Hyatt’s new Las Vegas plan emerges post-MGM Resorts divorce

Just because Hyatt and MGM Resorts are no longer partners doesn't mean World of Hyatt loyalists are devoid of options regarding casino resorts in Sin City.

World of Hyatt members can now earn and redeem points at Rio Hotel & Casino, Hyatt announced Friday morning. The sprawling resort just off the Las Vegas Strip is underway with a $340 million renovation that will result in the all-suite hotel joining Hyatt's Independent Collection under the Destination by Hyatt brand.

Plans for renovating the 2,500-suite property and its planned absorption into the Hyatt network were first announced in 2021, but details were light then.

"Destination by Hyatt hotels are individual at heart and embody the true spirit of the destination, and Rio Hotel & Casino will be no exception," David Tarr, Hyatt's senior vice president of development for the Americas region, said in a statement. "This renovation will serve as a gateway for guests to experience a place of purposefully crafted entertainment and immersive experiences, infused with authentic design, and warm and welcoming service. We look forward to providing World of Hyatt members and guests an authentic and unforgettable experience in Las Vegas."

The first phase of the renovation, slated to be completed this fall, includes an overhaul of the 1,501-room Ipanema Tower, arrival area, building exterior, lobby, gaming floor, sports book, several food and beverage outlets, meeting spaces and the outdoor pool area. The second phase includes a renovation and redesign of the 1,012-room Masquerade Tower, but no timeline was provided.

With Rio now tapped into the World of Hyatt network, the casino resort will offer members free parking while Globalists can enjoy an "enhanced arrival experience" along with the complimentary breakfast (full menu) amenity that goes with the highest-tier World of Hyatt status. World of Hyatt also offers 500 bonus points for each qualifying night at Rio Hotel & Casino on stays from April 1 to June 30 this year.

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Hyatt's new approach to Las Vegas

It was a loyalty sucker punch last August when it emerged that Hyatt and MGM Resorts were splitting up in favor of MGM running off with Marriott in a deeper partnership. That integration, which is still underway, has most MGM properties in the U.S. taking on various Marriott brand affiliations.

But the Rio offering at least throws Hyatt loyalists a life raft when it comes to wanting to earn and use points in Las Vegas. Of course, it doesn't come with nearly the variety or depth of the MGM Resorts deal: MGM's Las Vegas portfolio includes more than 37,000 rooms compared to Rio's 2,500-room count.

That's not exactly a jackpot for Hyatt in the top gaming destination in the U.S. Alas, 2,500 rooms are better than nothing. Take what you can get, World of Hyatt aficionados.

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