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.

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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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