Guest Loyalty Is Not Dead – It’s Just Really Boring
Ellis Connolly | May 19, 2022
Loyalty
SiteMinder Heralds Hyatt in Florida as 16,000th Hotel
SiteMinder | February 4, 2015
Dallas, U.S. - The global hotel industry's leading provider of online distribution and direct booking technology, SiteMinder, today announces it has secured Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa in Florida, the U.S., to reach its 16,000th hotel customer milestone. Located steps from the famous Duval Street, on a waterfront with priceless views of the Gulf of Mexico, Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa sets the bar for customer experience in Key West. With the highest occupancy of any full-service Hyatt in North America in 2014, the property's revenue manager, Phillip Pierce, says he wishes he partnered with SiteMinder years back. "Before using SiteMi...
GHV Hotel & Hyatt Open the 117-room Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi in Western India
GHV Hotel (India) Pvt Ltd | February 2, 2015
CHICAGO (January 30, 2015) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and GHV Hotel (India) Pvt Ltd today announced the opening of Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi, which is strategically located at the entrance to the fast-growing IT city of Pune, less than 85 miles (143 kilometers) from Mumbai, India. This is the third Hyatt Place hotel to open in India, following the 2012 opening of Hyatt Place Hampi in Southern India and the November 2014 opening of Hyatt Place Gurgaon/Udyog Vihar in Northern India. "The opening of Hyatt Place Pune/Hinjewadi marks a significant milestone for the Hyatt Place brand as it continues to expand throughout India and...
Hyatt to Launch Free Wi-Fi Access in All Lobbies and Guest Rooms Worldwide
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | December 22, 2014
CHICAGO (December 22, 2014) – As part of the company's continued efforts to evolve the guest experience by listening and responding to guest needs, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced plans to offer free Wi-Fi at all Hyatt hotels worldwide, providing connectivity and convenience regardless of booking method or loyalty program participation. Free Wi-Fi will become available to Hyatt guests around the world in February 2015. Travelers will be able to access free Wi-Fi on an unlimited number of mobile devices or laptops in Hyatt-branded hotel guest rooms and social spaces. "Internet connectivity is no longer an amenity. It...
HYATT REGENCY TRINIDAD APPOINTS RAFAEL SOMARRIBA AS DIRECTOR OF ROOMS
Hyatt Regency Trinidad | December 11, 2014
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (December 11, 2014) – Hyatt Regency Trinidad General Manager Russell George proudly announces the appointment of Rafael Somarriba as director of rooms for the Caribbean's leading business hotel, located in Port of Spain, Trinidad. In his new role, Somarriba will oversee all guest, valet and housekeeping services as well as the front office team. "We are thrilled to have a professional of Rafael's experience and caliber join our team," said George. "Having held many positions at various Hyatt hotels, he brings in-depth knowledge of our high brand standards as well as international sales experience that will comp...
Fu Wah New Zealand & Hyatt Enter Agreement for New 190-room Park Hyatt Auckland, to Open 2017
Park Hyatt | November 25, 2014
CHICAGO (November, 2014) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Fu Wah New Zealand for a Park Hyatt hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. Expected to open in 2017, Park Hyatt Auckland will mark Hyatt's return to New Zealand, and the first Park Hyatt-branded hotel to open in Auckland. "This has been an exciting year for the Park Hyatt brand, and we are honored to collaborate with Fu Wah New Zealand on this landmark luxury development," said Ratnesh Verma, senior vice president, real estate and development, Asia Pacific, Hyatt. "Fu Wah New Zealand believes in th...
Hyatt Acquires Full Ownership of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, Austin, TX for $143 million
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | November 9, 2014
CHICAGO--Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has acquired its partners' 92 percent interest in the 491-room Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in Austin/Bastrop, Texas, for approximately $143 million. The Company also assumed approximately $65 million of property-level debt. The total price, inclusive of debt, implies a valuation of approximately $450,000 per key. The transaction closed on November 6. "Hyatt Regency Lost Pines is a sought-after destination by both leisure and group guests and has strengthened Hyatt's presence in the Austin area, where Hyatt has a broad spectrum of lodging experi...
