Hyatt Archives | For Immediate Release | Official News Wire for the Travel Industry

Hyatt to Expand Alila Brand in Americas With First New-Build Resort

July 9, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Business News first on FIR:

CHICAGO–()–Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today plans for the first new-build Alila resort in the Americas, located in Encinitas, Calif., a quintessential beach town in San Diego’s North County Coastal region. Developed by JMI Realty and Fenway Capital Advisors, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will add to Hyatt’s growing Alila brand portfolio, joining Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort, as the brand’s second hotel in California and the U.S., along with 14 other luxury properties worldwide. The Alila brand features luxury hotels and resorts in unique locations, distinguished by innovative eco-design, a strong commitment to sustainable tourism as well as rare and intimate destination experiences.

“We are thrilled to announce the development of the first new-build Alila resort in the Americas, marking a significant milestone for Hyatt. California’s legendary coastline has long captured the hearts of our guests, World of Hyatt members and customers, and we’re excited to continue to expand in California with this landmark oceanfront project,” said Susan Santiago, Global Head of Lifestyle and Miraval Operations at Hyatt. “The Alila brand has long been a leader in crafted luxury and responsible tourism, and Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will embody that same ethos when it debuts in Southern California.”

Situated along coastal bluffs and overlooking Grandview and South Ponto Beaches, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will be a luxury oceanfront hotel with 130 guestrooms, including 16 suites. Expected to open in early 2021, the resort will offer an ocean-view restaurant with rooftop patio, a pool with pool bar and an infinity-edge hot tub, a luxury Spa Alila and spectacular wedding and events venues, all with panoramic Pacific Ocean and lagoon views.

Also announced today is the appointment of Bob Harter as the new resort’s director of sales and marketing. Harter oversees the resort’s sales and marketing efforts while developing business strategies designed to successfully open the resort, drive revenue and exceed the resort’s business goals. Harter brings more than 25 years of experience in hospitality management and is a veteran sales and marketing leader in the San Diego’s luxury hotel market, most recently, serving as director of sales and marketing at L’Auberge Del Mar.

Designed by San Diego-based Joseph Wong Design Associates with interior design by Mark Zeff Associates, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will seamlessly blend into the bluffs with natural building materials and native plants, delivering on the brand’s reputation of innovative eco-design. With the hotel’s namesake, “Marea,” meaning “tide” in Italian and Spanish, the resort will provide a distinctly Southern California feel, with bespoke experiences inspired by the area’s natural landscape, as well as its vibrant surf and beach culture.

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will offer a signature Spa Alila, as well as the Alila Experience, a series of uniquely curated moments that integrate indigenous nature, traditional culture and the local community for an authentic destination experience. Other health and wellness-centered activities for guests will include surf and paddleboard lessons, cycling, hiking and beachside yoga. Additionally, the new resort will feature a roadside grab-and-go café along Coast Highway 101 to serve guests as well as the North County Coastal biking, jogging and beach-going communities. To welcome locals and visitors alike, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas will also offer a bike valet, electric vehicle charging stations and a new, publicly accessible staircase and walking path, which will provide direct access to the beach below the resort.

“We are honored to work with the Alila brand and Hyatt Lifestyle team to bring this oceanfront luxury resort to Encinitas in early 2021,” said John Kratzer, Chief Executive Officer, JMI Realty. “Our goal is to provide a destination that locals and travelers will treasure, and we’re confident the Encinitas community will be proud to share their unique energy and beautiful shoreline with the new resort.”

For more information about Alila, please visit: https://www.alilahotels.com.

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About Alila

The hallmark of Alila hotels is the combination of innovative design and luxury in unique locations, set apart by an unprecedented level of private space, crafted artisanship, personalized hospitality, and bespoke journeys. Alila means “Surprise” in Sanskrit, which suitably describes the refreshing character of our properties and impressions of our guests when they stay with us. In support of sustainable tourism, Alila hotels adopt EarthCheck operating standards, integrating the natural, physical and cultural elements of their environments. To stay at any of Alila’s hotels and resorts is to embark on a destination experience – be it in recreating the flavors of the local cuisine, enhancing your well-being through ancient healing arts or the thrill of adventure sports, you will re-discover the luxury of living at Alila. For more information visit, alilahotels.com, follow us on Instagram @AlilaHotels or like us on Facebook.

About JMI Realty

JMI Realty is a vertically integrated real estate company focused on lifestyle hotels with deep acquisition, development and ownership experience. JMI Realty has a current portfolio of nine hospitality assets, including the nearby Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and Omni San Diego, as well as the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt in Austin, and the Curio Marquette in Minneapolis. In 1998, JMI Realty was appointed by the City of San Diego and the San Diego Padres to act as the Master Developer of the Ballpark District. JMI Realty’s successful planning and implementation of the Ballpark District Master Plan resulted in over $3.0 billion of redevelopment, and is viewed nationally as a template for successful urban revitalization. Over the last two decades, JMI Realty has also been active in developing and acquiring hotel projects.

JMI Realty is led by John Kratzer and its construction efforts are headed by Jim Chatfield.

