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Grand Hyatt Hong Kong looks back on 20 years of service

20 Nov 2009

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong marks its 20th year anniversary this month, continuing to be the flagship property for a brand that has always focused on high-end corporates and holiday makers. Hongkong was the first city in the world where a Grand Hyatt was launched.

When the 549-room property opened in 1989, customer segmentation was not practiced widely, with hotels merely providing the basics of bed, bath and breakfast. The Grand Hyatt experience, created by the Chicago-based Hyatt Hotels & Resorts – now Hyatt Hotels Corporation – produced the “hotel within a hotel” concept, which has become the norm in other hotels in one form or another.

Gordon Fuller, area vice-president – Hongkong and the Philippines and general manager, said: "We have 41 employees who have been with us since Day One, and each of them is a custodian of something very special. Here at the hotel, we take our role as ambassadors of Brand Hyatt very seriously, which is to provide authentic Asian hospitality for the discerning traveller."

As part of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre complex, which also includes Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, the hotel had a hand in revitalising the Wanchai area, known for many years for its seedy nightlife. The bars and beerhouses remain a staple of the neighbourhood but local and international visitors have a option of high-end dining in restaurants such as Grand Hyatt's Italian-oriented Grissini's or the Chinese restaurant, One Harbour Road. Said Fuller: "The Hongkong community especially is a big patron of our F&B outlets and event spaces for their business-related banquets or weddings."

Its guest book reads like a who's who, with former US president Bill Clinton, music legends Elton John and the Rolling Stones, former US secretary of state Colin Powell, the late fashion czar Karl Lagerfeld and Olympian Cathy Freeman among others once billetted there.

Through the years, the Grand Dame of Hongkong Island hotels has been enhanced, notably with a 7,360-square-metre residential spa (combined with the swimming pool and gym) called The Plateau as well The Residence meeting product. Both are company innovations found not only in other Grand Hyatt properties but have also influenced the service offerings of accommodation providers elsewhere.

For more about the hotel, visit www.hyatt.com

Margie T Logarta

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