Explained: A Complete Guide to Hyatt Hotel Brands
Hyatt is the third-largest hotel conglomerate globally, trailing only behind Marriott and Hilton. Its points system is notably more valuable compared to its rivals, primarily because it adheres to a transparent award chart that delineates off-peak, standard, and peak pricing awards. The Hyatt brand encompasses its vast array of hotels and resorts within four principal categories: the Timeless Collection, the Boundless Collection, the Independent Collection, and the Inclusive Collection. Spanning 28 distinctive brands under the Hyatt banner, each features a unique blend of style and appeal. However, navigating through these options to select the ideal brand for your next journey can be overwhelming. From the luxurious elegance of Park Hyatt to the contemporary, stylish vibe of Andaz, this article delves into the core of what distinguishes each Hyatt brand. It provides detailed insights aimed at assisting travelers in finding the perfect Hyatt accommodation for their forthcoming escapade. Whether you're seeking a luxurious escape, a business-friendly environment, or a cozy spot for a family vacation, let’s take a look at the tapestry of experiences offered by Hyatt's collection of hotel brands:
Timeless Collection
Park Hyatt
Park Hyatt, renowned for its opulence, stands as the pinnacle of luxury within the Hyatt portfolio. It is among the company's most venerable brands, having made its debut in Chicago in 1980. Park Hyatt is celebrated for its lavish accommodations and bespoke service, striving to deliver an unparalleled and refined experience to its guests. It boasts prestigious addresses in some of the world's most sought-after destinations, including New York, Paris, and Seoul, positioning itself as a formidable contender against other luxury hospitality giants such as the Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria.
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is an ultra-luxury ski resort in Hokkaido, Japan. Photo by Hyatt.
Grand Hyatt
True to their name, Grand Hyatt hotels epitomize glamour and international appeal, both in their geographic presence and grandeur. These hotels are celebrated for their exceptional and cozy services. Although Grand Hyatt properties can be found in holiday spots, they predominantly serve major urban centers, presenting extensive spaces for events and conferences. Moreover, their strategic placement often includes locations near airports, enhancing accessibility and convenience for travelers.
The Vail Cascade ski at The Grand Hyatt Vail lift added a great deal of convenience to the skiing experience.
Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency is known for its expansive facilities designed to accommodate large-scale conferences and conventions in both urban and suburban areas, including airport locales. However, it also appeals to leisure travelers with properties in popular vacation destinations. As one of Hyatt's most widespread brands, it boasts a presence in over 200 cities globally. Many Hyatt Regency hotels are equipped with a club lounge with complimentary snacks and beverages, available to Hyatt Globalists or guests holding lounge passes.
Hyatt Regency Seattle Downtown is the largest hotel in the Pacific Northwest.
Hyatt Place
Hyatt Place stands as the most budget-friendly option within the expansive Hyatt collection. While not falling into the luxury category, Hyatt Place hotels showcases a contemporary, straightforward design tailored to meet the needs of business travelers and frequent road warriors. Guests at Hyatt Place are treated to a complimentary breakfast, and each room is equipped with a cozy living area and a dedicated workspace. Offering excellent value, especially for those embarking on road trips, Hyatt Place hotels are notably the most economical choice when it comes to redeeming points.
Complimentary breakfast at Hyatt Place hotels make them an excellent choice for accommodations in vacation destinations such as Hawaii. Photo by Hyatt.
Hyatt House
Hyatt House serves as Hyatt's solution for extended stays, providing guests with the comfort of apartment-style accommodations that feature fully equipped kitchens and distinct living areas. Hyatt House hotels are typically budget-friendly, and select Hyatt House properties participating in the Very Important Resident program provide additional perks, including dining and laundry credits, along with special rates for longer stays. Similar to Hyatt Place, guests at Hyatt House hotels also benefit from complimentary breakfast, enhancing the value and convenience of their stay.
Hyatt House Austin/Downtown is designed to reflect the brand’s home-like amenities including including fully equipped kitchens and distinct living areas. Photo by Hyatt.
Hyatt
Hyatt, the flagship brand of the Hyatt portfolio, features upscale hotels equipped with modern amenities, positioning itself as a direct competitor to the eponymous brands of other hospitality behemoths such as Marriott and Hilton. Despite its prominent status, it surprisingly maintains one of the smaller footprints within the wider Hyatt family. The majority of Hyatt hotels are found in the US and India, with a singular property located in Paris, France, underscoring its selective presence in global destinations.