About Fenway Capital Advisors

Fenway Capital Advisors’ (FCA) disciplined approach to investing focuses on creating value through acquiring and repositioning assets in markets with strong fundamentals and positive growth characteristics across the Western U.S. Collectively, FCA principals have more than 50 years of industry experience, spanning multiple cycles, across all disciplines of the real estate industry, including acquisitions, asset management and development. The company’s aggregate transactions total over $335 million with nearly 2 million square feet currently owned. FCA is owned and led by Larry Jackel and Patrick Tribolet, both native San Diegans.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 20 premier brands. As of March 31, 2020, the Company’s portfolio included more than 900 hotel, all-inclusive, and wellness resort properties in 65 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, Joie de Vivre®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the short- and longer-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on the demand for travel, transient and group business, and levels of consumer confidence; actions that governments, businesses, and individuals take in response to the COVID-19 pandemic or any future resurgence, including limiting or banning travel; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic or any future resurgence, on global and regional economies, travel, and economic activity, including the duration and magnitude of its impact on unemployment rates and consumer discretionary spending; the ability of third-party owners, franchisees or hospitality venture partners to successfully navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; the pace of recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic or any future resurgence; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and the pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; levels of spending in business and leisure segments as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; domestic and international political and geo-political conditions, including political or civil unrest or changes in trade policy; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including future terrorist attacks, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, oil spills, nuclear incidents, and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases or fear of such outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; our ability to successfully achieve certain levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance tests or guarantees in favor of our third-party owners; the impact of hotel renovations and redevelopments; risks associated with our capital allocation plans and common stock repurchase program and quarterly dividend, including a reduction in or elimination of repurchase activity or dividend payments; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; relationships with colleagues and labor unions and changes in labor laws; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party property owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and the introduction of new brand concepts; the timing of acquisitions and dispositions, and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions (including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals); our ability to successfully execute on our strategy to expand our management and franchising business while at the same time reducing our real estate asset base within targeted timeframes and at expected values; declines in the value of our real estate assets; unforeseen terminations of our management or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates and operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, including as a result of industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business; and other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our annual report on Form 10-K and our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 21, 2020, which filings are available from the SEC. These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of our forward-looking statements. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Hyatt to Expand Thompson Hotels Portfolio in the Southern US

July 7, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Business News first on FIR:

CHICAGO–()–Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the continued growth of the Thompson Hotels brand throughout the Southern United States with deals for two new properties—Thompson Savannah and Thompson Buckhead—expected to open in Georgia in 2021. Marking the brand’s entry into the state, these projects will join four other Thompson hotels already under development including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, Texas. These six new properties are expected to join Thompson’s nine hotels across the United States and Mexico, many of which have resumed operations and are welcoming back guests.

“We are excited to announce the future openings of six new Thompson hotels in Georgia and Texas, which, together with Thompson Nashville, will bolster the brand’s presence in the Southern US,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt’s Director of Global Lifestyle Brands. “In this new and uncharted era of travel, we recognize the importance of unique, lifestyle-driven hotels that inspire travelers seeking refined and evocative experiences. We look forward to inviting our guests to rediscover southern hospitality through the tailored lens of the Thompson Hotels brand—celebrating the rich culinary, music and artistic foundations of the South through exceptional service, crafted design and an elevated social scene.”

Known for having a sophisticated and bold, evocative design alongside dynamic programming and visionary food & beverage, the brand’s new properties will highlight the compelling features of their respective neighborhoods, while thoughtfully weaving these details into the fabric of the experience for guests and locals alike.

The six properties slated to open in Savannah and Buckhead, Ga., and Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, Texas, will reflect the Thompson brand’s signature midcentury-modern design aesthetic layered with a style that celebrates each destination in a sophisticated way. With locations in exciting and emerging neighborhoods and a unique approach to both design and world-class culinary offerings, the Thompson Hotels brand will bring a stylish approach to hospitality that will make each hotel a sought-after hub for locals and travelers alike.

In addition to the previously announced 190-room Thompson Hollywood—set to debut in 2021 in the Vinyl District, the epicenter of the neighborhood—Thompson Hotels brand growth includes:

Thompson Savannah, Mid 2021

Thompson Savannah, scheduled to open in summer 2021, will bring together the city’s colorful past and exciting present with design that combines historic architectural details and contemporary flair. Developed by Atlanta-based Regent Partners as part of the mixed-use Eastern Wharf project—adjacent to the city’s historic center and on the banks of the Savannah River—the 193-room property is being designed by Dallas-based firm Studio 11 and will include 21 suites with wraparound balconies. From the parquet tile flooring of the lobby to the use of rich jewel tones and botanical patterns throughout both the common areas and guest rooms, the hotel’s design will be inspired by the endemic flora of a city famous for its many green spaces, while staying true to the mid-century modern aesthetic that has become a signature of the Thompson Hotels brand.

The property will feature a lobby bar and lounge, a three-meal restaurant and a rooftop bar with an outdoor area overlooking the city skyline. A grand staircase in the lobby will connect guests to a sprawling pool deck featuring a lap pool, fire features, and private daybeds and cabanas. In the guest rooms, focal oversized art pieces over the headboards will feature local artists, as part of a program developed in conjunction with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Spacious walk-in showers, residential-style vanities and chaise lounges will give the rooms a luxurious feel. Meeting and events spaces will include two meeting rooms, a boardroom, a divisible ballroom and a poolside living room with an exterior patio.

Thompson Buckhead, Late 2021

Located in one of Atlanta’s most stylish neighborhoods, Thompson Buckhead is also being developed by Regent Partners and is scheduled to open in late 2021. The hotel’s home, in the walkable Buckhead Village area, will offer a more residential setting. Designed by Studio 11, the property will appropriately have the atmosphere of a luxurious private home—with an intimate jewel-box bar, works by local artists on display, and greenery throughout, the lobby will feel like a stylish and contemporary Southern great room. Chevron-patterned wood floors with area rugs, marble mosaic-tiled bathrooms and large walk-in showers are among the elements that will embody the sleek style of the 201 spacious guest rooms, inclusive of 32 suites. The penthouse-level Thompson Suite will include a spacious kitchen, glass-enclosed dining room, and master suite featuring a spa-like wet-room with steam shower and soaking tub.

