Hyatt Regency Brand Pipeline Strengthened with Market Entry into Romania

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced plans for scaled growth of the Hyatt Regency brand on the Balkan Peninsula. Following the brand’s market entries in Croatia and Albania, the latest project in Romania further strengthens the brand’s momentum in the region with five new Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts expected to open by 2027.

Hyatt Regency Aro Palace Brașov, which is being developed by Aro Palace S.A., will mark the brand’s entry into Romania. Brașov, located in the heart of the country, is a major economic hub and the base for various touristic attractions in the region. Originally opened in 1939 as the most luxurious hotel in the Transylvanian city, the iconic property will be fully refurbished and is expected to welcome guests, members and customers with up to 250 guestrooms in 2027.

“We are thrilled to bring the Hyatt Regency brand experience to this property in collaboration with Aro Palace S.A. The hotel has been an important part of Brașov’s history, and we look forward to the hotel serving the local community and foreign guests alike at this truly unique place,” said Takuya Aoyama, Vice President Development, Hyatt. “We are confident that the stunning medieval towns and breathtaking nature of Romania will capture the interest of our World of Hyatt members and lead to further growth for Hyatt brands in the country.”

“Joining the Hyatt network will provide Aro Palace Brașov with access to world-class expertise and resources, connecting us with millions of travelers globally. Working with Hyatt offers significant benefits for our guests, our team, and the Brașov community. Together with Hyatt, we are excited to build on our tradition of hospitality and achieve new levels of excellence,” said Attila Joós, CEO Aro Palace.

The Hyatt Regency brand extends an open invitation to guests and members worldwide, offering a diverse portfolio that spans from expansive resorts to dynamic urban centers. Rooted in an evolutionary spirit and a commitment to fostering community, Hyatt Regency hotels cater to both leisure and business travelers, creating spaces that invite connection, inspire relaxation, and deliver enriching experiences. Alongside Hyatt Regency Aro Palace Brașov (2027), Hyatt expects to add Hyatt Regency Zadar in Croatia (2025), Hyatt Regency Tirana in Albania (2026), Hyatt Regency Palase Resort & Spa in Albania (2027) and Hyatt Regency Novi Sad in Serbia (2027) strengthening Hyatt’s positioning in the region.

The anticipated growth builds on the brand’s EAME-wide portfolio with latest openings such as Hyatt Regency Pravets Resort in Bulgaria and Hyatt Regency Kotor Bay Resort in Montenegro, the first Hyatt Regency resort property in Europe, which opened in 2023.

Michel Morauw, the newly appointed Managing Director North, EAME, Hyatt said: “The pipeline in these markets is a core component of Hyatt’s growth ambitions in EAME. The expansion in this region with five Hyatt Regency properties in the next few years is indicative of our ambitious approach. Last year´s opening of the first Hyatt Regency resort and the successful rollout of our Inclusive Collection brands in Bulgaria demonstrate the future growth potential of our leisure and resort brand footprint along the Balkan Peninsula.” 

The announcement reflects Hyatt’s broader growth ambitions in EAME, building on a record year of deal signings in 2023 and the recently announced global acquisition of the brands and most of the affiliates of pioneering lifestyle company Standard International, parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands. Hyatt’s global pipeline stands at more than 135,000 rooms as of September 30, 2024, and is supported by a strong regional pipeline, spanning Hyatt’s distinct brand collections.

Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars Opens in the United Kingdom

The London hotel is the ninth Hyatt hotel opening in the city, signaling Hyatt’s expanding brand footprint in the United Kingdom

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. Marking a key milestone in Hyatt’s strategic brand growth in the UK capital, the 204-room hotel is the 14th property in the country, demonstrating the United Kingdom as a priority growth market within Hyatt’s diverse and evolving brand portfolio. In the last five years, Hyatt has increased its brand presence in the UK from five to 13 properties, with six of those based in London.

Housed in a grade II listed building on the former grounds of King Henry VIII’s Bridewell Palace, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars claims a prime spot in London’s business and leisure district, home to global corporations, influential businesses, and law firms. Guests will be able to enjoy convenient access to all that the capital has to offer, with Blackfriars Underground and railway stations just a few minutes away. Many of London’s most popular attractions including St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe are also within walking distance from the hotel.

In line with the Hyatt Regency brand ethos, the hotel has been intuitively designed for productivity and peace of mind, with an environment for guests to work, connect or relax. Well-appointed guestrooms and suites boast contemporary finishes, high-end amenities, and dedicated workspaces. Three dynamic and diverse food and beverage concepts are poised to become new local culinary destinations. Meanwhile a trio of versatile group spaces offer to host a wide range of meeting and events in this desirable central London location. Guests also benefit from access to a 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center.

“We are delighted to welcome guests to Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars situated alongside our neighboring landmarks, businesses and cultural attractions,” said Laurent Schauder, general manager of Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars. “With our welcoming service, inventive food and beverage offerings and ideal location, Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars is soon to become the hotel of choice for anyone looking for a memorable experience in the heart of the city”.