Hyatt Carmel Highlands in California overlooks the magnificient Big Sur coastline. Photo by Hyatt.
UrCove
Through a strategic partnership with China's BTG Homeinns Hotels Group, Hyatt introduced the UrCove brand, specifically tailored to meet the needs of business travelers within China. Currently exclusive to China, Hyatt has aggressive plans to rapidly expand the UrCove brand in the near future. UrCove hotels are crafted to provide a premium, comfortable travel experience for the frequent business traveler, emphasizing convenience and quality in every aspect of their stay.
UrCove hotels, exclusively found in China, cater specifically to the needs of business travelers. Photo by Hyatt.
Hyatt Vacation Club
Formerly known as Hyatt Residence Club, Hyatt Vacation Club operates as Hyatt's timeshare brand. Predominantly set in resort destinations, the majority of Hyatt Vacation Club properties are located within the United States, with a single establishment in Mexico. While I generally do not endorse the purchase of timeshare properties due to their notoriously poor investment returns, Hyatt Vacation Club hotels could be a worthwhile opportunity for those who receive a promotional offer in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation.
I rarely endorse timeshare hotels, but a brief stay for attending a sales pitch can be beneficial. Photo by Hyatt.
Boundless Collection
Miraval
Miraval prioritizes wellness, emphasizing mindfulness and holistic well-being of the mind, body, and spirit. These resorts advocate for a digital device-free environment, encouraging guests to disconnect from technology to fully engage with the resort's immersive amenities. Miraval provides a variety of activities focused on therapeutic spa treatments and intentional wellness experiences. While there are only a few Miraval properties in the U.S., located in places like Arizona and Texas, plans are underway to expand into international locations, including Saudi Arabia.
The Miraval brand focuses mindfulness and holistic well-being of the mind, body, and spirit. Photo by Hyatt.
Alila
Acquired by Hyatt in 2018, Alila is renowned for its collection of world-class boutique hotels and resorts, primarily situated in exotic locations across Asia, including Malaysia, Oman, and Indonesia. Presently, there are three Alila properties within the United States, all of which are situated in California. Emphasizing sustainability, these luxury establishments offer guests a captivating experience in unique and breathtaking natural environments.
Alila hotels and resorts offer captivating experiences in pristine natural settings, located in premier destinations. Photo by Hyatt.
Andaz
In Hindi, "Andaz" translates to "personal style," and this concept is at the heart of Andaz hotels, where the uniqueness of individual style and essence is embraced through cutting-edge design and immersive local cultural experiences. Aimed at creative audiences, Andaz properties emphasize local cuisine and music. The Andaz brand positions itself as a competitor to Marriott's W and The Edition brands, differentiating itself by eschewing the bombardment of neon lights and pulsating club music for a more authentic and refined atmosphere.
Andaz Scottsdale seamlessly incorporates the essence of local cuisine and culture into its design, embodying the area's unique heritage and flavors.
Thompson Hotels
In 2018, alongside Alila, Hyatt also acquired Thompson—a brand known for its upscale boutique hotels located in key cities across North America, Latin America, and Europe. Thompson is Distinguished for its sophisticated design aesthetic that melds seamlessly with the vibrant cultural and culinary landscapes of its locations, offering guests authentic local experiences. Notably, Thompson Hotels are exceptionally pet-friendly, welcoming dogs without any extra fees, which makes them an ideal choice for travelers with pets.
Our dog, Laisy, enjoyed her stay at Thompson Austin. Being a Thompson Hotel, her accommodations were fully covered.
Dream Hotels
Acquired by Hyatt in 2023, Dream Hotel Group's Dream Hotels have been incorporated into Hyatt's lifestyle collection. Located in bustling metro areas like New York City, Nashville, Miami, and Hollywood, Dream Hotels are dynamic and lively venues, supplying top-tier amenities and showcasing vibrant nightlife experiences.
Dream Hollywood celebrates LA’s iconic nightlife and vibrant energy. Photo by Hyatt.
Hyatt Centric
The Hyatt Centric brand strategically situates its properties in the heart of the action, focusing on urban destinations that allow guests to dive into the local scene. The significance of the hotel's location is mirrored in its design, with interiors and culinary details inspired by the local heritage. Hyatt Centric encourages guests to engage with the hotel's destination experts, who are on hand to reveal the area's trendiest spots, ensuring a deeply local and immersive experience.