Hyatt Uses Service Optimization Solutions from Newmarket as “Keys to Creating Guest Satisfaction”
Newmarket International, Inc. | August 13, 2014
August 13, 2014 - Portsmouth, NH - Knowing that guest impressions drive satisfaction and loyalty, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) turned to Newmarket International, Inc. ("Newmarket"), an Amadeus company, for Service Optimization solutions to provide customer service that truly personalizes the guest experience and differentiates the brand from competitors. Hyatt set high expectations: develop a true global set of standards, operationalize best practices, and use data to anticipate guest needs to provide superior service. "Systems such as HotSOS are taking on increased importance as we seek to better understand our guests' preference...
The Evolution of Hotel Branding: The Changing Focus of Hotel Brands
HMG Hotels | June 24, 2014
by Randy Hulce Travelers who favor a particular hotel brand know what to expect when they arrive. The rooms look identical whether they are located in Maine or California. Guests don't know, or care, if the franchising company or the franchisee owns the property. Everything is the same. This is an ideal situation for property owners who wish to identify strongly with a brand. The name attracts a predictable type of guest, and the owners have fewer decisions to make. They don't have to worry about furnishings or layouts; they just have to follow the master plan. Because of the rising popularity of this enforced uniformity, many major hot...
The Plasencia Group Reveals a Fresh Look Following Its 20th Anniversary
The Plasencia Group | February 5, 2014
Tampa, Fla. (February 5, 2014) – Entering its third decade of providing personalized hospitality investment advisory services, The Plasencia Group is introducing a new logo and branding for the firm and its affiliates. The Company has undertaken a number of endeavors as part of the transformation, including the refreshing of the firm's logo, the release of a new company website and the implementation of state-of-the-art Citrix ShareFile Virtual Data Room technology. Founded in 1993 with one office in Tampa, Florida, The Plasencia Group now maintains a national footprint through its regional offices strategically situated throughout th...
White Lodging & Hyatt Affiliate Form JV to Develop Dual-Branded Hyatt Place/Hyatt House in Denver
Hyatt Place | October 15, 2013
CHICAGO (October 15, 2013) – White Lodging Services and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the formation of a joint venture to develop Denver's first dual-branded Hyatt Place/Hyatt House. A Hyatt affiliate and White Lodging will each own 50 percent of the joint venture and White Lodging will operate the hotels under franchise agreements with a Hyatt affiliate. "We are thrilled to expand upon our strategic relationship with Hyatt and looking forward to breaking ground in November," said Deno Yiankes, president and CEO of White Lodging's Investments and Developments division. "This project is yet another example of our continu...
Hyatt Plans Two Openings in Tanzania; Park Hyatt Zanzibar in 2014 & Hyatt Regency Arusha in 2016
Park Hyatt | October 11, 2013
CHICAGO (October 11, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with ASB Holdings Limited for two Hyatt-branded hotels in Tanzania – Park Hyatt Zanzibar and Hyatt Regency Arusha. The hotels will join the previously announced Park Hyatt Marrakech and Hyatt Place Taghazout in Morocco, as well Hyatt Dakar in Senegal. There is currently one hotel in Tanzania, Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro, which opened in 2011. Park Hyatt Zanzibar will offer 72 luxurious guestrooms, and will be located on an UNESCO heritage site in the historic part of Zanzibar...
Robert Finvarb Companies & Hyatt to Develop New Hyatt South Beach; Island Hospitality to Manage
Hyatt | October 4, 2013
Will be the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. CHICAGO (October 4, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with an affiliate of Robert Finvarb Companies to develop Hyatt South Beach, a hotel to be located at 1600 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, Fla. An affiliate of Robert Finvarb Companies, led by Robert Finvarb, will develop the property and the hotel will be managed by Island Hospitality Management. Construction of Hyatt South Beach is expected to begin in late 2013, and the hotel is slated to open in 2015. "We are excited to be bringing the ...
