Coffee With Megan Johnston of the Park Hyatt Melbourne

Tell us about your journey in the industry:

I grew up in Toowoomba, Queensland and wanted to be a Home Economics Teacher before pursuing a Bachelor of Business in Hospitality Management. I started with Hyatt as a room attendant before working at the Hyatt Regency Coolum and learning about all areas of rooms division, opening new hotels in APAC and experiencing different operations. I progressed from Team leader, Assistant Manager, Manager to Executive Housekeeper here at the Park Hyatt Melbourne.

What do you do when you’re not at work?

Outside of work I like playing tennis and hockey and enjoy going to the rugby league – I am a Melbourne Storm member.

What type of personality does it take to be the HKE at the successful Park Hyatt Melbourne?

You need to be task orientated and personable. Being adaptable, approachable, detail- oriented and always thinking outside the square is key to a career in housekeeping.

What do you love most about your role?

Every day is different. I love seeing my team grow professionally and personally as we work together to enhance our guests’ experience. We spend more time at work than at home and your team becomes an extension of your family.

Tell me about a typical day for you at the hotel?

My day begins around 7am with handovers from the previous shift and checking the occupancy and movement for the day. A general inspection of public areas and overall department, and I launch into team meetings and executive briefings. Throughout the day I check VIP rooms, update payroll, conduct interviews, meetings with suppliers/contractors… any task in the department, including sorting dirty linen if it can help my team. A big part of my day is communicating with my team up on the floors, being available and ensuring they have everything they need. In the afternoon I lead briefings on the changeover of staff and I catch up on admin, preparing for the days ahead with a clear action plan as to what needs to be achieved.  

What is your hotel famous for? What sets you apart at the Park Hyatt?

The oversized rooms, high level of service and luxury offered. We are also a popular venue for events – weddings in particular – with our dedicated wedding team and setup. We have a beautiful art deco design with an extensive art collection. We also have an internal courtyard which is fabulous on a sunny day and of course I can’t forget about our Canine Ambassador, Mr. Walker.

Does your team use Weatherdon products at the hotel?   

We use a number of Weatherdon products as part of our guestroom offering. Favourites include the Nero Retrak hairdryers, Nero smart Kettles, Nero Irons, frosted silicone bathmats to name a few. The products are very durable for the hotel setting and they are aesthetically pleasing. They are well priced, user friendly and always in stock when we need them.

What is your hotel’s approach to sustainability ?

Sustainability is a key focus at the hotel. From food to guest amenities and supplies, reducing waste, landfill and our carbon footprint. We actively recycle soap through Soap Aid, recycle coffee capsules, and minimize single use plastics in the rooms. We also donate our discarded linen to charities to re purpose and assist the wider community.

You’ve obviously got nothing but the best for your guests. Tell me about the back of house?

Here at Park Hyatt we have a staff restaurant that serves our team complimentary lunch/dinner while on shift. A lounge area where staff can relax and unwind. Locker rooms and shower facilities are also available for staff. In our staff corridors, there are recognition walls that celebrate guest feedback, staff achievements and photos of staff activities.

Is the Park Hyatt Melbourne hosting any tennis players during the Australian Open?

What happens in a hotel stays in the hotel….. :)