Beyond the lobby bar, the property will also feature a signature, three-meal restaurant, an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar and lounge with sweeping city views, and a variety of meeting spaces totaling more than 10,000 square feet, including an outdoor pre-function patio. The hotel’s rooftop pool will include a pool bar serving light fare and drinks, as well as private cabanas.

Thompson Dallas, November 2020

Slated to open in fall 2020 and being developed by Todd Interests, the 219-room Thompson Dallas will be located downtown in a re-development of the iconic 52-story First National Bank Tower—a recognizable fixture of the Dallas skyline. Billed as The National, the architectural design for the project is being led by award-winning Dallas firm, Merriman Anderson Architects, who are restoring many of the 1961 building’s original elements, including historic marble from the Parthenon quarry. Contemporary furniture and works of art by local, national and international artists will complement the building’s historic touches.

Highlights of the hotel will include a signature restaurant on the 49^th floor from a yet-to-be-announced two Michelin-starred chef, a 50^th-floor observation deck, two rooftop restaurant and bar concepts, and an urban oasis on the ninth floor with an infinity-edge pool, six-treatment-room spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, and yoga and pet parks. The two penthouse-level Thompson Suites will measure more than 2,200 square feet each and offer sweeping city views from the 49th floor. Thompson Dallas will also offer 22,000 square feet of meeting and function space, including a 14,000-square-foot ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, ideal for hosting weddings, corporate events, and concerts.

Thompson San Antonio, November 2020

Scheduled to open in November 2020, Thompson San Antonio will be a 162-room hotel located in a luxury, mixed-use development on the banks of the San Antonio River and steps from the city’s celebrated River Walk. Complete with 28 suites and two penthouses—all with soaking tubs, full wet bars and views of Texas Hill Country—the property will also offer a full-service spa, a 20^th floor rooftop bar with panoramic views of downtown, and more than 5,000 square feet of interior event space with natural light, including a 4,000-square-foot ballroom. Oversized guest rooms will provide stylish sanctuaries in the heart of San Antonio, while a restaurant from a celebrated local chef will also draw guests and locals alike.

Situated in the vibrant Arts District neighborhood across the river from the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, the Thompson San Antonio and The Arts Residences development is being led by Houston-based DC Partners and San Antonio’s Universal Service Group. Powers Brown Architecture, a Houston-based firm, is the architect for the property, working in collaboration with Guadalajara-based interior design firm Amass & G, whose credits include Thompson Hotels’ award-winning The Cape resort in Cabo San Lucas.

Thompson Austin, Mid 2021

Scheduled to open in spring 2021, Thompson Austin will be located downtown in the music and entertainment district in a new mixed-use development from Magellan Development Group, Geolo Capital and Wanxiang America Real Estate Group. The hotel’s look will be a celebration of brutalist modern design with statement concrete walls and custom, handcrafted fixtures and details that accentuate the materiality of elements like polished stone and blackened steel. This brutalist aesthetic will be contrasted by lush greenery, soft leathers and other tactile materials. The architect of the 212-room property is bKL Architecture, with interiors by Simeone Deary Design Group, both based in Chicago. The hotel will house on its ground level an Austin outpost of an acclaimed Savannah restaurant concept, with design by Parts and Labor Design out of New York City. Designed as a social anchor for hotel guests, residents and the local community, a fourth-floor amenity deck under the design helm of Los Angeles’ Studio Collective will include two bars, a pool and private event space, boasting over 12,000 square feet of interior space and over 13,000 square feet of exterior space. The hotel will also offer traditional meeting and function space on its second floor, including a 3,500-square-foot grand ballroom, a junior ballroom and three meeting rooms.

Thompson Houston, 2023

Thompson Houston is scheduled to open in 2023. The 170-room hotel located close to downtown Houston is being developed by DC Partners and Tianqing Real Estate Development. The hotel will be part of The Allen, a mixed-use development facing Buffalo Bayou Park, which will include high-end shops, restaurants and other amenities.

These hotels will join the Thompson Hotels portfolio, which recently introduced the 225-room Thompson Washington D.C. on January 8, 2020. Located in the city’s emerging Navy Yard neighborhood, the hotel was recently named one of the “Best New Hotels” in Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious 2020 Hot List.

For more information about the Thompson Hotels brand, visit www.thompsonhotels.com.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About Thompson Hotels

Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels is an award-winning boutique lifestyle hospitality brand with a collection of stunning, dynamic properties. Each of Thompson Hotels’ urban and resort locations offers a carefully layered environment that molds into its surrounding community. Guests are provided tailored stays with connections to world-class culinary offerings, arts and entertainment, and groundbreaking design. The Thompson portfolio of lifestyle hotels includes The Beekman and Gild Hall in New York City; Thompson Nashville; Thompson Seattle; Thompson Chicago; The Cape in Los Cabos, Mexico; Thompson Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico; Thompson Zihuatanejo on Mexico’s Pacific Coast; and its newest property, Thompson Washington D.C. in the Navy Yard neighborhood. Hotels currently under development include Texas properties in Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and Houston, as well as Thompson Denver, Thompson Buckhead and Thompson Savannah. Follow @ThompsonHotels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates. For more information, please visit www.thompsonhotels.com.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Forward-Looking Statement

American Airlines and Hyatt Surprise Healthcare Workers at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst With Complimentary Vacations

May 8, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Business News first on FIR:

CHICAGO–()–In recognition of the extraordinary care they provide to their community, American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced American Airlines and Hyatt will award thousands of healthcare professionals from NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst three-night complimentary vacations to help them recharge and reconnect with their loved ones, once they are able to take time for themselves. American Airlines and Hyatt are coming together to show

