Ask any American the country he’d most like to visit, and Australia would be on the high end of the answer list. Ask him why, and the conditioned response would be to see the Great Barrier Reef; rough it in the “outback;” and take in such hyped-sights as the world famous Sydney Opera House: All admirable answers. Other draws might include the strong US dollar and the exotic wildlife.

In addition, the general level of the food in Australia is superior to most other English-speaking countries (including the USA). The best restaurants of Sydney and Melbourne rival those of Paris, London and New York and even overshadowed Auckland has fabulous food.

Even more of a surprise to the average tourist, Australia has some of the best hotels in the world. Although its' not really close to anywhere, unless you call 8 or 9 hours to Japan close, its strong Asian influence has not only inspired the food, but the hospitality industry in general. Travel writers have known for years that Asian hotels are without question  the best in the world. I love Paris’ Crillion and Ritz; Italy’s Excelsior and San Domenico Palace and Vienna’s Imperial, but Hong Kong’s Peninsula they ain’t.

After nearly a month on the road, nine Quantas business class flights and stays in dozens of hotels, I can confidently endorse two brands that are widely known, not only to most Americans, but internationally: Starwood’s Sheraton and Westin labels and Hyatt International’s Hyatt Regency and Park Hyatt.

Now, no aspersions being cast, don’t put Starwood’s and Hyatt International’s Asian and Australian/New Zealand properties in the same category as their domestic (that especially applies to Hyatt, since Starwood offers its “Luxury Collection” and “St. Regis” brands in the States).

The Hyatt Park in Melbourne is without doubt not only one of the most comely hotels in the world, but its main restaurant (Radii) is incomparable. A wall of vibrant blue hand sculptured glass signals your arrival at Radii  Restaurant & Bar. There’s a high energy enclave with immediate visual impact. Set over five levels, Radii is an eclectic blend of club  atmosphere, bar energy and bistro bustle. A tiered floorplan descends to Cuba Cigar Lounge, where an open fireplace and sumptuous club lounges create an intimate  after-dinner destination.

Radii is, arguably, the best restaurant in Melbourne, a town with no shortage of great restaurants. Executive chef, Paul Wilson’s enviable CV includes stints in London at Sir Terence Conran’s major venues. It far surpasses Sydney’s acclaimed Rockpool, whose celebrity-chef, Neil Perry, is also responsible for the mostly forgettable food on Quantas.

Interestingly, the Hyatt Park Melbourne is designed by The Buchan Group, a team of American architects, based in Palm Beach, Florida.

The spanking-new, barely unwrapped Melbourne Westin’s breathtaking design is executed by home-grown talent. It’s main restaurant, Allegro, offers a casual elegance, open kitchen and enclosed wine “cellar,” not to mention fresh, inventive and terrific Mediterranean-influenced food. It does not offer the convenience of an executive lounge floor for complimentary breakfast and pre-dinner cocktails, like the Hyatt. However, it’s addictive martini bar almost compensates.
 
The marble, crystal and grandeur of the Hyatt is matched by the Westin's minimalist modernism and clean lines, where a dramatic staircase is the focal point of the comfortable lobby, which changes moods (and lighting) from dawn to dusk.

Both The Park Hyatt and Westin Melbourne are visual treats, and one’s choice is essentially a matter of taste. Both hotels offer quality amenities, exquisite furnishings and everything the business or luxury traveler has grown to expect in the competitive hotel game. Service is on a par with the atmosphere, from maid and room service to front desk and wait staff.

Melbourne’s Park Hyatt, 1 Parliament Square, Reservations (1-800) 233-1234 & the Westin Melbourne 205 Collins St., Reservations (1-800) 325-3535) rate A Plus on my International Travel Report Card.

I'm J. Walman & my reviews are available & have been seen on the Internet <http://punchin.com/punchin>, The Culinary Gourmet of New York <http://culinarygourmet.com>, Broadway-On-the-Net <http://punchin.com/punchin/broadway.html>, Dinner’s On Us <http://www.dinnersonus.com> Or Click here to see the review on the worldwide web <http://punchin.com/punchin/wevd/oz1.html>.

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