Regional Connection – Hyatt Centric by Hecker Guthrie and Architectus

What better way to experience a city than to immerse yourself in among local makers, artists and creators? Hyatt Centric is a confident answer to this question, exuding the essence of Melbourne – from its laneways to its fashion, art and food. Hecker Guthrie and Architectus bring their local knowledge to create a unique boutique stay, centrally located and ever so carefully crafted.

Having made Melbourne their home for many years, both Hecker Guthrie and Architectus have helped shaped the city, its homes, retail spaces, hospitality, and commercial scenes, and now bring that experience into the hotel sector. As part of a breakaway series by the Hyatt group, Hyatt Centric offers guests the chance to stay within a more localised experience, crafted through the eyes of those that know the city best.

As part of a breakaway series by the Hyatt group, Hyatt Centric offers guests the chance to stay within a more localised experience, crafted through the eyes of those that know the city best.

Centrally located within Melbourne’s CBD, the hotel responds to a call for a more diverse style of stay. While there is something appealing about the reputation of a larger hospitality brand ensuring consistency across a number of locations, the rise in popularity of short-stay accommodation, such as Airbnb, has shown a desire among travellers to experience some-thing a little different. In alignment with this trend, the core philosophy of the design for Hyatt Centric was that it reflect the city’s milieu, people, history and its contemporary culture.

Melbourne’s famed bluestone laneways, Victorian brickwork and the gridded nature of the city’s planning were also important parts of the narrative enfolded into the hotel. A tessellated tile reflects these motifs and creates an understated effect internally, allowing for a focus on the tactile and textured objects and shining a light on the hands that made them. References to Melbourne’s humble Victorian-era brickwork are expressed initially in the lobby and check-in areas, of which the palette of warm muted red and terracotta is then continued into the corridors and rooms. The unique layering within the rooms sees timber, stone, and custom side tables in a ceramic tile united with the series of curated artworks and lighting from local designers and artists.

The unique layering within the rooms sees timber, stone, and custom side tables in a ceramic tile united with the series of curated artworks and lighting from local designers and artists.

The openness of the hotel on street level was a deliberate offering to the public sphere of the city that makes it all the more inviting. Housing 278 rooms in total, Hyatt Centric bridges the space between small, boutique hospitality and the larger, more familiar chains. Drawing on local knowledge and connections, Hecker Guthrie and Architectus have created a truly respectful and authentic homage to the city.