Hyatt offers 'Andaz' in new hotel chain

• IBTimes RSS
• Print
• E-Mail
• digg
• Del.icio.us

Hyatt chose the name because, according to their press release, they want the new hotels to be "not pretentious and without attitude," offering "a highly functional environment characterized by sophistication, innovative design, local identity and casual elegance."

"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," GHC President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian was quoted as saying. "This worldwide customer base is looking for fresh, uncomplicated luxury that is timeless and 'gimmick' free."

"We are calling it casual luxury with service," said Katie Meyer, vice president for corporate communications at Global Hyatt. "We want guests to feel like they are at home in a relaxed and uncomplicated environment."

And so, she said, the entry will not be a "lobby" but more like a "living room," and will not have a front desk. Instead, guests will be checked in by "hosts" with a PDA device and then be handed a key card.

There will be a cappuccino bar and a refrigerator in the entry area with refreshments for guests. Meeting attendees may have kitchen areas for breaks, as in the rendering above.

"We want to help guests live their hotel experience with the same freedom they live their everyday lives," Meyer said.

Rates will be comparable to high-end boutique and luxury hotels in a particular market.

Hyatt says Andaz hotels will also be environmentally friendly. "For one thing, we won't have paper on the desk," Meyer said, adding that the London hotel will be decorated with recycled timber, carpeting and other materials.

So how does Hyatt propose to go about?

• 1
• 2