Hyatt Reports First-Quarter 2020 Results

May 6, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Business News first on FIR:

CHICAGO–()–Hyatt Hotels Corporation (“Hyatt” or the “Company”) (NYSE: H) today reported first-quarter 2020 financial results. Net loss attributable to Hyatt was $103 million, or $1.02 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to net income attributable to Hyatt of $63 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted net loss attributable to Hyatt was $35 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2020, compared to Adjus

Quirk Hotel Charlottesville Opens Today as Part of Destination Hotels

March 5, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Business News first on FIR:

CHICAGO–()–Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today the opening of Quirk Hotel Charlottesville in Charlottesville, Virginia as the first boutique hotel with a focus on curated art to be imagined in the city’s historic downtown. Charming and distinctive by nature, Quirk Hotel Charlottesville delivers a warm sense of approachability and playfulness that appeals to curious travelers of all ages seeking a sense of belonging, and is the second rendition of the Quirk Hotel concept within the Destination Hotels collection, with its original location in Richmond, Va.

“After opening Quirk Hotel Richmond in September 2015, we are excited to bring to life our gallery concept and beautiful hotel amenities into a new, charming Virginia city,” said Kate Ukrop, co-owner of Quirk Hotel Charlottesville alongside her husband, Ted. “Alongside the Quirk Gallery in Richmond, I am looking forward to also being the director of Quirk Gallery in Charlottesville, continuing to make art more accessible for guests across the Destination Hotels brand.”

A true to place destination where independent travelers can make their experience their own, the hotel features a new signature dining concept, a laid-back rooftop bar, an indoor lobby lounge, two spacious ballrooms, an in-house art gallery and two historic homes surrounding the property with added amenities.

Art + Gallery

Creating a novel space where guests can genuinely embrace new people, places and culture, Quirk Hotel Charlottesville features original works of contemporary art by renowned artists. Adding unexpected surprises to every nook and cranny, the artwork is speckled throughout the entire property, some of which can be purchased at Quirk Gallery. The locally curated, bi-level gallery, features local, regional and national artists, and serves as a gathering place for artist talks, classes and openings, as well as private events. Above the gallery, the retail shop provides a curated selection of artisan gifts and hosts seasonal trunk shows and art workshops.

Design + History

The concept for Quirk Hotel Charlottesville stemmed from the desire to use art and history as central design elements to spark curiosity and conversation. This vision was realized by building a main hotel around two street-facing homes that date back to the 19^th century. Incorporating the historic red and beige brick homes at 501 West Main St. and 503 Main St., respectively, Quirk Hotel Charlottesville embodies the Quirk Hotel reputation for “uncommon accommodations.”

Designed by national architecture and interior design studio ARCHITECTUREFIRM, the 80-room hotel showcases a minimalist, contemporary design, elevated by gold accents. Each guestroom has a signature look including original artwork throughout, floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and downtown Charlottesville, mini bars with locally sourced goods, and custom headboards designed especially for Quirk Hotel Charlottesville.

In juxtaposition to the contemporary art and design inside the main property building, the two 19^th century historic farm homes resemble art relics of Charlottesville’s years past. Plans for the Vernacular style Red Brick House include a quaint café and an expansive barrel aged spirits bar, set to open in late April. The Federal style Beige Brick House is home to Laurie Nicole’s upscale beauty salon on the main floor, while the upstairs will be repurposed into a private room and loft suite.

Restaurants + Bars

The Pink Grouse is Quirk Hotel Charlottesville’s all-day, 65-seat signature restaurant, featuring the hyper-seasonal cuisine of celebrated Chef David Dunlap. Warm and inviting, with an exposition kitchen, the restaurant provides a private dining room surrounded by a stocked wine wall and an open-air courtyard for warmer months. Dinner service emphasizes roasted and braised family-style dishes, alongside local produce, small plates and house-made pastas.

The Lobby Bar is the grand centerpiece as guests enter into the hotel, offering a playful cocktail menu with unique takes on classic beverages, as well as creative mocktails using house-made shrubs and elixirs. The wine list features local bottles from Charlottesville’s grape growing neighbors, encouraging exploration of the nearby wine country. The impressively long bar also delivers the Love & Happiness hour in the city, bringing locals and guests together for impromptu mingling over daily specials of light bites, classic cocktails, and local beers and wines.

Quirk Rooftop, set to open April 20, will bring a laid-back, all-day space to the neighborhood, offering one-of-a-kind views, rustic Italian cooking with a menu of thin crust pizzas, oven-fired vegetables, baked pastas, charcuterie and domestic cheeses and a curated cocktail program with locally sourced craft beer, and a selection of wine from around the world. Throughout the year, the rooftop’s outdoor firepits will serve as the backdrop to seasonal programming such as al fresco movies, rooftop igloos and a “DIY” Aperol Spritz bar.

Quirk Café will be located on the ground floor of the Red Brick House and is set to open in XX. With coffee as the focal point, the café will serve a variety of options including unique lattes, cold brew on tap, alongside tea, smoothies and house-made pastries. Quirk Café will also be home to a selection of local goods to take home, from Quirk house blend coffee to Virginia peanuts, and a rotating selection of pickled goods and homemade sauces.

Bobboo, the intimate cigar bar will feature an expansive selection of barrel aged spirits from around the world, including private reserve and locally distilled whiskies, alongside a variety of cigars that can be enjoyed on the porch.

