Global Hyatt Corporation President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian today
announced the launch of Andaz, the company's newest addition to its
global brand portfolio. The Company plans to launch several hotels
under the new brand this year, with properties already slated for New
York and London, and others under discussion in other parts of the
world including Beijing and Moscow.
The word Andaz means 'personal style'. In addition to a focus on
personal style and independence, the new brand will offer a highly
functional environment characterized by sophistication, innovative
design, local identity, casual elegance and service that is attentive
but not pretentious and without 'attitude'.
"Our launch of Andaz is based on demand expressed by both
consumers and developers for a product and experience that they have
not found within the industry," Hoplamazian said. "This worldwide
customer base is looking for fresh, uncomplicated luxury that is
timeless and 'gimmick' free."
Representing a part of the next phase of the company's
accelerating worldwide growth, the first Andaz will be in the City of
London, where the Great Eastern Hotel will be rebranded and
repositioned following completion of a renovation in September. Plans
are also well underway in New York for Andaz, beginning with Hyatt's
recently purchased property on Fifth Avenue at 41st street, across
from the New York Public Library. Announcements of other Andaz hotels
in markets inside and outside of North America are expected in the
coming weeks and months.
In developing the brand, Global Hyatt Corp. is working with top
architects and interior designers around the world to create
environments that express the personal style of the customer and the
personality of the destination. Andaz hotels will be authentic and
culturally correct in service and product delivery.
Hoplamazian indicated that the brand will also be as
environmentally friendly as possible, through various features that
would include serving organic food and beverage, using fully
biodegradable products and focusing on energy efficiency. As the brand
develops, new hotel structures will incorporate ecologically friendly
building materials and building systems.
"I feel that Hyatt is uniquely well-suited to bring this new brand
to life because 'style', 'authenticity' and 'great service without
attitude' are attributes that are a part of Hyatt's culture and
heritage." he said. "Andaz is a brand that exhibits great promise for
Hyatt."
ABOUT GLOBAL HYATT CORPORATION
Global Hyatt Corporation, one of the world's premier hotel
companies, offers today's travelers over 735 hotels and resorts (over
136,000 rooms) in more than 44 countries. The company's affiliates
own, operate, manage and franchise Hyatt branded hotels and resorts
under the Park Hyatt(R), Grand Hyatt(R), Hyatt Regency(R), Hyatt
Resorts(R), Hyatt(R), Hyatt Place(TM) and Hyatt Summerfield Suites(R)
brands. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation
Ownership, Inc. operator of the Hyatt Vacation Club and fractional
residential properties and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc., which
franchises Hawthorn Suites and Microtel Inns and Suites.
From the U.S. and Canada, reservations for any Hyatt hotel
worldwide may be obtained by calling 1-800-233-1234 or logging onto
www.hyatt.com.