Even though we were staying in a luxurious executive corner suite with a a huge master bedroom, it had been adapted to accommodate our family comfortably.

I loved the master bedroom (oh, the stretched-out luxury!), whilst the girls slept in the additional beds in the lounge and had plenty of room for themselves. Our beautiful suite could have easily slept a family of five.

The décor was modern and elegant with panoramic city views from every window. A huge walk-through robe and a stunning marble accent bathroom en-suite with luxury complementary amenities continued the luxurious theme.

Our room had every convenience we could have needed. An iron & ironing board, a safe for any valuables, tea & coffee facilities and a refrigerator mini bar. There were toothbrushes & paste in addition to the luxury toiletries, complimentary slippers, plenty of generously-sized plush towels plus white terry robes to relax in too. The Marriott is geared for relaxation!

As if all that wasn’t enough, the gift of a spectacular welcome platter awaited us in the room loaded with everything delicious – and even a bottle of champagne. My parent luxury weekend was activated! As soon as we had enjoyed a mini-platter feast, we set off to enjoy the delights of Melbourne – and of course some Melbourne Christmas shopping!

A hotel near Her Majesty’s Theatre

Right next door to the Melbourne Marriot hotel we discovered the East End theatre district. Her Majesty’s Theatre (playing Disney’s Frozen the Musical) was mere steps away, as was Chinatown and a multitude of tempting Little Bourke Street restaurants!

A centrally located hotel to make your Melbourne staycation easy

This was a great base to explore the Melbourne CBD from, including the wonderful shopping precinct. From designer to discount, Melbourne shopping has it all, and staying at the Marriot Melbourne meant we didn’t have far to walk to reach any Melbourne  attractions.

From the Flinders Street Station and Federation Square Christmas lights at night, to David Jones, Myer and the Emporium shopping centre, we didn’t even need to catch a tram once during our stay – yet we explored so much! Centrally located, the Melbourne Marriott is such an advantage for a Melbourne weekend or holiday.

This Melbourne city hotel has an indoor pool & gym!

The hotel’s facilities are kid-friendly too.

An elegant indoor pool was a great place to have some fun and unwind. There were pool noodles for the girls to play with and a warm spa to relax in. A motorised chair lift provided accessibility to the pool too.

There was a sauna and a well-equipped indoor exercise gym located off the pool, plus a fairy light-lit courtyard too.

The Melbourne Marriott’s Essence On Exhibition restaurant is located on the ground floor, and is open for both dinner and breakfast.

It was lovely to sit and watch the world go by from the restaurant’s picture windows looking out onto the busy street whilst eating from the self-service full buffet breakfast selections. Enjoying a barista coffee and my favourite (chef-cooked and not me – hurray!) poached eggs and the kids happily munching on Cocoa Pops, it was a beautiful start to our Melbourne day.

Book your Melbourne weekend away

Our stay at the Melbourne Marriott hotel really made our Melbourne trip  – it was lovely to be spoiled! After all, we mums deserve a bit of luxury! You can book your stay at the Melbourne Marriott hotel now at Booking.com .

The Letsgomum family partnered with Jetstar Australia & the Melbourne Marriott hotel for this Melbourne Christmas trip. 

Melbourne Marriott hotel handy information

Melbourne Marriott’s Address: Corner of Exhibition & Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne Australia

Melbourne Marriott’s phone number: 03 9662 3900

Melbourne Marriott’s distance from Airport: 20km – 25 five minutes taxi or uber drive

Melbourne Marriott hotel parking is available

Book your stay with Booking.com here

To find out more – visit the official Marriott website here

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This page contains affiliate links. If you book a stay through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support!

The post Melbourne Marriott hotel review – five star family luxury staycations appeared first on Let's go Mum.