Meetings + Events

Quirk Hotel Charlottesville offers 11,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, with an eclectic mix of venues, high-tech wireless service and state-of-the-art conference equipment. Quirk Hotel Charlottesville has something for all types of meetings, celebrations and group events, from the private dining room at The Pink Grouse to the rare art gallery space. During warmer months, groups can choose from the Rooftop, an al fresco film screening pavilion and the bi-level, plant-adorned side yard space. Perfect for group accommodations or an intimate private party, a private room and loft suite will be available in the Beige Brick House.

Spa + Salon

Those looking to be pampered on property can freshen up at Laurie Nicole’s upscale beauty salon, located on the main floor of the Beige Brick House, or head two doors down to Neroli Spa. Quirk Hotel Charlottesville has partnered with this luxury, full-service spa to offer guests massages, manicures and pedicures, and medical spa treatments.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 20 premier brands. As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s portfolio included more than 900 hotel, all-inclusive, and wellness resort properties in 65 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, Joie de Vivre®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

About Destination Hotels

Destination Hotels is a collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences across North America that is part of Hyatt’s portfolio of brands. Ranging from upscale to luxury, each property is purposefully crafted for discovery – of place, of people and of self, capturing the unique essence of its location through authentic experiences, immersive programming and genuine service. The award-winning collection features renowned golf courses, indigenous spas, and exceptional food and beverage experiences including bars, restaurants, cafes, and rooftops. Current properties are located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii (Island of Hawaii, Kauai, Maui), Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. For more information, visit destinationhotels.com. Follow Destination Hotels on Instagram: @destinationhotels, Twitter: @Destination, and Facebook: Destination Hotels.

About Quirk Hotel Charlottesville

Developed by Ted Ukrop along with Christian Kiniry and Ed Brown of Bank Street Advisors, Quirk Hotel Charlottesville is the first boutique art hotel to open in Charlottesville, Virginia’s historic downtown. Intertwining chic with vintage, the 80-room hotel uses art and history as central design elements to spark curiosity and draw guests into the present moment. The main hotel is adjacent to two historic homes dating back to the 19^thcentury – a juxtaposition to the minimalist, contemporary design and art found inside Quirk Hotel. The main hotel features a new signature dining concept; a laid-back rooftop bar; an indoor Lobby lounge; an outdoor side yard; two spacious ballrooms; and an in-house art gallery. The surrounding historic homes are more than just art relics of Charlottesville’s years past. The street-facing farm homes offer guests added amenities including a dedicated barrel aged spirits bar; an intimate café; a private room and loft suite; and an onsite beauty salon. Quirk Hotel Charlottesville is the second hotel to open under the Quirk Hotel brand. The first opened in Richmond in September 2015. For more information, visit https://www.destinationhotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/quirk-hotel-charlottesville.

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Brand Grows With Intent Across the Americas With Addition of Historic Gems and Resort Properties

March 4, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Business News first on FIR:

CHICAGO–()–Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today thoughtful Americas growth for The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, including new openings, brand transitions, and development plans within rich locales with distinct narratives. From an old Jesuit monastery and restored historic athletic clubs, to a charming seaside retreat and sprawling 500-acre ranch and more, the expansion of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand delivers on Hyatt’s overall commitment to grow in destinations where guests want more Hyatt experiences – and to offer story-worthy experiences in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members.

Currently, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand includes more than 20 unique hotels – located in key destinations around the world – each with their own distinct story. Ranging from historic landmarks to tropical resorts and new builds, properties within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand are designed to captivate travelers looking for premium and luxury experiences while backed by the elevated service Hyatt is known for and connected by the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

“Because Hyatt’s efforts are grounded in listening and fueled by care, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand has a unique position within the Hyatt portfolio, as each property has the opportunity to tell its own story,” said Heather Geisler, senior vice president of global brands, Hyatt. “As we continue to see the brand thoughtfully grow across the globe, we are excited to watch each story unfold, further driving brand loyalty to travelers looking for experiences unlike any other.”

The latest development agreements within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand include plans for Hotel La Compañia in Panama City, Panama, which will be nestled within the heart of Casco Viejo (Spanish for “Old Quarter”), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Expected to open in 2021, the 88-room hotel is set to become the first property in Panama that is part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand.

The historic Chicago Athletic Association landmark property located in the heart of Chicago’s business and cultural district joined The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in November 2019. The unique property was restored from a renowned 19^th century athletic club to a hotel in 2015, with the purpose of returning the building to Chicagoans following 125 years of members-only access. Today, the 241-room “urban playground” offers seven award-winning food & beverage outlets – including the Prohibition-era microbar Milk Room, lively Game Room, the swanky, James Beard Award-winning Cherry Circle Room, and the hotel’s crown jewel, Cindy’s, its rooftop restaurant and bar perched 13 stories above Millennium Park. In addition, locals and guests alike are invited to experience the Chicago Athletic Association hotel’s 150+ annual programming events, ranging from pop-up roller skating nights in the hotel’s vintage gym to hands-on cocktail workshops with in-house experts. For more information, visit www.chicagoathletichotel.com.