Hyatt Centric Montevideo featured artwork by local Montevideo artists and boasted furniture made from locally sourced materials, reflecting the region's culture and craftsmanship.
Caption by Hyatt
Caption by Hyatt is Hyatt's latest brand and debuted its inaugural hotel in Memphis in 2022. Caption by Hyatt hotels are upscale lifestyle properties, designed to foster connections between locals and guests via shared spaces. Its multifunctional area, known as Talk Shop, serves as a workspace, lounge, and coffee break spot available throughout the day. Targeting a younger demographic, Caption by Hyatt celebrates individualism and has plans for expansion in several Asian cities, including Tokyo and Ho Chi Minh City, signaling a dynamic future for the brand.
Talk Shop functions as a central workspace, lounge, and coffee break spot available throughout the day. Photo by Hyatt.
Independent Collection
The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Launched in 2016, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is the brand's pioneering venture into a collection of historic sites and classic properties transformed into contemporary hotels while preserving their genuine legacy and narrative. These singular hotels provide unparalleled accommodation experiences, operating as independent entities yet benefiting fully from Hyatt's vast network. The Unbound Collection by Hyatt is positioned as a competitor to Marriott's Autograph Collection Hotels and Hilton's Curio Collection Hotels, delivering guests a blend of authenticity and luxury.
Hôtel du Louvre, the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, was built in 1855 and was the first luxury hotel in Paris.
Destination by Hyatt
Destination by Hyatt properties are upscale hotels and resorts, strategically located to immerse guests in their environment. Acquired by Hyatt, these hotels are crafted to serve as gateways for guests seeking memorable adventures, from skiing down pristine, snow-covered slopes to uncovering secluded beaches. Each Destination by Hyatt Hotel is intentionally designed to be more than just a place to stay, but a launchpad for exploration and discovery.
Destination by Hyatt properties are situated in distinctive locations, where the setting is a key element of the guest experience. Photo by Hyatt.
JdV by Hyatt
Acquired by Hyatt in 2018, the JdV by Hyatt brand highlights a vibrant collection of independent hotels situated in major urban centers, appealing to young, dynamic audiences with distinctive tastes. The eclectic design of these properties mirrors the brand's commitment to embodying the spirit and inspiration of the surrounding communities. Similar to the Thompson brand, JdV by Hyatt hotels are pet-friendly, welcoming pets at no additional charge. However, given the brand's collection of independent hotels, it's advisable to verify the specific pet policy with each hotel directly.
JdV by Hyatt properties are not afraid to express their character, and The Anndore House in Toronto was no exception.
Inclusive Collection
The Inclusive Collection consists of ten brands that are mostly located in exotic vacation spots in the Caribbean and South America:
Impression by Secrets
Hyatt Ziva
Hyatt Zilara
Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts
Secrets Resorts & Spas
Breathless Resorts & Spas
Dreams Resorts & Spas
Hyatt Vivid Hotels & Resorts
Alua Hotels & Resorts
Sunscape Resorts & Spas
Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia stands as an all-inclusive resort nestled in a hidden tropical haven on the picturesque island of St. Lucia. Photo by Hyatt.
These resorts are all-inclusive which means that meals and drinks are included in the stay, potentially leading to significant savings related to dining expenses. When considering booking at any property within the Inclusive Collection, it's recommended to research the resort's target demographic, as they differ from one to another. For example, brands such as Breathless Resorts & Spas and Impression by Secrets cater exclusively to adults, while Sunscape Resorts & Spas are designed with families in mind.
Summary
Hyatt has been expanding ambitiously through acquisitions and partnerships in recent years, showcasing a diverse range of unique brands that cater to different audiences and personalities. The diverse range of distinct brands is the spotlight of Hyatt's portfolio for me. For instance, Park Hyatt stands as the pinnacle of luxury within Hyatt's lineup, while the Miraval brand presents properties with a focus on wellness. Although some brands may not be as prominent as others, I find immense pleasure in discovering distinctive properties under brands like The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and Destination by Hyatt. As Hyatt's presence continues to grow, the value of Hyatt status becomes even more significant, encouraging loyalists to experience the entire spectrum of brands and take advantage of the Brand Explorer Program to earn complimentary night awards.
