US-based Hyatt to open hotel in Westlands

US-based global hospitality chain Hyatt Hotels Corporation is building a 225-room hotel on Muthithi Road in Westlands targeting tourists and business travellers arriving through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The property will have 150 rooms and 75 residences. The New York-listed company said in a statement its Nairobi and Nigeria’s Hyatt Regency in Ikeja, Lagos, are under construction as it affirms its presence in Africa.

“Hyatt is making good progress on construction and design of the hotel, but it is too early to commit on a fixed opening date as there are too many factors affecting progress in the current times,” it said in the statement.

The upcoming property marks an increased investment in Kenya’s hospitality sector that has become increasingly competitive over the past decade. The industry is currently suffering from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic that have seen travel restrictions, uptake of virtual meetings and reduced travel budgets among households and companies.

Three Hyatt Regency hotels are already open in Johannesburg, Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and Ethiopia’s five-star facility.

Headquartered in Chicago, Hyatt Hotels Corporation has a portfolio of 14 premier brands, and as of June 30. The firm’s portfolio included more than 750 properties in more than 55 countries across six continents.

East Africa is part of Hyatt’s focus in the region due to its infrastructure development, growing middle-class and stability.

The new Hyatt Regency Cape Town will be rebranded from the Hilton Cape Town City Centre.

Sub-Saharan Africa remains a key focus for growth for Hyatt as the continent experiences a favourable business environment.