Hyatt Hotels unveils plans for new properties

A boom period continues for Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which has plans to rapidly expand its luxury and lifestyle brand portfolios across Asia Pacific.

There are plans for close to 90 properties expected to open over the next five years, travel news hub Travel Mole reports.

The growth includes the debut of the Thompson Hotels brand in the region - alongside significant new entries and expansion for Andaz, The Standard and Park Hyatt brands in destinations including Thailand, Malaysia and Australia across 2025 and 2026.

“Today, luxury is about authenticity and unique experiences," said Carina Chorengel, senior vice president for Commercial, Asia Pacific, Hyatt, who is a master of corporate speak.

 
"Our recently refined brand architecture and expansion in luxury and lifestyle portfolios allow us to cater to discerning travellers with focus and differentiation," she said.

”We are excited about offering enriching experiences that will further strengthen Hyatt’s position as a leader in luxury and lifestyle hospitality in the region.”

In yet another hotel industry new brand arrival, the Thompson Hotels brand is set to debut in Asia Pacific at Shanghai Expo. It is said to appeal to "culture-savvy travellers", whoever they may be.

Hyatt will also mark the continued expansion of the Andaz brand "celebrated for its cultural immersion and unique lifestyle offerings".

Andaz Gold Coast, Andaz One Bangkok and Andaz Shanghai ITC are among the newcomers.

Following its acquisition of Standard International’s brands in 2024, newcomers will include The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, while the Park Hyatt brand will make its Malaysian debut with Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur opening next month. 

Park Hyatt Phu Quoc, the first Park Hyatt resort in Vietnam, is expected to open early in 2026.

See https://www.hyatt.com/

Image: Render of Andaz Gold Coast  

Andaz hotel brand to debut in Australia

 

It has taken 17 years, but the Hyatt group has unveiled plans for its for first Andaz hotel in Australia.

The Andaz brand (meaning personal style in Hindi/Urdu) was launched in 2007 and Andaz Gold Coast will open in 2025 as part of The Star Gold Coast integrated resort.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered into agreements with a Destination Gold Coast Consortium for an Andaz resort.

Destination Gold Coast Consortium is a joint venture between parent company,The Star Entertainment Group, and its two partners, Far East Consortium and Chow Tai Fook Enterprises.

The Star Gold Coast is slated to open in mid-2025, marking the debut of the Andaz brand in Australia and the Pacific region.

“We are thrilled to announce plans to bring the Andaz brand to Australia's premier resort destination in collaboration with The Star Gold Coast,” said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, for Hyatt.

“Hyatt has had a brand presence in Australia for over 40 years, and we are excited to expand our luxury, lifestyle and leisure offerings into sought-after destinations like the Gold Coast. This resort will complement our current portfolio of 10 hotels under five distinct brands in Australia, including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Place.”

I'm sure I am not alone in being unable to differentiate between those brands.

“We are delighted to welcome Andaz Gold Coast to our world-class tourism and entertainment precinct," said The Star Gold Coast general manager hotels Steven McPharlin.

"As part of The Star Gold Coast's AU$2 billion (approximately US$1.33 billion) masterplan, we are proud to continue our investment in this dynamic city while also providing new employment opportunities alongside vibrant hospitality experiences.”

With close to 30 global properties, including in gateway cities such as Tokyo, Singapore, New York and London, and resort destinations like Bali and Maui, the Andaz brand "celebrates and empowers self-expression through imaginative travel".

That's marketing speak. I have no idea what is actually means.

But "the ethos of sophisticated whimsy encourages guests to connect with their innermost curiosities and awaken to new experiences with a local twist". OK.

The Star Gold Coast is set on Broadbeach Island.

Occupying floors six to 21 of the 65-story second tower, the Andaz hotel will have 202 guest rooms and suites, a fitness centre and three food and beverage outlets.

“The Gold Coast is a world-renowned region, and it is energizing for the tourism industry to be welcoming a new international hotel brand to the region,” said Patricia O'Callaghan, Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive officer.

“More than four million Australians visited the Gold Coast last year and we are steadily working our way to recover international arrivals to one of Australia's best known and well-loved destinations.”

To learn more about Andaz hotels see www.andaz.com.

Hyatt's hip Andaz brand makes its debut in Thailand

Unless your focus is dodgy nightclubs, then Jomtein Beach is much better holiday destination than sweaty downtown Pattaya.

Hyatt Hotels this week opened the doors to its new Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach hotel property, , marking the debut of the hip Andaz brand in Thailand.

The resort sits on 6.4 hectares of beachfront overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

"With the growing demand for immersive, authentic experiences among luxury travellers, we are delighted by the launch of the vibrant Andaz brand in Thailand, one of the world's most appealing destinations," said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt.

"Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is our first Andaz resort in Thailand, adding to the brand's growing portfolio in the region, which now includes properties located in Bali, Delhi, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Tokyo and Xiamen."

Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is located between the holiday hub of Jomtien and the fishing village of Bang Saray.

 

It is within a two-hour drive from Bangkok and Suvarnabhumi Airport with the Jomtien area becoming a lifestyle leisure precinct.

"While celebrating the spirit of exploration and the individuality of each guest and immersed in an unspoiled beachside setting, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach offers low-rise clusters of rooms, suites and villas, shady courtyards, sparkling pools and creative event spaces, all of which reflect the dynamic charm of this up-and-coming destination," said Ranjeet Y. Rajebhosale, the hotel general manager.

"Through collaborations with local brands like the wellness provider, Panpuri, and artisans, we hope to create riveting experiences that will help guests reconnect with nature and discover Thai culture."

Set in low-rise clustered buildings, the hotel has 204 rooms, suites, and villas with walk-in rain showers and a balcony or terrace with a daybed.

Lagoon Access Rooms allow guests to step straight into the rippling waters of the resort pool, while the Pool Suites allow guests to cool down with a private dip at any time of day, and the Beachfront Suites are set directly on the beach.

The resort has six restaurants and bars featuring "local, seasonal, and sustainable produce" (doesn't everyone boast this nowadays?)

For more information see andazpattaya.com.