Inland American Real Estate Trust Acquires Two Andaz Hotels Located in Napa, CA and Savannah, GA
Inland American Lodging Advisor, Inc. | September 23, 2013
Oak Brook, Ill. - September 23, 2013 – Inland American Lodging Group, Inc. ("IALG"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Inland American Real Estate Trust, Inc. ("Inland American"), and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that IALG has acquired a portfolio of two Andaz hotels for approximately $115 million. The hotels, both part of Hyatt's acclaimed boutique lifestyle brand, are located in Napa, CA, and Savannah, GA. These will be the second and third Andaz hotels in Inland American's portfolio, following the purchase of Andaz San Diego completed earlier this year. A Hyatt affiliate will continue to manage both hotels. "We are...
Michael Jokovich Promoted to Hyatt Area Vice President Northern California
Grand Hyatt San Francisco | September 16, 2013
San Francisco, California (September 16, 2013) - Hyatt Hotels announces the promotion of Michael Jokovich to Area Vice President Northern California. After nearly six years as General Manager at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Jokovich has returned to the mainland to provide oversight operations at six Hyatt properties in the Bay Area: Grand Hyatt San Francisco, the property where he will be based and solely responsible for, Hyatt Regency San Francisco, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, Hyatt Regency Sacramento, Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, and Andaz Napa. Jokovich will continue to report to Jordan Meisner, Senior Vice President Fie...
Playa Hotels & Resorts Acquires the Former Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort in Rose Hall, Jamaica
Playa Hotels & Resorts | September 4, 2013
To Commence Enhancement and Expansion Project with Plans to Re-Launch in 2014 as One of the First Hyatt Branded All-Inclusive Luxury Resorts FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 4, 2013 -- Playa Hotels & Resorts B.V. (the "Company"), a leading owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive beach resorts, announced today the completion of its acquisition of a resort that operated until recently as The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall, Jamaica (the "Resort"). The Company is planning to commence a major enhancement and expansion project later this month, which is expected to be completed spring 2014. The Resort will be re-launched as Hyatt...
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa Opens as First Andaz at a Destination Resort & 10th for Brand
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa | September 3, 2013
MAUI, HAWAII (September 3, 2013) – Following an authentic Hawaiian blessing ceremony presided over by cultural practitioner Kahuna Nui Kapono'ai Molitau, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa has officially opened its doors and is welcoming guests to experience its impressive design, amenities, approachable service, and beachfront destination. The opening of Andaz Maui at Wailea marks the 10th hotel to join the Andaz brand and is the first Andaz hotel located in a resort destination. As with all Andaz properties, the hotel will create inspiring experiences through culturally rich offerings that help guests feel more like locals. "We a...
Hyatt to Acquire Florida’s 1,641-room Peabody Orlando Hotel for $717 Million
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | August 28, 2013
To be Rebranded as Hyatt Regency Orlando Convention Center Upon October 1st Transaction Closing CHICAGO - August 28, 2013 - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a wholly owned Hyatt subsidiary plans to purchase the 1,641-room Peabody Orlando hotel for $717 million from UST Hotel Joint Venture, Ltd., comprised of affiliates of Belz Enterprises and Estein & Associates USA, Ltd. The transaction is expected to close on October 1, 2013, and the hotel will be rebranded as Hyatt Regency Orlando Convention Center upon closing. "This transaction brings us a very high-quality hotel in one of the most popular cities in the w...
The 419-room Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile Completes $25 Million Transformation
Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile | August 19, 2013
Level 2 Restaurant Opens as Part of Complete Renovation CHICAGO, IL (August 19, 2013) - Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile today announced the completion of the hotel's comprehensive, $25 million renovation. The hotel's 419 guest rooms, meeting and banquet space, lobby, indoor pool and fitness center have all received a dramatic refurbishment in customer convenience, design and furnishings. As part of this transformation, the hotel introduces a new, signature restaurant, Level 2, featuring contemporary American cuisine. Located at 633 North Saint Clair Street, the transformed Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile is now as stunning as it is conven...
