Hyatt is consolidating its position in the Asia-Pacific region. Already a partner of the Homeinns group for the roll-out of the Chinese brand UrCove, present in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities in the country, the American group is using this partnership to develop its new long-stay brand Hyatt Studios. " Together, we have already demonstrated the strength of this collaboration through the successful launch of the UrCovesaid David Sun, CEO of Homeinns Hotel Group. Building on this success, we are now extending our relationship to the extended stay segment with Hyatt Studios. ".
Launched in 2023 and with its first opening this year in the USA, this brand positioned at the top end of the mid-range segment is setting out to conquer the Middle Kingdom. Through a master franchise agreement with Homeinns, no fewer than 50 hotels are expected to be opened over the next few years, targeting major and secondary Chinese cities.
Will business travellers ever find a Hyatt Studios when they visit Hong Kong? Nothing has yet been announced. But one thing is certain: the city that saw the opening of the first international Hyatt hotel, in 1969, is expecting the arrival of an Andaz hotel in 2027. The hotel will be located in the heart of the Central business district, a stone's throw from the metro and airport shuttle, and will be part of the Central Crossing development.
Designed by Foster+Partners and based on a group of historic buildings, this new mixed-use complex will rise high into the Hong Kong sky with its two towers, one for offices and the other housing an Andaz hotel with 125 rooms and suites, bringing guests together around a lively Living Room. But this urban project also sees itself as a lifestyle hub at the heart of the business district, with the very first Andaz Village alongside the hotel, a unique retail hub offering wellness and gastronomic experiences.
" It's been almost two decades since we've seen a new complex comprising Grade A offices, a world-class luxury hotel and high-end retail in this prime business district.said Mico Chung, President and Executive Director of CSI Properties, the company behind the project with Wing Tai Properties. With our public open spaces integrated at street level, Central Crossing will become the most dynamic hub for doing business, as well as a focal point for lifestyle activities thereafter. " " We are honoured to be part of this flagship project in the heart of Central "said David Udell, Group President for Asia-Pacific.
This key development is part of a wider dynamic for the Andaz brand in Asia-Pacific. Further openings are planned, with Andaz Shanghai ITC at the end of 2025, followed by Andaz One in Bangkok in 2026, and Andaz Hiroshima in 2027.
At the same time, another lifestyle brand from the American group, Thompson Hotels, has just made its Asia-Pacific debut in Shanghai, in the World Expo district, which focuses on business, culture and events, with the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, the Mercedes-Benz Arena and the China Museum of Art nearby.
This new establishment is part of this revitalised industrial district, taking its place in the Expo Place shopping and leisure complex on the banks of the Huangpu River. The Thompson Shanghai Expo offers 254 rooms and suites, a gastronomic scene featuring a rooftop bar-restaurant and a vast MICE area with eight multi-purpose rooms, including the Thompson Hall, one of the largest ballrooms in the district, covering 1,100 m² and accommodating up to 1,150 guests.
