The stunning Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico after its facelift. (Photo: Hyatt)

Hospitality hotspot reopens after huge investment and transformation: Hyatt takes over one of Puerto Rico’s top hotels and gives it a full revamp.

An iconic property in Puerto Rico has welcomed the public once again after a multi-million-dollar facelift and overhaul.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico has been undergoing significant construction works since last summer, and now the results are finally ready for all to see.

We find out more.

Change of hands and a fresh new look

One of Puerto Rico’s most popular destination hotels has come under the wings of Hyatt, which has pumped millions of dollars into the property to bring it in line with Hyatt’s global standards and design guidelines.

Formerly the Gran Meliá Hotel and then The Resort at Coco Beach, the property was acquired by Hyatt in 2019 and after significant investment, development and design alterations, opened late last year at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico, which promises empathetic service that anticipates the needs of our global guests,” said George Vizer, senior vice president, Americas franchise operations, Hyatt.

“With this new addition, Hyatt continues its strong brand growth in the region and introduces the Hyatt Regency brand to Puerto Rico,” Mr Vizer elaborated.

Resort redevelopment and redesign

Situated on a privileged site on the Rio Grande, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico boasts 29 hectares (72 acres) of stunning tropical gardens and lush vegetation against the backdrop of the island’s El Yunque National Forest.

The 579-key property was completely overhauled in a multi-million-dollar transformation which started last August and only ended in late 2019. This renovation involved a complete redesign of the entire resort, and the property now boasts the distinction of being the closest full-service hotel to the San Juan International Airport.

The property also falls in line with Puerto Rico’s tourism plans, with the director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company commenting, “We are excited about the opening of this important hotel for Puerto Rico under the Hyatt Regency brand. Tourism development is a key driver of economic growth and a priority for the Government of Puerto Rico.”

“The Island offers highly competitive incentive packages and benefits, which makes us an ideal destination for investors, developers, and hotel management leaders such as Aimbridge Hospitality. We’re looking forward to all that is to come for the future of Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico,” the director went on to say.

Features and amenities

The new property features 480 deluxe guest rooms, 93 deluxe suites, five club suites and one presidential suite as part of the resort redesign. Guests can choose from one of five dining options which range from a Caribbean style buffet to a local gourmet culinary experience.

A significant feature of the hotel will be the 1,100-sqm (12,000-sqft) Rainforest Spa, which is currently undergoing a $2-million renovation and is set to open at the end of the year. There will also be ample opportunity for business travellers to host meetings, events and conferences, given the expanse of flexible corporate areas on site.