True to the origins of the brand, Hyatt Regency Belgrade is innovating through architecture and interior design, from the way space is used, to the “one-stop experience” philosophy
Renovation projects will carry on into 2020, which conveys a clear and positive message that the company continues to invest in the property and upgrade of the building, and puts an end to the recent circulating story as Our Hotel is NOT for Sale.
The sophisticated luxury of your hotel has contributed for almost three decades to Belgrade’s prestige as a destination. What are the values that distinguish the Hyatt chain from the competition?
We are committed to delighting our guests around the world, enriching every visit and inspiring meaningful connections with colleagues, with friends and family, and with us.
In terms of business objectives, with various hotel projects being developed in the city of Belgrade, we will ensure to continue having a cutting-edge approach to our product offerings.
The market imposes its own demands and, in this sense, also changes to ownership structures. Is that also a current issue for you?
Belgrade Mixed Enterprise (BMP), the owning company of Hyatt Regency Belgrade has heavily invested in revamping and renovation projects at the hotel since purchasing the property in 1989, and much more lies ahead. Belgrade’s hotel market is based on a value-for-money perception; we, therefore, need to ensure that we place our products within reach of those consumers without compromising on the services offered.
Our renovation projects over the last five years included all the 39 suites, four guest room floors representing a fresh, open and welcoming feel, with smart furnishings allowing guests to go from working to playing to relaxing with ease.
The well-known and popular Crystal Ballroom and all event areas went through a major renovation, while our new reception and lobby brought a multifunctional concept to the heart of the hotel encouraging connections and lively conversation among our guests.
In the past two years, our popular Olympus Spa and Fitness Centre also had a facelift, representing a modern swimming pool and brand new male and female spa facilities.
Stronger demand for meetings and small conventions, across the entire year, has helped boost our revenues. In the final quarter of 2018, the hotel will commence the transformation of our renowned Focaccia restaurant to a unique venue, giving our guests a new place to meet or celebrate. Multipurpose furnishings allow for flexible usage, and variable workspaces will offer the perfect setting for creative meetings, formal presentations, workshops, art exhibitions and celebration gatherings.
Hotels have in recent years entered the ranks of the most dynamic businesses. How has this impacted on your business results?
The challenge and the plan for Hyatt are clear: to ensure that our guests are able to differentiate between Hyatt and their competitors and to invest constantly in its business and be among the Top 10 Hyatt Regency hotels globally in overall customer service standards.
The current projects in the pipeline for 2019 and beyond – include design work in progress for adding 650m2 of new events space in the lower lobby area, allowing our guests the choice of a formal setting in Crystal ballroom or alternative space for less formal events. Transformation of the Tea House outlet to a café-style Market offering food, drinks and regional items. It’s a one-stop shop for everything guests need in an elegant and airy space in the heart of the hotel. Renovation of a further two guest floors will complete this stage of 2019 reconstruction, featuring the most spacious standard hotel rooms in the city measuring at 38 sq./m.