News Releases

Hyatt Regency Houston, a prominent landmark in the downtown Houston skyline since 1972, announces plans for a comprehensive, $35-million revitalization project to include the transformation of all 960 guestrooms, the addition of new, high-tech meeting space and a Shula’s fine-dining steakhouse. Starwood Capital Group LLC is responsible for the multi-million project, which is expected to be completed in late-October 2008.

“The project is essentially a rebirth of this iconic downtown hotel,” said Managing Director Steve Trent. “It’s especially timely given the new downtown attractions currently underway at Discovery Green and Houston Pavilions.”

At the center of the transformation are new guestrooms designed with rich hues of chocolate, silver, and beige. All rooms are fitted with the signature Hyatt Grand Bed complete with a pillow-top mattress and three-part Comfort Support System. Long, sleek work desks have been added with wall-mounted, plug-n-play consoles for Internet connectivity. Dark wood furnishings, contemporary lighting and 32-inch high-definition, flat panel televisions complete the new room style. Guestroom baths include a spacious, walk-in shower, a glamorous, black marble-top vanity and matching black marble flooring.

“The rooms are rich and warm and appeal to both the male and female traveler,” said Trent. “This is a project that truly will transform Houston’s grande-dame into a world-class hotel experience for corporate and leisure travelers alike.”

The project also calls for the expansion of the hotel’s meeting space. Specifically, 30 guestrooms on the hotel’s sixth floor will be transformed into nine meeting rooms and three high-tech boardrooms.

Additionally, Shula’s America’s Steakhouse will replace the hotel’s two existing lobby level restaurants. The first of its kind in Texas, Shula’s will feature upscale, steakhouse fare and is themed after the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ “Perfect Season” -the only team in NFL history to finish a season undefeated. Spindletop, Houston’s only revolving rooftop restaurant framing the downtown skyline, will continue to serve New American cuisine.

Originally opened in 1972, Hyatt Regency Houston was the city’s first atrium-style hotel. Its long history includes hosting the Republican National Convention, the Economic Summit and the World Energy Congress as well as the hotel’s signature event, it’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration with balloon cascade at midnight.

About Hyatt Regency Houston

Located in the heart of downtown and boasting 977 guestrooms, Hyatt Regency Houston features 64,000 square feet of flexible function space including the 16,000 square foot Imperial Ballroom, and the 28,000 square foot exhibit hall. Just steps from Houston’s Entertainment District and Main Street, with Metro Light Rail, Hyatt Regency Houston is the place to stay whether traveling for business or pleasure. Reservations may be obtained by calling 713-654-1234, or logging on to www.hyattregencyhouston.com.

About Hyatt Corporation

Global Hyatt Corporation, one of the world’s premier hotel companies, offers today’s travelers more than 750 hotels and resorts (more than 140,000 rooms) in 55 countries. The company’s affiliates own, operate, manage and franchise Hyatt-branded hotels and resorts under Park Hyatt™, Grand Hyatt™, Hyatt Regency™, Hyatt Resorts™, Hyatt®, Hyatt Place™ and Hyatt Summerfield Suites™ brands, as well as the company’s newest global luxury brand, Andaz™, which recently opened its first property in London in November 2007. Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. operator of Hyatt Vacation Club and fractional residential properties and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc, which franchises Hawthorn Suites and Microtel Inns and Suites. From the U.S. and Canada. Reservations for any Hyatt hotel worldwide may be obtained by calling 1-800-233-1234, or logging on to www.hyatt.com.