If you are a luxury-seeking inveterate traveller, you can't miss the Hyatt hotels in Dubai. With their individualistic architecture, lavish lobbies, supremely comfortable rooms, stately suites, haute cuisines and old-world hospitality, the Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency set a benchmark in comfort and luxury. Standing majestically in prime locations that are just a hop, skip and flutter from the malls, souks and other hot spots that complement the hyperbolic spirit of the City of Gold, the three properties have distinctive features that explain why they are easily ahead of the pack in a crowded hospitality market.
As a prelude to the launch of Hyatt's first property in Chennai (Hyatt Regency, Teynampet), media persons from here were invited to Dubai for a primer on the group's multi-brand philosophy. With six brands dotting six continents, Hyatt's portfolio smacks of variety. From Park' personalised service in intimate spaces for affluent guests to Summerfield Suite's relaxed residential setting for the ‘extended-stay' business traveller, each has a USP.
‘Authentic hospitality' and ‘cultural relevance' were phrases that recurred during PowerPoint presentations and discussions with Hyatt's top brass. According to Peter Fulton, MD, South West Asia, leisure travellers and multi-tasking business travellers to Chennai can experience a spectrum of services with Hyatt's major plans for the city. “While Hyatt Regency will launch shortly, the Group has plans to open Park, and eventually Grand, in the city. There's exponential growth coming out of Chennai, and the supply will be absorbed well,” he says with an air of optimism.
With a lot in common among Hyatt's existing brands in Dubai and the upcoming ones in Chennai, here's a look at what make the Park, Grand and Regency different from each other…
Park and personality
With its flawless white walls and azure blue scheme, the Park Hyatt balances out traditional and modern references. When you are thinking intricate Moorish architecture, the balcony-accompanied rooms featuring neat geometric lines and interesting angles transport you to a world of Western style and simplicity. With ‘Luxury is personal' being its buzzword, the Park believes in providing personalised service designed around your lifestyle and preferences. So, from the lobby with intimate check-in counters to the oval bath tubs and tables, everything here has a personality. For gourmets, there's the exotic Café Arabesque, the French brasserie Traiteur and the award-winning Thai Kitchen. You can unwind, eat, and watch yachts bob on the water at the outdoor Terrace. The blue tile-lined pool with pretty palm islands is an attraction if you've had enough views of the opalescent historic creek from the rooms. The Amara Spa's thoughtfully-designed ‘spa bedrooms' with private gardens and outdoor rain showers are as refreshing as the treatments.
BOTTOMLINE If luxury's on your radar, you can park your aspirations on this waterfront retreat!
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Grand slam!
Dubai's DNA is apparent right from the opening act of this Grand drama. The four massive handcrafted dhows (boats) on the ceiling and the fluid palm tree motifs in the lobby instantly connect this ‘city conference resort hotel' to its topography. The ostentatious 9.5-mt Swarovski chandelier with about 1,50,000 crystals, the streams that run through the atrium's 40,000 sq. ft. of lush indoor gardens, wow-demanding light sculptures and paintings that capture Dubai's desert-sea landscape… this is a one-of-its-kind lobby that's sure to linger on your mind for long. The varied dining experiences include the lavish Labanese Awtar, Asian-feel Wox, authentic Sushi, New-york feel Manhattan Grill and Italian speciality Andiamo! The vibrant Market Café is not just interesting for its rock garden ambience, its many open kitchens offer a range of cuisines — from Indian to Italian. The rooms and suites redefine luxury in their own special way in this 37-acre property with a huge convention center, three pools, tropical lagoons, 450-mt jogging track, flood-lit tennis courts, indoor lap pool and a soon-to-reopen two-level Grand Spa.
BOTTOMLINE The Grand total of the hotel's old-new dichotomy leaves you speechless!
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Regency chic
With its play of light and space, panoramic views, and open plans, the refurbished Regency is design-forward. A range of luxurious suites designed in split levels sets it apart. If you don't feel like remaining sequestered in the suites, you could hit the gourmet's route and check out the Italian flavours in the charming old-world Focaccia. Al Dawaar, Dubai's only revolving restaurant is situated on the 25th floor, and offers spectacular views of the city and the Arabian Gulf. No matter where you are in Dubai, this restaurant merits a visit. The ice-skating rink is a sure attraction in this property that balances business and pleasure.
BOTTOMLINE Forget clichés, experience Regency-style refinement.
