Grand Hyatt Taipei is on track with its renovation project (see previous news), having rolled out the first group of refurbished guestrooms on May 1. This signifies completion of phase one of "the largest makeovers the hotel has experienced since opening in 1990", according to general manager David Pacey.
Around 420 guestrooms were released for use last week, while finishing touches are being made to the rest of the suites and Grand Club Lounge, which are expected to come online on June 1.
The nearly year-long exercise, which has involved shutting down one of the hotel's two wings entirely, was uneventful, according to Pacey. "By and large, I didn't spend much of my time fielding negative comments even if our guests "lived" the renovation with us and, at times, had to share lifts with contractors and service staff. I think we did a good job of segregating construction from daily operations.
"I believe that we held our own and didn't lose business. The guests have been really looking forward to the new rooms."
The latest interiors sport lighter hues and carpets with lively prints. Modern Chinese elements inform furnishings such as the standing lamps and minibar area painted a vermilion red, details providing a sense of place.
Technology has been brought up to date, with the installation of a rectangular-shaped media hub providing all types of input connection to appear on the 47-inch TV monitor found in all rooms. Wifi access is complimentary throughout the hotel. "Bandwidth is adequate for multiple devices," says Pacey.
The second phase of renovation begins in late August, with hotel executives targeting an April 2014 finish. By then, Grand Hyatt Taipei will boast an inventory of 853 brand-new rooms falling into categories listed as Grand, Grand Deluxe and, for suites, Grand Suites, Grand Executive, Premier, Diplomatic and Presidential.
For more details, visit www.taipei.grand.hyatt.com
Margie T Logarta
