Hyatt introduces its distinctive Andaz Brand to Asia

Hyatt has introduced its innovative Andaz brand to China with the opening of Andaz Shanghai on October 18. The newly constructed 28-story hotel is located in Xintiandi, a landmark entertainment area in the heart of downtown Shanghai which is a short walk to the Metro and Huai Hai Zong Road, one of the city’s main shopping areas. 

Launched in 2007 with Andaz Liverpool Street in London, the Andaz brand was designed with simplicity and locality in mind, offering a flexible and personalized experience beginning with the arrival process. The Andaz philosophy is about simple, tailored hospitality and removing barriers between employees and guests, and guests feel as if they have been welcomed into a friend’s home instead of a hotel. The unique offering by Hyatt has seen visitors from the region flocking to its now eleven properties across the globe. 

“Travellers from the region have become increasingly drawn to unique offerings by hotels. In addition to luxury they are searching for an overall experience that does not just stop at check-in and check-out, but encompasses a full journey. Andaz properties allow for guests to feel as though they are part of the neighbourhood, with access to the heart of its cultural identity,” said Kapil Aggarwal, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hyatt International – South West Asia.

“Sometimes guests can feel overwhelmed by over-the-top opulence and lavishness. Discreet, ideally located offerings like Andaz provide guests with the luxury and service of a hotel on a global scale but with a local perspective. Each Andaz property supports a network of local creative personalities from around its neighbourhood. This creative community is called upon to deliver unique and real experiences for guests in art, film, music, fashion and design,” he added.

At all Andaz properties, the check-in and service are simplified. Without the doorman, bellhop, and concierge staff at the desk, there is one Host for each incoming guest. Hosts greet their guests in the lobby, and enter all necessary details into a handheld e-tablet, which subsequently produces the guests’ room key on the spot. All this takes place while the guest is seated and treated to a complimentary beverage in the hotel lobby, or on the move while the guest is on the way to the hotel room. Hosts are gracious and able to help with guest wishes within each property, and are always ready with local insider tips as the Andaz Host is well attuned to the cultural pulse of the neighbourhood. Guests can also enjoy mini-bars stocked with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, all free of charge and replenished daily.

Hyatt’s Andaz brand has earned a devout following among global travellers since its introduction in 2007, and has developed a reputation for delivering opportunities for guests and neighbours to engage in creative inspiration, most recently with the launch of the Andaz Salon. A regular series of events and discussions to be held at every Andaz hotel under the guidance of a unique event host, the Andaz Salon gives guests an experience of seeing the local scene through the eyes of leading cultural authorities. 

“The word Andaz means ‘personal style’ in Hindi.  In addition to a focus on personal style and independence, the brand offers a highly functional environment characterized by sophistication, innovative design, local identity, casual elegance and service that is attentive but not pretentious and without ‘attitude’,” added Aggarwal.

With locations in London, New York, San Diego, West Hollywood, and now Shanghai, the brand is gaining a foothold in the key gateway cities where its guests travel. Additionally, Andaz hotels are under development in Amsterdam, Netherlands; Papagayo, Costa Rica; Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Delhi, India; Sanya Sunny Bay, China; and Maui, Hawaii.