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