Thompson Playa del Carmen makes a brand shift, Hyatt Regency expands to Nepal and other Hyatt news you can use
There has been a flurry of brand expansion and brand swap announcements at Hyatt in recent weeks, including at one popular lifestyle hotel in Mexico. This means there are many new ways to earn and redeem World of Hyatt points around the world.
Miss out on what this means for your next getaway? You can catch up below.
Thompson Playa del Carmen morphing into a Hyatt Centric
Hyatt plans to convert the Thompson Playa del Carmen Main House and Beach House in Mexico into the Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen later this year, the company announced this week. The downtown Playa del Carmen hotel will continue to offer adults-only and family-friendly experiences; this includes a “Downtown House” meant for adults and a “Beach House” for families.
According to a company announcement, the brand switch comes because the hotel’s downtown location better fits Hyatt Centric’s ethos of being in the center of the action, embracing the locale and inspiring exploration. The new Hyatt Centric will feature 119 guest rooms and suites, with 92 rooms in the adults-only Downtown House and 27 suites at the family-friendly Beach House.
“We are thrilled to join the growing Hyatt Centric brand and offer guests and World of Hyatt members a true launch pad that sparks curiosity to explore La Quinta Avenida and Playa del Carmen,” Ankara Angulo, general manager of Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen, said in a statement. “I look forward to leading this chapter of Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen’s journey and introducing new experiences to this vibrant and dynamic beach town.”
Hyatt Regency expands to Nepal
World of Hyatt fans making the trek to Southwest Asia increasingly have more options. Hyatt plans to open the Hyatt Regency Lumbini in partnership with Golyan Group’s Veda Hospitality Private Limited. The property will be the fourth Hyatt-branded hotel in Nepal.
Lumbini is best known as the birthplace of the Buddha, and it has UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to its numerous gardens and historic artifacts like the Ashoka Pillar. Hyatt Regency Lumbini will be on the banks of the Dano River. It'll be within driving distance of the Mayadevi temple, a highly frequented pilgrimage destination, and Gautam Buddha International Airport (BWA). The hotel is slated to open by 2028.
“Nepal continues to play a significant role in Hyatt’s growth strategy in the Southwest Asia region, and we look forward to continued collaboration with Golyan Group to bring international standards of hospitality to the province of Lumbini with the Hyatt Regency brand,” Dhruva Rathore, vice president of development for India and Southwest Asia at Hyatt, said in a statement. “The profound cultural and spiritual appeal of Lumbini, with its rich heritage, positions it as a compelling destination for travelers and locals alike. It also reaffirms Hyatt's commitment to thoughtfully expanding our brand footprint in destinations preferred by our guests, World of Hyatt members, customers, and owners.”
Alila makes a splash in Shanghai
When you think of Hyatt’s Alila brand, you’re probably thinking of luxe resorts in leisure-oriented destinations like California’s Big Sur area or the Maldives. But now, Hyatt fans can experience Alila in its first urban destination.
Alila Shanghai opened its doors earlier this fall in the Chinese city’s Jing’an District. The urban resort is meant to be an oasis from all the city hustle and bustle. Arriving guests can expect soothing landscaping, gardens, a small lake and even a 17-foot “gathering” tree as they make their way to check-in. The new hotel features 186 guest rooms and suites with finishes inspired by historic mansions.
Don’t miss out on Spa Alila, which houses five treatment rooms, a Turkish bath and a relaxation space. On the dining front, Alila Shanghai features the flagship Chinese restaurant 500 Weihai Road from chef de cuisine Scott Bao. Guests can also check out Secret Roof, a coffee bistro by day and a hotter-than-hot cocktail bar by night.
“Marrying the striking design and artisanal luxury experience that the Alila brand is globally known for, at Alila Shanghai, tranquil moments of retreat are perfectly combined with vibrant cultural experiences, creating a beautiful dichotomy not to be missed,” Yap Jtwen, general manager of Alila Shanghai, said in a statement. “Our team is honored to welcome the local community and travelers to be immersed in our new luxury resort-style hotel in the center of Shanghai.”
Hyatt Centric arrives in Malta and Cairo
Mexico isn’t the only place where Hyatt Centric is expanding its footprint. Hyatt Centric Malta officially opened this month and is the seventh Hyatt Centric in Europe. The hotel is in the resort town of St. Julian’s and features 170 guest rooms.
Hyatt Centric Malta is near St. Julian’s scenic marina and beaches, and it's 7 miles from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Valletta. The hotel also features the Mediterranean-inspired Jumu restaurant, as well as a rooftop pool and a wellness center for spa treatments.
The brand also opened Hyatt Centric Cairo West, billed as the first “art-centered lifestyle hotel” in the Egyptian city. The new hotel is convenient to the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Giza Pyramids, and it includes 301 guest rooms and suites. Leaning into its cultural and lifestyle vibes, the new Hyatt Centric features a built-in billiards table inside the hotel’s swimming pool. It also features Egypt’s first podcast and guitar studio located in a hotel.
“Today, as we open our doors, we are not just welcoming guests but inviting them into the world we have lovingly brought to life,” Amr Ghazy, general manager of the Hyatt Centric Cairo West, said in a statement late last month. “On behalf of our entire team, I can say this journey has been one of passion, dedication, and excitement, and we look forward to creating shareworthy moments with World of Hyatt members and guests.”
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.