Wed, Aug 05, 2020 page12

• Grand Hyatt brand to remain in Taipei

  END TO SPECULATION: The hotel’s management contract has been extended, despite reports that it wanted to end its alliance with Hyatt Hotels over a deal with Riant Capital

  • By Crystal Hsu / Staff reporter
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  Singapore-based Hong Leong Hotel Development Ltd (豐隆大飯店股份) yesterday said it has extended a management contract to ensure the continued presence of the Grand Hyatt brand in Taipei, ending rumors that the two sides were parting ways.

  “We are pleased Hyatt is able to come to terms on the extension of the management contract of Grand Hyatt Taipei,” said Kwek Leng Beng (郭令明), executive chairman of City Developments Ltd (城市發展) and Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Ltd (千禧國敦酒店).

  Hong Leong Hotel Development is a subsidiary of Millennium, and both fall under the Hong Leong Group (豐隆集團).

  

  From left, the Breeze Nan Shan building, Taipei 101, the Grand Hyatt Taipei and the International Trade Building are pictured in an undated photograph.

  Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Taipei

  The Grand Hyatt Taipei (台北君悅大飯店), owned and built by Hong Leong Hotel Development and affiliates, earlier sought to end cooperation with US hotel chain Hyatt Hotels Corp, which in 2018 inked a pact with private equity fund Riant Capital Ltd (子樂投資) to launch two sister brands nearby — Park Hyatt and Andaz, local media reported.

  Hong Leong was reportedly worried that there would be excessive competition among similar brands.

  Riant Capital now favors developing office spaces rather than hotel rooms for its upcoming Taipei Sky Tower (台北天空塔) project, which is where CTBC Financial Holding Co’s (中信金控) headquarters used to be, local media said.

  Rent rates for office space have increased significantly in Taipei’s prime Xinyi District (信義), as there is no new supply, while there is solid leasing demand from international technology and financial companies, property analysts have said.

  Grand Hyatt Taipei, which turns 30 next month, was the nation’s first international hotel brand and remains the largest by number of rooms at 850.

  Hong Leong has committed to the local government and community by investing in the hotel’s staff and its physical assets, as evidenced by its renovation of facilities, Kwek said.

  “Grand Hyatt Taipei has become an icon and we are confident it will continue to shine and serve local and international guests well,” he said.

  Situated near Taipei 101, the hotel has witnessed the growth and prosperity of Xinyi as it has evolved into a central business district in Taiwan and the region, he added.

  David Udell, Hyatt’s group president for the Asia-Pacific, said that the Grand Hyatt brand aims to offer captivating and theatrical experiences for all guests.

  “We are grateful for our partnership with Hong Leong and look forward to continuing to bring the Grand Hyatt experience to local and international guests for many more years to come,” Udell said.

  The hotel would continue to be a preferred venue for hosting large-scale events and weddings, Udell said, adding that the facility is also famed for its award-winning dining outlets.

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