Hyatt is rolling out a ‘work from hotel’ concept across hundreds of its properties in the US for as little as US$65 a day. Olivia Palamountain reports
Hyatt has joined legions of US hotels including MGM Resorts, the Wythe Hotel, Proper and the London West Hollywood in repurposing rooms and suites as offices to generate revenue during the pandemic.
With a resurgence of Covid-19 infections and renewed travel restrictions enacted in many states, a November 2020 survey of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) members showed that the hotel industry will continue to face devastation and significant job loss without additional relief from Congress.
Seven in ten hoteliers (71 per cent) said they wouldn’t make it another six months without further federal assistance given current and projected travel demand, and 77 per cent of hotels reported they would be forced to lay off more workers.
Without further government assistance (i.e. second PPP loan, expansion of Main Street Lending Program), nearly half (47 per cent) of respondents indicated they would be forced to close hotels. More than one-third of hotels will be facing bankruptcy or be forced to sell by the end of 2020.Launched in December, Hyatt’s “Office for the Day” package starts at a reasonable US$65 per day (plus tax) and offers guests private use of a high-floor room with workspace from 7 am to 7 pm. Early birds can hit the breakfast buffet before taking advantage of Hyatt’s office conveniences – think high-speed wifi and access to businesses facilities such as printer, scanner and fax machine (where available).
Packages are available seven days per week until May 31, 2021, at hundreds of hotels across the Americas, with flexible cancellation at no charge up to 24 hours before scheduled arrival. Loyalty card customers can use World of Hyatt points to redeem the package.
Asad Ahmed, senior vice-president of commercial services, Americas, for Hyatt, says: “By continuously listening to our members and guests, we understand what’s most important them; they are prioritising wellbeing now more than ever and want more flexibility and creative new ways to avoid burnout.
“‘Work from Hyatt: Office for the Day’ is perfect for guests who are looking for a convenient change of scenery with access to premium hotel amenities, more ways to experience wellbeing during the work day, and the opportunity to earn bonus World of Hyatt points and elite Tier-Qualifying Night credits.”
Globetrender has reported extensively on the “work from hotel” trend, highlighting it as one to watch in its free 2021 Travel Trend Forecast, available to download below.