Hyatt Hotels Corporation is celebrating the grand opening of the first ever Hyatt Studios hotel. The new brand was announced last year and joins Hyatt Place, Hyatt House and Caption by Hyatt brands in the select service category.
Hyatt Studios Opens First Property in Mobile
Hyatt Studios Mobile / Tillmans Corner becomes the first property under the new Hyatt Studios brand. The new hotel had a soft opening back in February where it welcomed local business leaders and current and future Hyatt owners and operators. Hyatt is showcasing the brand’s fresh take on extended stay, designed to deliver the perfect balance of comfort and modern convenience.
According to the press release, the new property is located less than 10 miles from Mobile International Airport (BFM), though this is not the primary commercial service airport for the Mobile Bay region.
Dan Hansen, Global head of Hyatt Studios, had this to say about the new property:
“The grand opening of Hyatt Studios Mobile / Tillmans Corner marks an exciting milestone as we continue to expand our offerings to meet the growing demand for extended stay accommodations. This is just the beginning for the Hyatt Studios brand as the brand demonstrates enthusiasm among hotel owners and developers for this brand. We’re proud to celebrate the grand opening with 3H Group and LBA Hospitality, whose dedication has brought the Hyatt Studios vision to life.”
The first Hyatt Studios property features 122 studio apartment-style suites, each appointed with a well-equipped kitchen and sleeping area, along with a separate lounge space. Another new Hyatt brand, Hyatt Select, is also in the works.
What to Know About Hyatt Studios
Hyatt Studios properties will have many of the amenities you would expect from an extended stay hotel, albeit with a few quirks and caveats.
Each room at the Hyatt Studios features a kitchen with storage, a microwave with convection oven, sink, dishwasher, and tableware. Studios will also have a cooktop available though some will not be built into the room and, instead will be available upon request from the front desk at no extra charge and subject to availability.
Hyatt Studios will also have a 24-Hour Fitness Studio along with a self-service laundry area in the hotel. The fitness studio will provide a variety of cardio and weight machines for guests. Laundry detergent can be purchased from the market. Each hotel will feature a 24/7 market selling a selection of breakfast choices, ready-to-heat meals, snacks and everyday necessities—including toiletries, batteries, medicine and more.
Hyatt Studios will also feature grills and fire pits in an outdoor area allowing visitors to “warm up by the firepit and prepare and eat familiar foods and flavors you’ve brought along”. While these outdoor grilling areas area great selling point, I can’t think of one time that I’ve ever used them.
One unique aspect of the Hyatt Studios brand is the electric vehicle parking that is highlighted on the brand page. While most properties should have this, Hyatt notes that it isn’t guaranteed. Once a week housekeeping is also advertised as a benefit though that seems like a reduction of service.
There are currently more than 100 Hyatt Studios properties in the pipeline with the next properties expected to open in Huntsville, AL and Jacksonville, FL.
Hyatt Studios World of Hyatt Earnings
Hyatt Studio stays offer a slightly reduced earning potential compared to other properties in the Hyatt portfolio. Guests staying at Hyatt Studios will earn 1x elite night per night however, points earnings have been cut in half, from 5x points per dollar spent to 2.5x points.
World of Hyatt credit card members will earn 4x points per dollar spent at Hyatt Studios properties and the brand is participating in Hyatt’s Brand Explorer program. Members earn a free night for every five unique Hyatt brands they experience. While I very rarely stay at extended stay properties, especially ones with reduced earnings, this could be an inexpensive way to earn a free night through the WoH program.
Top tier Globalist members have a choice between 500 Bonus Points or a $15 credit per stay at the 24/7 Market when staying at Hyatt Studios properties.
Summary
The first Hyatt Studios property is now open in Alabama. The extended stay hotel is located in Mobile, Alabama and is the first of over 100 properties currently in development. Unfortunately for World of Hyatt members, Hyatt Studios offer reduced earnings compared to most other Hyatt properties.
(Images courtesy Hyatt Hotels Corporation)
