On Friday 25 October, Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel celebrated 100 years in true style – paying homage to the hotel's rich and storied history.

Over 600 well-heeled guests were welcomed through the hotel's illustrious doors – doors that have swung open to royalty, dignitaries and delegations for 100 glorious years.

The Taittinger flowed freely and guests were wowed with high energy performances throughout the night. From a 10-tier champagne tower performance by Couture Air to the Baker Boys five-piece band and pop-up cocktail bars with all the theatre of the roaring 20s.

The highlight of the evening, if not the champagne tower, was certainly the 2m tall croquembouche tower which was escorted into The Tea Lounge by the hotel's in-house pastry team to an exuberant crowd singing Happy Birthday. The tower took over 30 hours to create consisting of 3,900 puff pastries baked in-house.

Reminiscent of Hyatt Hotel Canberra's reopening party in 1988, the night was a true reflection of luxury hospitality at its best, with little expense spared.

Over 260 bottles of Robert Oatley Wine was drunk, 1800 oysters shucked, copious Martinis, Bellinis and whiskey cocktails poured and 4,800 canapes served. 

The evening was also both a reminder and a reaffirmation that when it comes to celebrations in the Nation's Capital, Hyatt Hotel Canberra is the place to be – with its undeniable blend of grandeur, history, style and stately elegance. 

“While there was no mistaking that people were there to party, there was also a true sense of connection and belonging to the hotel.  Everyone I spoke to had a story to tell and a fond memory to share.  As custodians of this historic building, our staff certainly feel compelled to honor its past, while continuing to offer contemporary luxury hospitality for the next 100 years,” says Hyatt Hotel Canberra General Manager, Michael Sarino.

Built as a showpiece for an emerging city, Hostel No. 1 officially opened its doors in 1924 – three years before Parliament House opened and 40 years before Lake Burley Griffin filled.

Surrounded by dusty plains, it was to become a reflection of how Canberra – and Australia – saw itself on an international playing field. An iconic and luxurious building and a feather in the National Capital's hat. Today, 100 years later, it still stands as a proud reflection of a great city.