Skip to content

A Hello Kitty-themed Hyatt is coming soon to a whimsical theme park in China

Jan. 13, 2022
3 min read
Hello Kitty_Keystone Group_1
A Hello Kitty-themed Hyatt is coming soon to a whimsical theme park in China
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Hello Kitty is saying hello to Hyatt — and a brand-new hotel and theme park entirely dedicated to the famous Japanese cartoon character and her many, many adorable friends.

Set to open in 2024, the 52-acre Sanya Hello Kitty Resort is a theme park that will immerse guests in the world of Sanrio, the much-loved company behind the Hello Kitty universe. Not much has been revealed about the theme park, but renderings show a colorful world with different themed areas, including one with a cruise ship, one with Egyptian-style pyramids and Hello Kitty sphinx and even a pink-and-purple castle topped with Hello Kitty's signature bow.

What we do know for sure is that a whimsical retreat called the Sanya Hello Kitty Hotel will open within the resort under the JdV by Hyatt brand. JdV is a collection of independent hotels "that are true reflections of the urban neighborhoods they call home," according to Hyatt. And if this hotel's goal is to reflect a place that's an over-the-top tribute to one of pop culture's biggest icons, you know it's going to be good.

(Rendering courtesy of Keystone Group)

With tentative plans to open in 2025, the hotel will offer 221 rooms and villas, all paying tribute to Hello Kitty and her famous friends, such as Gudetama, a very lazy egg, along with Sanrio's other characters. The hotel will also feature three restaurants, a bar, a spa and fitness center, a swimming pool and even a themed ballroom.

The hotel is designed to give guests "an immersive and memorable experience intimately connected to and reflective of the theme park," according to a statement from the Keystone Group, the company behind both the hotel and the theme park. That experience will include interactive experiences and story-telling elements "that will appeal to Sanrio fans of all ages," which is great considering that Hello Kitty — who is actually a little British girl named Kitty White wearing a costume and not a real kitty — has been around since 1974.

(Rendering courtesy of Keystone Group)

Hello Kitty and Sanrio's lineup of over 400 characters have a massive and loyal following around the world — and nearly as many branded products, from toasters and waffle makers to cell phone cases and jewelry. The travel industry is equally in love; in Taipei, you can find a Hello Kitty lounge at the airport and EVA Air even had a Hello Kitty-themed 777-300ER airplane with adorable tickets, pillows, safety cards and toilet paper embellished with the character (though the livery was retired last year).

Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

To experience Hello Kitty in real life once the park and hotel open in the coming years, fans will have to travel to Sanya, a popular resort town on the Chinese island Hainan. Frequently referred to as "the Hawaii of China," the island is home to plenty of luxury resorts, including the Park Hyatt Sanya and the Sanya Edition, which might be the perfect counter experience after a few days of being immersed in the fictional world of Hello Kitty.

We'll be sure to share the latest as we learn more about the Sanya Hello Kitty Resort and its Hyatt hotel. Until then, start saving your World of Hyatt points because you might want to cash in on an award trip to visit the world's most beloved kitty.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

Rewards rate
5X milesEarn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X milesEarn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Enjoy a $250 travel credit & earn 75K bonus miles
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
670-850Excellent, Good

Pros

  • Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
  • You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
  • Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners

Cons

  • Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
  • LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app