We saw some interesting changes in 2018. Hyatt launched the Hyatt dining club for dining rewards in India. Then there were changes in World of Hyatt Milestone Rewards & Globalist requirements. Hyatt tied up with Small Luxury hotels and a new Category 8 Hyatt tier was also launched. Recently, Hyatt expanded its luxury portfolio by taking over Two Roads Hospitality.

Hyatt has a considerable presence in India. They currently have 7,000 rooms across 28 hotels in 18 destinations across India. While Hyatt may not be as aggressive as Marriott or IHCL (Taj) to expand India presence, they are registering a slow and steady growth. Hyatt will double its India presence over the next six years. According to Peter Fulton (VP, Hyatt),

We have 23 hotels in the pipeline that will add 6,900 rooms in 17 new destinations over the next six years.

In 2019, Hyatt will open five more hotels in India.

• Grand Hyatt Gurgaon (442 keys)
• Hyatt Regency Kochi Malayattoor (100 keys)
• Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar (250 keys)
• Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort (89 keys)
• Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa (167 keys)

Hyatt lost Park Hyatt, Goa to ITC who renamed it ITC Grand Goa. But as part of the Two Roads deal, Alila Diwa Goa will come under Hyatt. Hyatt seems to be betting big on Goa market as they will add another property, this time under the Hyatt Centric brand there.

Kochi will see a spur in Hyatt hotels in two years. The Grand Hyatt Kochi opened its doors to the public earlier in 2018. And now a Hyatt Regency will open up in 2019. Same with Jaipur. From zero Hyatt hotels in 2018 to two Hyatt properties in 2019: Alila Fort Bishangarh and the Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar.

Also, Vivanta Thiruvananthapuram which was sold earlier this year will close down for renovations from March 31, 2019. Reports are that it will open under a Hyatt brand.

Bottomline

Hyatt has some interesting hotels lined up for 2019. The one which I am intrigued is the Hyatt Regency Dharamshala, for which they are working full swing at the moment to take it live.

Which new Hyatt hotel are you looking forward to in 2019?