Rosebank’s Hyatt Regency became the fulcrum for what’s happenin’ in Johannesburg when the 1994 democratic elections launched a new generation of style, society and business dealings. This summer an extensive R80m renovation of its lounge and restaurant areas and the upgrading of its 244 rooms and suites marks the next level of that state-of-the-art hospitality.
The hotel’s new look is up and running from Monday October 21, 2013. The celebration will be more about getting back to business than a fanfare or VIP re-openings. There’s no need: its army of loyal customers have been marking off the days as keenly as has GM Michael McBain.
“The buzz is so strong we don’t need to make a fuss,” McBain says. “Regulars keep asking me ‘When can we come back to our lounge?’ It is a very personal re-engagement with our loyal Hyatt crowd. They’ve put up with the disruption this year and stayed constantly in touch with what we’re doing. They’ve been through the pain to get to the gain. I’m pleased to say I could count on one hand the negative criticisms of the hotel I’ve had during the course of the renovations.”
That level of personal connectivity is key to the importance of the Hyatt Regency and to the massive upgrades under way throughout the Rosebank area. The hotel’s renovations and refurbishments were scheduled around the four-year disruption caused by the new Rosebank Gautrain station less than 100m away from the hotel’s imposing façade and Porte Cochere.
The advantages it brought for business and conference commuters from Pretoria and OR Tambo airport were factored into the hotel’s strategy for 2013. Its huge, multi-purpose banqueting and events facilities were refurbished and the AV systems extended. Next-generation digital connectivity was added to deliver results. Upstairs, every room in the Hyatt Regency is also now hooked up via hardwire and WiFi to the fastest data-flow pipeline.
Beyond technology, high-level business contact and social connectivity has been the Hyatt Regency’s most valued asset since it opened in 1995. Its ground floor lounges and restaurants have embraced a mix of entrepreneurs and visionaries, financiers and marketers, alike. Such big-league interactions were always prefaced by the familiar phrase “Meet you at the Hyatt”. Its elegant public areas, the linkage between the hustle of Jozi’s CBD and the boardrooms of Sandton’s global players, have entertained as many million-rand ideas and project pitches as it has served up breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
Today, the regulars would scarcely recognise their old haunt. Walking through to the Lobby area from the underground parking levels or from the Firs underground mall the initial impression is one of increased space and refinement. The overhead lighting has been enhanced and there is now white marble between the original black granite tiles.
The majestic, soaring glass panels which surround the Hyatt Regency entrance now frame a gleaming interior. This extends through the Lobby to the superbly restyled Lobby Lounge.
Says Michael McBain: “Our focus was to create a ‘wow’ effect for those walking into the hotel. The Lobby Lounge is our crowning jewel, complemented by the onenineone restaurant and The Terrace –Wine & Cigar bar beyond the central water feature. They form in our strategy a vital triangle of services. They are the showpiece of our regaining control of the meeting spaces on the ground-floor area”.
“Our design concept uses light as much as the new décor and furniture to welcome our guests to Hyatt Regency’s viewpoint about where we belong in global business and tourism.
“People have always walked taller when they entered the hotel. When we opened in 1995 we were a core meeting place for the emerging wave of business, cultural and society leaders. In 2010 this was the hottest meeting place during the World Cup soccer tournament. Today we are a vital component of Rosebank’s redevelopment into a major business and commercial hub.
“Occupancy of the hotel has remained consistently 60% plus over the last few years’ disruptions. It is an excellent base from which to launch with a whole new look and level of service for the fourth quarter – our busiest time of the year. Brand loyalty, our core values, our dedicated associates and our humility have allowed us to get through the last 6 months and we believe we have emerged as a ‘family’ even stronger and more united.”
