Travel Agent - September 10, 2007 - (Page 38)

Destinations Florida Hyatt Regency Miami Spruces Up Miami hotel celebrates its 25-year anniversary with a multi-million dollar facelift BY MACKENZIE ALLISON mallison@questex.com I t has been 25 years since the Hyatt Regency Miami (www.miamiregency. hyatt.com) made its grand debut in the city’s downtown area. The hotel, which has recently housed Miami sports icons and pop star royalty, has the largest function space in the city with the adjoining James L. Knight Center, Miami Convention Center and University of Miami Conference Center. The Hyatt, however, has also seen the emergence of several properties within a one-mile radius, including the Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons, which are giving this quarter-century property a run for its money. To keep up with the city’s ever-progressing hotel scene, the Hyatt Regency Miami is taking charge with a $20 million soft and case goods renovation. Rendering of a guest room (above); the hotel’s recently renovated lobby (right) Guests can book suites at a $40 premium over the regular room rate. Although the hotel doesn’t necessarily “sell by view,” pointing out that clients are more apt to use value, room size and Regency Club floors as determining factors, guest rooms do offer breathtaking views. Some of the best are of the city— clients can see Miami’s twinkling lights laid out before them. Also, when there is less construction, some rooms will have picturesque views of the Biscayne Bay and Miami River. The hotel has two towers; The first tower’s renovations will be completed by November 20. After that, the second tower will be shut down and its renovation is scheduled to be finished by February 20. Make sure to tell clients who are planning a trip to Miami after November 20 that they will be staying in a renovated guest room. About the Renovation The renovation, which began August 20, encompasses all 612 guest rooms and includes a complete overhaul of furniture— even the wallpaper and carpeting will be brand new. The resulting quarters will be sleek with monochromatic décor—with shots of color—and a sophisticated minimalism, which will be more reminiscent of a cool, elegant residential space rather than the typical hotel room. Keeping with the “out with the old, in with the new” attitude, the rooms will be furnished with the hotel’s signature Grand Hyatt Bed, ergonomic work station “smart” desks and flat-screen TVs. Although all rooms will be receiving this sleek makeover, when the renovation is complete, the rooms that might garner an ample amount of attention will be the Petite Suites, of which there are 35. Handy Location for Cruisers Besides the renovation, agents should also keep in mind that this hotel is within five minutes of the Port of Miami, making this a great property to sell to cruising clients. The hotel also overlooks Continued on page 40 38 TravelAgent September 10, 2007 http://www.miamiregency.hyatt.com http://www.miamiregency.hyatt.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 10, 2007

Contents Editor's Letter News You Can Use Agenda: Fam Trips, Calendar of Events, Deal of the Week South America Rising: COVER STORY EUROPE: Undiscovered Croatia PACIFIC/ASIA: Chiang Mai: Hotspot of Northern Thailand LAS VEGAS: Las Vegas’ Inside Man Las Vegas News & Notes Las Vegas: The New Frontier PACIFIC NORTHWEST: A Gem on Oregon’s Central Coast FLORIDA: Hyatt Regency Miami Spruces Up Ensemble Update Agent Outlook: Cruising Today Nantucket Island Resorts Classified Marketplace Home-Based Travel Expo Update Advertisers’ Information People & Places Thailand Planner

Travel Agent - September 10, 2007

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