One of the most respected names in hospitality, the Chicago-based corporation is spreading its home-spun values across the world. Jonathan Hart reports Families. Don’t you just love ‘em? The sentiments currently being bandied around behind closed doors by senior executives of Global Hyatt Corporation, privately confessing to being unsettled while siblings of the owning Pritzker clan allegedly continue a long-running feud over selling, shares or intellectual issues. Little matter. Such reported troubles at the top seemingly fail to impinge on the onward and upward progress of one of the world’s most instantly recognisable hotel groups, with more than 200 hotels in 44 countries, plus a labyrinth of additional hospitality tentacles across North America. Thirty plus hotels in development, including 11 in China, and more in the pipeline, are proof positive that countless road warriors of every nationality swear allegiance to the various Hyatt brands; born of cutting-edge architecture, prime locations and a concept that marries the sleek and slick with easy approachability and a homely familiarity for high achievers or the aspirant. Not to mention the more prosaic convenience of having an established name firmly embedded in the ken of non Englishspeaking cab drivers virtually the world over. Despite the fact that the majority of properties are either managed or franchised, rather than owneroperated, Hyatt’s reputation as being ‘in town’ and fit for specific business purpose, combined with across-the-board frequent stay benefits, is key to ongoing traveller loyalty to the company’s handsome international accommodation choice. This is now spread across a trio of luxury tiers from the minimalist and elite Park to the convention-inspired Grand and multi-purpose Regency brands. Another factor is the much-vaunted ‘Hyatt Touch’, a perennial promotional message that, illusory or otherwise, promises guests innovative added offers, amenities and services that, to use a favourite Hyatt word, are ‘sensory’. Loosely translated, this implies overall that when a business traveller stays at a Hyatt International (overseas) property, he or she will be enfolded in a savvy, finely tuned and personalised ‘culture’ or ‘experience’ that blends as best it can with a given locality, while remaining true to core, US-oriented aesthetics and service credentials. Unfair though it may be to draw comparisons with, for example, Starbucks, McDonalds or Marriott, Chicago-based Hyatt, perhaps as much as any global player, manages to carry an enduring image of the Stars and Stripes imprinted on a foreign field. It is a stickler for subscribed standards, presentation and delivery that are so evidently home-grown and influenced. In other words, perhaps, a solid Brooks Brothers’ suit by day, chinos and deck shoes by night kind of company. Dating back to the launch of an avant garde property in Los Angeles in the late 1950s, Hyatt quickly became known for its attachment to all that's fashionable and new in hotel architecture, inside and out; to a business smart with a useful added extras approach, and to an unashamedly glossy style appealing to thrusting young executives or upscale convention delegates. In city centres, and wherever possible in urban, airport or resort properties, it was arguably Hyatt that led the way with atrium lobbies, executive floors and other industry ‘must haves’; moving through the years, with ever-increasing copycat competition, to establish the skyscraper penthouse hotels, signature spas, and the extra-sensory, value-added products of today. What you get with Hyatt
Global Hyatt Corporation incorporates Hyatt International Corporation, Hyatt Corporation, Hyatt Vacation Ownership Inc, Hyatt Vacation Club, Hyatt Equities, Select Hotel Group, and US Franchise Systems Inc
Hyatt International: Hyatt Regency, Grand Hyatt and Park Hyatt properties outside North America. The newest Park Hyatt is scheduled to open in Beijing prior to the 2008 Olympics
Hyatt Corporation: Hyatt hotels in North America and the Caribbean.
New brands include Hyatt Place (urban chic), and Summerfield Suite (apartment) hotels. Also operator of AmeriSuites Hotels and franchisor of Hawthorn Suites and Mictrotel Inns & Suites
Hyatt Executive Floors: Regency Club, with separate check-in/out; upgraded amenities; lounge with complimentary breakfast/evening cocktails; board room; e-mail/Internet; and free use of health/recreational facilities
Loyalty Scheme: Hyatt Gold Passport, applicable across all Hyatt brands worldwide and with 30-plus airline partners. Points awarded from first night towards free nights with no blackout dates; also special offers and select hotel services and benefits. Upgrade to Platinum membership after five eligible stays or 15 eligible nights, or to Diamond membership after 25 eligible stays or 50 eligible nights, each with additional rewards or benefits Website: www.hyatt.com
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