The Hyatt Canberra is a historic property that plays up its background with Old World interiors that guests will either find charmingly traditional or in need of modernization. The hotel has a grand atrium clad in white wood panelling and a ceiling molded into intricate shapes, which leads through to a three-story lounge with a champagne Art Nouveau carpet. Outside, sprawling grounds include expansive, grassy courtyards shaded by mature oaks. The on-site restaurant is a smart space with abundant honey-colored wood, while the two bars are more intimate spaces with walls painted in moody shades of dark teal and slate gray, plus couches and armchairs in shades of black and gold. Everything has an elegant look, but it's mostly subdued. The hotel is popular both with vacationing tourists looking for a luxury getaway, as well as high-powered business guests working in the government offices and embassies nearby. 

The Hyatt Canberra is ideally located for business guests with work in Parliament House, which is a four-minute drive away, or the embassies and government offices in the streets that radiate off of State Circle. The hotel is on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, and it backs on to Canberra Nara Park. The Old Parliament House and National Library are a nine- and 14-minute walk, respectively. The National Gallery of Australia is a 20-minute walk away, or five minutes by car, while Canberra Central is a five-minute drive across the lake, and home to far more shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as museums, galleries and concert halls than are on the southern side of the city. Expect a 10-minute drive to Canberra Airport, or a 40-minute transfer by public transport.

The 252 rooms at the Hyatt continue the traditional look, outfitted in a sedate design of tan or brown patterned carpet, wood furniture, neutral linens, and decorative accents limited to generic modern artwork, hanging mirrors, and gold drapes. Amenities, however, are top-notch, including king-sized beds, big desks, sitting areas, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Safes, bathrobes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi also come standard. A standout are the marble bathrooms with deep tubs and separate showers with rainfall showerheads, as well as hairdryers and toiletries. Some higher-category rooms add separate seating areas with couches and dining tables. Note that some guests have complained of noise from on-site functions reaching rooms.

There are a range of high-end amenities that justify the Hyatt Canberra’s luxury billing. Wellness-wise, the hotel has a large lap pool in a light-filled space, as well as a spa with treatment rooms, a sauna, and steam room. Additionally, a well-equipped gym is housed in a clubhouse-style outbuilding, and there's a tennis court. The on-site restaurant serves both buffet and a la carte options for breakfast, plus la carte fare for lunch and dinner. A seafood buffet in the evening is also popular. There are two small and intimate bars in the hotel, which offer less formal meals and drinks. The tea lounge serves high tea in a grandiose space, as well as light meals. There are six meeting rooms which can be rented, the largest of which can fit 800 people. The hotel has valet parking and free Wi-Fi throughout.