The 257-room Hyatt Chicago The Loop to Open in Chicago’s Central Business District in 2015
Hyatt | July 31, 2013
CHICAGO (July 31, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with Integrated Clark Monroe, LLC for Hyatt Chicago The Loop, a hotel to be located at 100 West Monroe Street in Chicago's central business district. The project will be developed by Integrated Clark Monroe, which is led by John T. Murphy. Construction is expected to commence in late 2013, and Hyatt Chicago The Loop is slated to open in 2015. "Chicago is a world-class city and key business and leisure destination, and while we have Hyatt-branded hotels throughout the city, Hyatt Chicago The Loop wi...
The 353-room Grand Hyatt Shenyang Opens in Northeast China
Grand Hyatt Hotels | July 29, 2013
CHICAGO (July 29, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today the opening of Grand Hyatt Shenyang, the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Northeast China that will provide a new level of upscale sophistication to business and leisure travelers in Shenyang, the capital of Liaoning Province. The hotel's style will mirror the city of Shenyang, the largest city in Northeast China, melding ancient culture with vibrant modernity. "The opening of Grand Hyatt Shenyang expands our brand presence in China and supports our development strategy of building in key gateway cities and markets where our guests are traveling," said Christopher...
Hyatt Affiliate and Kamala Bay Ventures to Open Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort in Thailand in Late 2013
Kamala Bay Ventures | July 26, 2013
CHICAGO (July 26, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Kamala Bay Ventures Co., Ltd. for a Hyatt Regency hotel in Phuket, Thailand. The hotel will be the first Hyatt-branded resort to open in Phuket, one of Southeast Asia's premier resort destinations. Expected to open in late 2013, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort will join two existing Hyatt-branded hotels in Thailand, including Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok and Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. "We are excited to bring the Hyatt Regency brand to one of the region's most sought after resort destinations," said Ra...
Hyatt Plans to Enter the All-Inclusive Resort Segment in Partnership with Playa Hotels & Resorts
Hyatt Hotels Corporation | July 19, 2013
CHICAGO (July 19, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that a wholly owned Hyatt subsidiary plans to enter the all-inclusive segment in partnership with Playa Hotels & Resorts B.V. ("Playa"). Playa was created with the goal of becoming a leading owner, operator and developer of all-inclusive resorts. Hyatt expects to invest a total of $325 million, consisting of $100 million for an approximate 20 percent ownership stake in Playa and $225 million for convertible preferred stock in Playa. Playa's hotel portfolio will include 13 resorts totaling approximately 5,800 rooms across the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Ja...
Hyatt Hotels and Noble Investment Group Open the 194-room Hyatt Atlanta Midtown in Georgia
Hyatt | July 18, 2013
ATLANTA (July 18, 2013) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and Noble Investment Group ("Noble") today announced the opening of Hyatt Atlanta Midtown in Atlanta. The 194-room hotel is prominently located on the corner of Peachtree Street and 10th Street in the heart of the urban Midtown Mile, Atlanta's celebrated commercial, retail and cultural walking district. Hyatt Atlanta Midtown is adjacent to Class A office tower 999 Peachtree and directly across the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank. The hotel is proximate to Georgia Tech University, Emory University Hospital Midtown and the corporate headquarters for The Coca-Cola Company, Equifax...
Nassy Saidian Named General Manager for Pennsylvania’s 172-room Hyatt at The Bellevue Philadelphia
Hyatt at The Bellevue | July 12, 2013
PHILADELPHIA, PA (July 12, 2013) - Hyatt at The Bellevue Philadelphia has announced the appointment of Nassy Saidian as General Manager, effective immediately. Nassy has a long history with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which spans 30 years in North America. Most recently, Nassy was General Manager of Hyatt Regency Rochester, a position he held since 2007. Prior to the Rochester post, Saidian was Executive Assistant Manager at Hyatt Regency Dallas, Hyatt Regency Crown Center Kansas City, Hyatt Regency Cambridge Massachusetts and Hyatt Regency Coral Cables Florida. Nassy's long history at Hyatt includes earlier roles at Hyatt Regency Chicago...
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