Taiwan expansion steps up — Hyatt: Second HYATT partnership to emerge within 2 years

▲Hyatt Hotels Group is stepping up its Taiwan expansion. Zhang Zhihao, Vice President of Real Estate and Development at Hyatt Hotels Group, hopes to see a Park Hyatt in Taiwan. Pictured is Park Hyatt Tokyo. (Photo / Provided by Hyatt Hotels Group)


Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

The Grand Hyatt, located next to Taipei City Hall (originally a Hyatt), is currently gearing up for a series of 25th-anniversary events. Compared to Starwood Group and Marriott Group, Hyatt’s development in Taiwan has been relatively modest. However, just as Marriott announced its acquisition of Starwood, Hyatt also revealed its plans for the Taiwanese market. Beyond Taipei, the company aims to extend its footprint to Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Yilan, Taitung, and even outlying islands, based on the distinct characteristics of its various brands. Zhang Zhihao, Vice President of Real Estate and Development at Hyatt Hotels Group, stated that they are actively negotiating with local partners, and the first partnership deal is expected to materialize within 1-2 years.

Although the number of new hotels in Taiwan continues to rise, Zhang Zhihao doesn’t see an oversupply issue. Rather, the challenge lies in securing prime locations, as site selection significantly impacts a hotel’s scale and growth potential. As such, continuous scouting is essential. According to Zhang’s plans, future Hyatt developments could span Taipei, New Taipei City, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Yilan, Taitung, Pingtung Kenting, and even outlying islands.

Zhang explained that Hyatt’s business model involves property owners providing the assets, while Hyatt manages operations. Though the brand currently doesn’t have the largest number of hotels or rooms in Taiwan, Hyatt maintains high standards and selectivity when choosing partners and development projects. Moreover, the company places great emphasis on fostering strong owner relationships and is committed to developing all its brands comprehensively.


▲Zhang Zhihao, Vice President of Real Estate and Development at Hyatt Hotels Group. (Photo / Provided by Hyatt Hotels Group)

Not all locations will feature Grand Hyatt hotels. Zhang noted that Hyatt’s portfolio now includes luxury brands like Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt, business-focused Hyatt Hotels, urban boutique options such as HYATT CENTRIC and Andaz, extended-stay options like Hyatt Place and Hyatt House, and full-experience resort brands like HYATT ZIVA and HYATT ZILARÁ. He emphasized that brand selection will be tailored to the characteristics and development potential of each location, working closely with local partners. For instance, Yilan may be suitable for HYATT CENTRIC and Hyatt Place, while New Taipei City could accommodate Hyatt Hotels, Hyatt Place, and Hyatt House.

Personally, Zhang expressed a strong desire to see another top-tier brand — Park Hyatt — established in Taipei, alongside the existing Grand Hyatt. He pointed out that cities like Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Melbourne, and Sydney all host Park Hyatt properties, and he hopes Taipei can join this list.

When will Taiwan see its second HYATT? Zhang said that in the overall hotel development process, negotiations and contract signings with owners are the fastest phases, while actual construction takes longer (including obtaining permits and executing building works). He believes that if things progress smoothly, a partnership deal could be finalized within 1-2 years, followed by the commencement of hotel construction.