Brett Sweetman speaks to Renae Leith-Manos

In this podcast, luxury hotel expert Renae Leith-Manos sits down with Brett Sweetman, the Australian General Manager of the Park Hyatt Auckland, to delve into his journey in the hospitality industry and the current state of the luxury hotel scene.
Sweetman’s connection to hospitality runs deep, having been introduced to the vibrant world of hotels as a child through his father, who managed several hotels in Australia.
Now, Sweetman continues the family tradition, leading the prestigious Park Hyatt Auckland, a five-star luxury hotel perfectly positioned on Auckland’s stunning waterfront, offering breathtaking views of the Waitematā Harbour.
With 16 years of experience at Hyatt, spanning roles in Melbourne, Dubai, and now Auckland, Sweetman has grown with the brand. He began his career in finance, later transitioning to operations, where he found ample opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Here he talks about the growth in luxury offerings in both luxury hotels and restaurants in Auckland as well as in broader New Zealand.
The Park Hyatt Auckland is more than just a luxury hotel; it's a gateway to showcasing the essence of Auckland and New Zealand to the world.
Sweetman is passionate about highlighting the rich culture and unique offerings of the region through local artwork, a distinguished food and beverage program, and the warm, authentic hospitality that the hotel’s whānau (family) extends to every guest.
In discussing the guest experience, Sweetman emphasises the importance of authenticity, personalised recognition, and empathy.
These values have remained central to the Park Hyatt Auckland's ethos, especially in a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape. The hotel has adapted to modern needs with innovations like keyless room entry, chrome-casting facilities, and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless experience for today’s tech-savvy travelers.
Reflecting on the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sweetman shares how the hotel had to pivot its strategy, focusing on the domestic market while international borders were closed.
He is optimistic and eager to once again showcase the "City of Sails" to a global audience.
Looking forward, Sweetman and his team at Park Hyatt Auckland are determined to reinvigorate the city’s status as a premier destination, collaborating with tourism bodies to ensure New Zealand remains a top choice for travelers worldwide.
Chapters
0:49 Introduction
1:38 What differentiates Park Hyatt Auckland from so many other luxury hotels?
2:10 Where the Park Hyatt Auckland guests come from
3:19 Main attractions for the travelers coming to Auckland (and New Zealand)
4:37 How the restaurant evolve and change in New Zealand recently
5:36 What made Brett Sweetman leave Melbourne, the sweet spot for culinary and wine culture, for Auckland.
6:35 The excitement of being a Hotel General Manager and how being a hotelier runs in the family
12:50 Park Hyatt Auckland’s take on sustainability-especially on luxury hotels and restaurants
14:17 Recent wellness offers from Park Hyatt Auckland
17:05 Does Brett Sweetman travel in luxury?
18:55 Park Hyatt expansion plans in New Zealand
19:54 Renae and Brett reminisce about Melbourne
21:07 WhereToFromHere, Brett?
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Host & Executive Producer: Renae Leith-Manos
Editor: JC Tomelden
Graphic & Design: Giang Nguyen
For more luxury travel go to: www.renaesworld.com.au
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You can watch every episode with spectacular visuals from some of the world’s best and most luxurious hotels over on Renae’s TH-cam channel, “Renae’s World, Where to From Here”.