The storied Carmel Valley Ranch, a 500-acre all-suite resort tucked in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains on the Monterey Peninsula, joined The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in January 2020. Unveiled as part of the resort’s 2019 reimagination, Carmel Valley Ranch offers a variety of interactive adventures including artisanal cheesemaking workshops at The Creamery, wine and cheese tastings at The Market, falconry, hatchet throwing and more. The resort also offers revitalizing treatments at the treetop Spa Aiyana, hyper-seasonal and local cuisine at signature restaurant Valley Kitchen and guided walks through its vineyard and gardens. As a purveyor of culinary experiences, the property now offers Saturday Supper Club, the newest wintertime festivity at The Ranch featuring family-style dinners, games and live entertainment at the Golf Clubhouse every Saturday through April 25, 2020. For more information, visit www.carmelvalleyranch.com

Mar Monte Hotel, located just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, nestled between the rugged Santa Ynez range and pristine Santa Barbara beach, is set to join the collection in Spring 2020, rebranding from Hyatt Centric Santa Barbara after an extensive renovation. The 200-room hotel has been reimagined to establish a style of contemporary Santa Barbara with classic Spanish-influenced design. The property will deliver coastal Italian-inspired cuisine paired with spirited cocktails at the beachside Costa restaurant, all-day dining at the poolside Café Lido, and dynamic social spaces including “The Yard,” along with “The Living Room and Oceanfront Terrace,” which will be adjacent to the lobby and offer wine tastings and welcoming spaces for guest gatherings. Further, Mar Monte Hotel will host Golden Hour Happy Hour as a nightly sunset ritual with locally sourced signature cocktails and bites. For more information, visit www.marmontehotel.com.

Two additional properties within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand that are set to open in the U.S. in 2020 and 2021, respectively, include the 144-room restored landmark property, Hotel Kansas City, in Kansas City, Mo. and a 64-room boutique hotel in Hollywood, Calif. Both properties are currently being restored to their original beginnings, with a focus on providing extraordinary architectural details for guests looking to feel inspired.

Globally, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand expanded its footprint in 2019, with the reintroduction of Hotel du Louvre, after completing a property-wide renovation in June 2019. Inspired by the original Napolean III style, the famed hotel sits in the heart of the Paris’s Palais-Royal district, surrounded by the Musée du Louvre, the Comédie-Française, the Palais Garnier and Palais Royal. In December 2019, the brand also debuted in the U.K. with the opening of Great Scotland Yard, a luxury hotel with rich history residing on the site of the former headquarters of the Metropolitan Police. Expected to reopen in summer 2020 is the historic gem Hotel du Palais Biarritz, a palace built by Napoleon III for his wife Eugenia de Montijo.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and /or one or more of its affiliates.

About The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is a portfolio of independent, premium hotel properties, ranging from historic urban gems to contemporary trend-setters and boutique properties to resorts. Whether it is a fascinating past, an exclusive location, famous architecture and design, or an award-winning dining experience, each of the brand’s 21 hotels has its own distinct narrative and creates novel, story-worthy experiences for guests. In markets from Barcelona to Budapest, guests can be inspired by hidden gems around the world. For a full list of hotels in the collection, visit unboundcollection.hyatt.com. Follow @UnboundxHyatt on Facebook and Instagram and tag your photos with #TellYourTale.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 20 premier brands. As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s portfolio included more than 900 hotel, all-inclusive, and wellness resort properties in 65 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, Joie de Vivre®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Hyatt Updates 2020 Outlook Due to Evolving COVID-19 Impact

March 2, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Business News first on FIR:

CHICAGO–()–Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced it is withdrawing its previously announced 2020 outlook and earnings sensitivity based on Greater China RevPAR due to the impact on travel demand outside of Greater China, in part as a result of new corporate travel restrictions in North America and Europe, as well as near-term cancellations outside of Greater China, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Mark S. Hoplamazian, president and chief executive officer, said, “We are very proud of what our colleagues in the Hyatt family are doing to provide care for our guests, customers, hotel owners, and the communities in which our hotels operate, as the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt in an increasing number of communities around the world. It is in these types of circumstances that our purpose – to care for people so they can be their best – has the greatest impact.”

“This is an evolving situation, and our ability to assess the financial impact of COVID-19 on our business continues to be limited due to quickly changing circumstances and uncertain consumer demand for travel. The 2020 outlook we provided with our fourth quarter earnings announcement was clearly stated as our base case excluding the impact of COVID-19. Since then, we have continued to monitor the situation and, while we remain unable at this time to quantify the full-year impact on our financial results, we believe it is appropriate to withdraw our previously announced 2020 outlook and earnings sensitivity based on Greater China RevPAR. Over the past week, we have seen the outbreak spread beyond Greater China as well as temporary travel restrictions imposed by many companies, resulting in a decrease in near-term transient bookings and an increase in near-term group cancellations in North America and Europe that will impact our full-year outlook and earnings sensitivity. We continue to closely monitor the situation, and plan to provide more information during our first quarter earnings call based on the information we have available at that time.”

“We are confident in the resilience and capabilities of our teams to manage through the challenges our industry faces. We continue to care for our colleagues, guests, customers, hotel owners, and the communities in which our hotels operate that have been affected by this public health issue. Our thoughts remain with the individuals and communities affected across the world as the public health response to COVID-19 continues.”

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 20 premier brands. As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s portfolio included more than 900 hotel, all-inclusive, and wellness resort properties in 65 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, Joie de Vivre®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements about our 2020 outlook, plans, strategies, business conditions, business trends and expectations, prospects or future events and involve known and unknown risks that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely,” “will,” “would” and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, the effects of the Covid-19 outbreak, including on the demand for travel, transient and group business, and levels of consumer confidence in the safety of travel as a result of the outbreak; the length of the Covid-19 outbreak and severity of such outbreak across the globe; the pace of recovery following the Covid-19 outbreak; general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and the pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; levels of spending in business and leisure segments as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; domestic and international political and geo-political conditions, including political or civil unrest or changes in trade policy; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including future terrorist attacks, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, oil spills, nuclear incidents, and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases or fear of such outbreaks; such as the recent Covid-19 outbreak; our ability to successfully achieve certain levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance tests or guarantees in favor of our third-party owners; the impact of hotel renovations and redevelopments; risks associated with our capital allocation plans and common stock repurchase program and other forms of shareholder capital return, including the risk that our common stock repurchase program could increase volatility and fail to enhance shareholder value; our intention to pay a quarterly cash dividend and the amounts thereof, if any; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; relationships with colleagues and labor unions and changes in labor laws; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party property owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and the introduction of new brand concepts; the timing of acquisitions and dispositions, and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions (including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals); our ability to successfully execute on our strategy to expand our management and franchising business while at the same time reducing our real estate asset base within targeted timeframes and at expected values; declines in the value of our real estate assets; unforeseen terminations of our management or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates and operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, including as a result of industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business; and other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, including our annual report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We do not undertake or assume any obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Hyatt Announces Plans for a Grand Hyatt Branded Hotel in Makkah