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Hyatt Regency | Hyatt Regency Koh Samui Spurs Recovery on Thailand’s Castaway Paradise

A complex of cascading pools will be one of the largest of its kind on Koh Samui

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui Spurs Recovery on Thailand’s Castaway Paradise

Covering eight acres of private coastline, design forward resort is a landmark debut

KOH SAMUI, Thailand (July 5, 2021) — One of Thailand’s most anticipated resorts, Hyatt Regency Koh Samui, was unveiled today on Koh Samui.

As the paradise island eyes a reopening to international tourists over the coming months, the opening is a landmark on the road to recovery. 

The property, which is Hyatt’s first footfall on Koh Samui, gives guests the opportunity to discover timeless connections and energising experiences and will play a major role in rebounding visitors with the island as Thailand welcomes back visitors.

“The pandemic has been a challenging time for Koh Samui as it has been for the entire tourism industry in Thailand. That’s why we are so delighted to debut with such a special resort,” said Adrian Pulido, general manager, Hyatt Regency Koh Samui.

A collaboration between three of Thailand’s biggest hotel design names — Office of Bangkok Architecture, August Design and PLandscaping — the 140-room property occupies eight acres of private coastline in the far northeast corner of the paradise island.

Deploying a design-forward philosophy, the property, which is located in North Chaweng — and is less than ten minutes from the island’s international airport— bills itself as a “vacation gallery” due to its array of visual highlights.

Spaces benefit from the simplicity of the interior design—by August Design— in a neutral palette with ocean-inspired décor and blue accents

These include a showpiece lobby, the longest lobby arrival point in Koh Samui, where numerous skylights allow for natural illumination by the sun and the moon. Other standout features span plush accommodations that showcase terrific ocean views to one of the largest pool zones on the island, a collection of pools, each cascading down from the main pool on the upper deck of the resort.

The beauty of Koh Samui is legendary. And the resort’s appeal leverages the visual appeal of the coastal landscape, a forest of protected trees and the proximity of the ocean. Another unique selling point is its Gallery of Eight, a collection of eight sites dotted around the property specially selected for their photogenic potential.

The 140 guestrooms, which include 24 spacious suites and villas, feature private balconies and most offer stunning sea views. Select rooms include access to Regency Club privileges, while seven beachfront pool villas provide elevated indulgence. Spaces benefit from the simplicity of the interior design—by August Design— in a neutral palette with ocean-inspired décor and blue accents.

Culinary cravings are ably catered for at the resort’s four restaurants and bars, including Yangna, an all-day dining restaurant showcasing Thai and international cuisine, and the open-air Sesun Grill & Beach Bar where diners can enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean sides alongside relaxing sea views. Cobalt serves fresh juice, iced tea and coffee while Kube offers crafted cocktails accompanied by mesmerizing views from the highest point of the resort.

The showpiece lobby, the longest arrival point on Koh Samui, allows for wonderful natural illumination and frames the view of the azure ocean

The family-friendly resort features freeform pools—including a lap pool, plunge pool, family pool with a whirlpool and kids’ pool with a slide—which cascade to the beach. Over at Camp Hyatt, young guests can enjoy supervised play and activities from arts and crafts to movie nights.

Lush tropical plants line the grand staircase that leads to the spa, a tranquil sanctuary featuring five treatment rooms, including two couple’s suites with a private deck and outdoor tub.

The property offers inspiring indoor and outdoor venues for gatherings, big and small. The elegant Regency Ballroom can accommodate up to 100 guests or 150 for cocktails. A 97-sqm manicured lawn provides a magical setting for wedding celebrations and alfresco events.

“This island has a central role in how Thailand fares following the pandemic, and it’s an honour to be leading the way as we begin to look positively towards the future,” added Pulido.

About Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency brand prides itself on making travel free from stress and filled with success. More than 200 conveniently located Hyatt Regency urban and resort locations in more than 30 countries around the world serve as the go-to gathering space for every occasion – from efficient personalized, high-touch business meetings to energizing family vacations. The brand offers stress-free environments for seamless gatherings and empathetic service that anticipates guests’ needs. Designed for productivity and peace of mind, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts offer a full range of services and amenities, including the space to work, engage or relax; notable culinary experiences; technology-enabled ways to collaborate; and expert meeting and event planners who can take care of every detail. For more information, please visit hyattregency.com. Follow @HyattRegency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattRegency.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Appoints New F&B Director-Sandeep Jinarajan

The soon-to-open Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is already elevating its culinary appeal with the appointment of Sandeep Jinarajan as the hotel’s director of food and beverage. Located within walking distance to some of the city’s biggest attractions including the Royal Palace and the Mekong River, the 247-room hotel is scheduled to open in the Cambodian capital on Jan. 6, 2021.

With more than 20 years of food and beverage operation experience, Jinarajan will be fully in charge of the hotel’s five dining outlets and bars, including Market Café Restaurant & Lounge, FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, The Attic, Metropole Underground as well as the Poolside Bar. Additionally, Sandeep will oversee the hotel’s in-room dining and banquet service.

