New Park Hyatt aims sky high

Travellers who like a room with a view will make a beeline for the new Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, which marks the luxury brand’s entry into Malaysia.

With rooms located between levels 75 and 114 of the Merdeka 118 – the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific, the hotel offers what are described as "unparalleled views of the Malaysian capital’s skyline".

"The Park Hyatt brand hits a milestone at 50 properties globally, adding its first hotel in Malaysia with the debut of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur - also marking an important breakthrough for the brand within south-east Asia," said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt.

"This makes for an exciting chapter for Hyatt’s brand growth in the region, with three new properties opening in Kuala Lumpur within a year, an expansion of diverse offerings.”

Each of the 252 guestrooms and suites will have floor-to-ceiling windows for both views and natural light. Suites feature living areas, a full bath with a separate rain shower and aromatherapy shower steamer, double vanity, a walk-in dressing room, personal study area, and, in select rooms, private dining spaces overlooking the cityscape.

Interiors by G.A Group are inspired by the traditional Malay Kampung houses.

A guided experience through Merdeka 118 Precinct is available with exclusive access to the historical landmark Stadium Merdeka where Malaysia’s Independence was declared, Al-Sultan Abdullah Mosque, the Merdeka Textile Museum, and Merdeka 118 building.

“Merdeka 118 will be a catalyst to uplift communities and enhance Kuala Lumpur’s long-term vibrancy," says YM Raja Tan Sri Dato' Seri Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Group Chairman of developers PNB.

The dining destinations at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will showcase Malaysia’s multicultural cuisine, while a yoga studio, fitness centre and private treatment suites are on level 99.

For further info see https://www.hyatt.com/park-hyatt/en-US/kulph-park-hyatt-kuala-lumpur.

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  

Big-name chef takes over at Sydney five-star hotel

Leading chef James Viles is making a huge step from a country restaurant to one of the busiest hotel kitchens in Sydney. 

Viles closed the doors of his acclaimed Biota Dining eatery in Bowral in 2020 after combined impact of bushfires and Covid pandemic.

Since then he has been consulting to Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley and Canberra-based Harvac group, for whom he opened an Asian barbecue restaurant.

Now, however, he will be joining the team at Park Hyatt Sydney to oversee the hotel's culinary operation.

Viles has 20 years of kitchen experience including stints with Aman Resorts and Orient Express Hotels.

"James' addition to our team is the first exciting step in our plans to transform The Dining Room and all our culinary experiences at Park Hyatt Sydney," says hotel general manager Samuel Dabinett.

With a superb location on the very edge of Sydney Harbour, between the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Park Hyatt Sydney's signature restaurant The Dining Room will be reshaped by Viles.

One thing he might want to address is the insulting $12 charge for bread and butter.

For more information on The Dining Room visit www.diningroom.com.au