March 1, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Business News first on FIR:

CHICAGO–()–Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with Umm Alqura for development and construction of a Grand Hyatt branded hotel in the Holy City of Makkah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in close proximity to the Grand Mosque, the hotel will be an integral component of the King Abdul Aziz Road (KAAR) mixed-use urban development project, designed to support one of the fastest-growing religious tourism markets in the world.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of Hyatt’s prime focus areas within the Middle East,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president of development, Middle East and North Africa for Hyatt. “The country’s significant strides to boost tourism complements our own commitment to creating a pipeline in markets that matter most to guests and World of Hyatt members. Consequently, the opening of Grand Hyatt Makkah will strengthen the Kingdom’s vision to attract more tourists and offer guests an elevated, luxury experience with plans to open further properties in the Holy City in the near future.”

Slated to open in January 2025, Grand Hyatt Makkah will be the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Makkah and the second Grand Hyatt hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, joining Grand Hyatt Al Khobar which is slated to open in 2020. The hotel is uniquely designed to celebrate iconic cultural facets and evoke a welcoming service to create exceptional moments for its guests. Grand Hyatt Makkah will feature interiors that integrate materials and artwork representing Islamic tradition, whilst maintaining the detailed design and luxurious services synonymous with the Grand Hyatt brand.

“Grand Hyatt Makkah represents a prestigious addition to the King Abdul Aziz Road project, which will contribute to our goal of better serving the needs of visitors and residents in Makkah,” said Yasser Abuateek, CEO of Umm Alqura for Development and Construction. “One of our key ambitions is also to add value to the local real estate market, and by introducing globally renowned brands we are making significant strides towards achieving this objective. We look forward to further exciting announcements as our project continues to move forward with enhancing Makkah’s transport and tourism infrastructure in support of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s inspiring roadmap for the future.”

“We are delighted to work with Umm Alqura to open the first Grand Hyatt hotel in the Holy City of Makkah,” said Peter Fulton, group president – Europe, Africa, Middle East and Southwest Asia, Hyatt. “The Kingdom’s plan is to attract more than 30 million tourists by 2030 and we are proud to be able to contribute to this vision. Grand Hyatt Makkah is set to become a captivating destination of its own, welcoming both visitors and pilgrims to this important cultural and religious destination.”

For more information on the Grand Hyatt brand and its range of properties worldwide, visit grandhyatt.com and connect with the Grand Hyatt brand on Facebook and Instagram.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About Grand Hyatt

Around the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities and resort destinations, each Grand Hyatt hotel is uniquely designed to be a captivating destination within a destination. Grand Hyatt hotels deliver welcoming and elevated service, first-class accommodations and an abundance of options within a multicultural backdrop of dramatic architecture and bold and vibrant design. Grand Hyatt properties boast inventive restaurants, luxury spas, fitness centers, and business and meeting facilities. For additional information or to make a reservation, please visit grandhyatt.com. Follow @GrandHyatt on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #GrandHyatt.

About Umm Alqura for Development and Construction (UAQ)

Umm Alqura was established as a closed joint-stock company through an important national partnership between the private and public sectors to effectively participate in achieving national objectives to increase the number of Makkah visitors and pilgrims in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

The King Abdulaziz Road Project in Makkah will become the main artery for a group of development projects, particularly in the area surrounding the Haram Al Sharif. The project is one of the most important developmental and urban projects as it is based on an integrated infrastructure that will transform transportation and development in Makkah and fulfill the aspirations of the Kingdom’s leadership to upgrade Makkah on an urban, environmental and social scale, and make it a leading global destination by providing easy and diverse options for transport, shopping and accommodation.

ABOUT HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 20 premier brands. As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s portfolio included more than 900 hotel, all-inclusive, and wellness resort properties in 65 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, Joie de Vivre®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

Hyatt Announces Plans for Hyatt Centric Cambridge

February 25, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Business News first on FIR:

CHICAGO–()–Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with edyn, a UK-based hospitality group, for the first Hyatt Centric hotel in the UK. The 150-room hotel is expected to open in 2021 and will mark the seventh Hyatt Centric property in Europe.

“We are thrilled to announce plans to bring the Hyatt Centric brand to the UK – where we’re focused on growing Hyatt’s brand presence – and the first Hyatt hotel to Cambridge, England,” said Guido Fredrich, Hyatt’s regional vice president of development for Europe. “We are looking forward to working with edyn to debut Hyatt’s fastest growing lifestyle brand in one of the country’s top-performing hotel markets and connecting our guests to the heart of the action when in Cambridge.”

Remaining true to the Hyatt Centric brand and reflecting edyn’s philosophy that travel should be a rich journey of discovery, guests and visitors will feel inspired to explore the destination but also connected to the culture of the location when on property through the hotel’s locally inspired design, and local retail and food offerings. To fuel discovery, Hyatt Centric Cambridge will provide bicycles for guests to rent so they can go forth and explore the best places in town, such as the famous colleges of Cambridge, only a 15-minute bicycle ride away.

