The 4-star brand of Hyatt located in Mont Kiara is not only the 1st in Malaysia, but also in South-East Asia

by LYDIA NATHAN 

THE Hyatt Hotels Corp brand needs no introduction, having been around since 1957 with now eighteen different segments under its belt and continuous expansions throughout regions.

As one of the world’s top hospitality companies, Hyatt has remained committed to providing services not only for leisure and business travellers but recently, a new segment of the market — the extended stay hotel.

The first of its kind in Malaysia, Hyatt House opened its doors to welcome guests on Dec 1, 2018, and almost a year later today, has seen very good growth.

Its GM Bennett Peter said the four-star brand of Hyatt located in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, is not only the first in Malaysia, but also in South-East Asia. It is also the largest in the world.

“We have 298 rooms here, whereas other Hyatt Houses have about 140 to 150 rooms. So, it makes this branch the largest one. We want to introduce this brand to the market and its special appeal since we are pioneer status,” he told The Malaysian Reserve (TMR) recently.

Peter added that the occupancy rate for the Hyatt House for the first year has been very decent and up to expectations, and the place has been profitable from day one.

The extended stay segment isn’t new globally, but it is also different from a serviced apartment or an Airbnb.

According to Peter, the main key differentiator of Hyatt House lies in its services and built-for-purpose rooms.

He said the business of a hotelier mainly is to guarantee a good night’s sleep, which goes back to its main purpose of care.

“You have to get that right, providing the guests a good night’s rest so they can be at their best the next day. Care is the culture we mould around because it comes from empathy and action, and it is what guests remember.

“We are definitely a hotel with all its services, but the rooms are built to facilitate a living experience, so one can keep a routine going at all times.

“Guests are welcomed to stay for a night or a few years, we have no limitations,” Peter said, adding that he knows of a guest who stayed for two years.

All rooms come with a built-in kitchen — which includes cutlery, pots and pans, and an induction cooker, microwave, a washing machine and a dishwasher — sofas and flat-screen televisions.

The hotel is also equipped with a 24-hour gym, a rooftop pool, laundry services and a game room, all accessible using room cards to ensure safety.

Breakfast — free for all registered guests — is served every day from 6.30am at the Gallery Kitchen on the ground floor.

He said so far, guests from all sorts of backgrounds have enjoyed the services at Hyatt House — particularly from Malaysia, Korea, Japan and the US.

“We’ve had leisure travellers come in, especially during school holidays. During festivities, we see families staying here, instead of with their children, because of space or privacy.

“It is, however, a business hotel first for people who conduct business in places like Kepong, Segambut or Petaling Jaya and don’t want to commute up and down every day. Hyatt House provides the services and the peace of mind of a living space that is taken care of,” he said.

Peter said he is passionate about ensuring guests, staff, suppliers and everyone involved having a good experience.

“The intention is to allow people to experience the brand and to maintain customer satisfaction, while keeping staff happy. Then you set yourself up the right way,” Peter said.

For best rates guaranteed, you can book it on hyatt.com or just call the hotel at +603-6419-8688.

Guests are also encouraged to sign up to be part of the World of Hyatt loyalty programme as this gives access to the best rates and deals worldwide on all Hyatt hotels.