“I’m excited to be bringing a unique rooftop venue to Phnom Penh in the form of FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar. The restaurant will focus on fresh, sustainable seafood, local produce, and hand-crafted cocktails while boasting the best views in the city,” said Jinarajan. “Our executive chef, Richard Bias, and his team have developed a unique Asian fusion menu, with some interesting twists on traditional Cambodian favorites. We can’t wait for travelers and locals to experience it.”

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Jinarajan worked as the food and beverage director at The St. Regis Astana in Kazakhstan as well as the assistant director of food and beverage at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi for four years.

Originally from Bangalore in India, Jinarajan began his career at Grand Hyatt Dubai in 2003, where he worked as assistant manager (all-day dining and à la carte) during the hotel’s pre-opening and post-opening phase. Over the next 12 years, Jinarajan held various managerial roles within the F&B department, before working his way up to food and beverage manager, where he managed the property’s 13 award-winning restaurants and bar from 2013 to 2015.

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Hyatt Announces Plans for Hyatt Regency London Olympia

Hyatt announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of Olympus Property Holding Limited to develop a new Hyatt Regency hotel in London. The 196-room hotel is slated to open in 2024 and will mark the eighth Hyatt-branded property and the second Hyatt Regency hotel in London. Hyatt Regency London Olympia will add to the current portfolio of Hyatt Regency hotels in the United Kingdom, joining Hyatt Regency Birmingham, Hyatt Regency Manchester and Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.

Hyatt Regency London Olympia will deliver the personalized and energizing guest experiences as well as the stress-free environment that embodies the Hyatt Regency brand ethos. Business and leisure travelers alike will enjoy seamless, intuitive service alongside memorable dining experiences as well as flexible spaces to work, collaborate or relax.

“We are delighted to join forces with Olympus Property Holding Limited to be part of the exciting redevelopment of the Olympia exhibition center and bring the Hyatt Regency brand to life in this incredible new quarter of London,” said Felicity Black-Roberts, vice president of development Europe, Hyatt. “Expanding Hyatt’s brand footprint with these plans to add a second Hyatt Regency hotel in London contributes to our ambitious growth strategy for the U.K. and our embodies our focus on thoughtful growth in places that matter most to our guests, World of Hyatt members and customers. With its reputation as a place for people to connect, the Hyatt Regency brand will fit perfectly in this new development.”

Hyatt Regency London Olympia will be part of a new development that will see Olympia, London’s historic convention center built in 1873, redeveloped and transformed into an integrated convention, entertainment, and cultural district in West London. This redevelopment will include upgrades to the Olympia tube and rail station, additional bicycle routes and bus connectivity, allowing guests to access London’s Heathrow, Gatwick and City airports in under an hour by public transport.

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Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Welcomes Richard Bias as Executive Chef

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has announced the appointment of seasoned culinary professional Richard Bias as the hotel’s new executive chef.

The British national has worked in some of the world’s top kitchens and hotels and brings more than two decades of culinary experience to Hyatt’s first property in the Cambodian capital. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, the 247-room hotel is scheduled to open its doors in the first quarter of 2021.

Bias will oversee the operations of all five food and beverage outlets, including the hotel’s two main dining venues FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar and Market Café Restaurant & Lounge, while upholding Hyatt’s commitment to sourcing the most sustainable and seasonal products from Cambodia by working with local farmers, growers and distributors.

“I’m looking forward to showcasing my passion for cooking with fresh, natural and locally produced ingredients to create inspirational dining experiences for our guests,” said Chef Bias who has worked in Cambodia twice before. “Phnom Penh's F&B scene is quickly maturing and through the hotel my goal is to put the city’s culinary offerings on the map.”

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Bias was the executive chef at Amankora in Bhutan for two years.

In 2017, Bias joined the W Bali as Director of Culinary where he oversaw operations at the hotel’s modern grill restaurant, FIRE. Bias’ global culinary journey has seen him work at a number of luxury hotels and resorts across the Middle East and Asia, including The Chedi in Muscat, Atlantis The Palm in Dubai as well as Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor in Siem Reap where he spent two years as executive chef. 

Growing up in a country pub in Marlow on the River Thames, Bias discovered his passion for cooking when he started to help his mother around the kitchen. Bias trained under several Michelin-starred chefs in the UK, including Swiss chef and restaurateur Anton Mosimann and celebrity chef Gary Rhodes before embarking on his international culinary journey in 2005.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is committed to ensuring the highest level of health and safety compliance when the hotel officially opens next year. Examples include daily temperature checks for all staff, mandatory face coverings for staff and guests in all indoor public areas of the hotel, socially-distanced seating arrangements in F&B outlets and recreational facilities, contactless check-in and check-out service as well as regularly updated health and safety training protocols for staff. Guests will also be given complimentary personal protective equipment kits containing premium masks, alcohol wipes and other comfort supplies upon arrival.