The forthcoming Hyatt Centric Cambridge is part of the University of Cambridge’s development of Eddington, a new community northwest of Cambridge. Alongside the full-service lifestyle hotel, there will be 3,000 new residential units, a 180-unit extended-stay hotel, retail facilities, a community and performance arts center, sports fields, public parks, a school and student accommodations, as well as academic and research facilities.

“Cambridge is an iconic city steeped in history, and rich academic and cultural traditions. We are excited to be part of its evolving community,” said Stephen McCall, CEO of edyn. “This multi-layered development will create a new neighborhood in close proximity to Cambridge’s city center, catering to the highly diverse and international mix of faculty, employees, and students, as well as domestic and foreign travelers.”

Hyatt Centric Cambridge will join Hyatt’s growing hotel portfolio in the UK with Andaz London Liverpool Street, Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport, Hyatt Place West London Hayes, Hyatt Regency Birmingham, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, Hyatt Regency & Hyatt House Manchester and Great Scotland Yard. Further additions include Hyatt Place London City East and Hyatt Regency Edinburgh Marina, expected to open in 2021.

For more information on the Hyatt Centric brand and its range of properties worldwide, visit hyattcentric.com.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About Hyatt Centric

Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations. Created to connect guests to the heart of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery so they never miss a moment of adventure. Each hotel offers social spaces to connect with others in the lobby, meanwhile the bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined modern rooms focus on delivering everything guests want and nothing they don’t. A passionately engaged team is there to provide local expertise on the best food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer. For more information please visit hyattcentric.com. Follow @HyattCentric on Facebook and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattCentric.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 20 premier brands. As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s portfolio included more than 900 hotel, all-inclusive, and wellness resort properties in 65 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, Joie de Vivre®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

About edyn

edyn has been an industry pioneer in extended stay living for over 20 years. The group has built a range of lifestyle aparthotels and extended stay apartments across four brands including Locke, SACO, The Wittenberg and The Moorgate.

edyn is founded on the philosophy that travel should be a rich journey of discovery, rewarding curiosity with knowledge and inspiration. Its purpose is to engage and inspire with distinctively designed hotels, firmly rooted in the local neighbourhood, offering vibrant experiences and connections which nourish and enliven the soul.

Forward-Looking Statement

Hyatt Expands Presence in Turkey With Plans for Hyatt Regency Izmir Istinye Park

February 24, 2020 by Forimmediaterelease

Business News first on FIR:

CHICAGO–()–Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with Orjin Konaklama Yönetim Hizmetleri A.Ş. for the first Hyatt branded hotel in Izmir, Turkey. Expected to open in 2021, the 161-room hotel marks the seventh Hyatt branded property in Turkey and the brand’s entry into Izmir, the country’s third largest and one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean.

Hyatt Regency Izmir Istinye Park will be part of a new major development, Istinye Park Izmir, slated to become a local landmark comprising of a high-end shopping mall and an impressive 860,000 square foot (80,000 square meter) park. Located 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the airport, the hotel will be in close proximity to the metro, tram and bus stations, providing direct access to downtown Izmir.

“Turkey continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and we have long sought to expand our brand footprint outside of Istanbul,” said Takuya Aoyama, vice president development, Hyatt. “We are very pleased to be working with Orjin Group who has an excellent track record of developing and operating premium real estate in the country.”

The property, which will overlook the Gulf of Izmir, will be designed with business and leisure travelers in mind, offering seamless and personalized experiences for any occasion. Hyatt Regency Izmir Istinye Park will feature a restaurant and bar, as well as a spa and a fitness center. Additionally, with more than 21,500 square feet (2,000 square meter) of flexible event space, the hotel will also offer a premium venue for corporate meetings and social gatherings alike.

“We are thrilled to be working alongside Hyatt as it expands its brand presence in Turkey,” said Zafer Kursun, chairman of Orjin Group. “Hyatt Regency is a globally recognized brand and our extensive knowledge of the Turkish market and the city of Izmir will allow us to develop a premium property.”

Hyatt Regency Izmir Istinye Park will be joining Hyatt’s growing portfolio across Turkey, alongside Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas, Hyatt Regency Istanbul Atakoy, Grand Hyatt Istanbul, Nish Palas Istanbul, Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul and Hyatt House Gebze.

For more information on the Hyatt Regency brand and its range of properties worldwide, visit hyattregency.com and connect with the Hyatt Regency brand on Facebook and Instagram.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

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.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 20 premier brands. As of December 31, 2019, the Company’s portfolio included more than 900 hotel, all-inclusive, and wellness resort properties in 65 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, Joie de Vivre®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, tommie™, Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty programme that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

About Orjin Konaklama Yönetim Hizmetleri A.Ş.

Orjin Konaklama Yönetim Hizmetleri A.Ş. is a joint stock company based in Istanbul and the real estate development company within Orjin Group. Orjin Group started his commercial activity in the beginning of 1980’s with the production of leather garment and related wear. With an export-oriented mindset, Orjin Group has produced and is still producing high quality leather and fur products for international luxury brands.

In 1990’s the Group has added Real Estate Developments to its field of activity. Presently, Orjin Group possesses a big portfolio of real estates, which mainly consists of historical buildings in shopping streets, hotel, office and logistics buildings at different locations of Istanbul. The most well-known development of Orjin Group is IstinyePark Istanbul Shopping Center and Residences Project, which was awarded by ICSC – International Council of Shopping Centers as the Best Shopping Center in Europe in 2009. Orjin Group is now developing IstinyePark Izmir Shopping Center and Hotel Project having a total investment of 425 million US Dollars. Hyatt Regency Izmir Istinye Park will be the hotel component of the mixed used development in Izmir.

Forward-Looking Statement