Hyatt Adds Miami Beach Property – The Confidante

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Don't forget that this promo will also work at Hyatt new brands - Thompson,

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Hyatt has announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase a 380-room Miami Beach property that will operate as part of its new Unbound Collection brand. This will be Hyatt’s second Miami Beach property following the opening of the Hyatt Centric South Beach in the middle of 2015.

The property in question is the Thompson Miami Beach and Hyatt’s purchase of the property is expected to complete by the end of April. Following its purchase of the property Hyatt plans to rename it “The Confidante” but it’s unclear if the property will be closed for any work – As it was only reopened as a hotel in late 2014 presumably it’s still in pretty good condition.

Here’s what Stephen Haggerty, global head, real estate and capital strategy for Hyatt had to say about the purchase:

The acquisition of this high-quality hotel allows Hyatt continued strategic growth in a critical market for both the company and for our newest brand, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.

We are thrilled to expand our presence in Miami Beach, a market in which we have great unmet demand from our guests. The property will have the freedom to establish and maintain its individuality and distinct character while benefiting from the operational excellence and efficiencies that come from being part of Hyatt.

The Thompson Miami Beach

The Thompson Miami Beach sits on Collins Avenue but is far enough north on Miami Beach to be close to the beach – further south (South Beach) Collins Avenue is 2 blocks from the beach

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The property is set out across three towers and was once the Crown Hotel Miami Beach before it was later converted into apartments. In 2014 the property reopened as a hotel (the Thompson) and, if TripAdvisor reviews are anything to go by, seems to have been doing something right:

thompson-miami-beach

thompson-miami-beach-2There’s an interesting article by Miami.com which compares the Thompson Miami Beach and the Edition shortly after both properties opened in November 2014 – it’s worth a read if you’re thinking of visiting.

The Confidante

Hyatt’s announcement of the deal to purchase the Thompson doesn’t mention that the hotel will be closed for renovations….but then the press release discusses the decor and amenities of the new Hyatt in a way that could indicate work will be done:

Per Hyatt:

Taking cues from its mid-century modern design, The Confidante will celebrate its unique, storied history, as well as its future, with historical details throughout its spaces, bright colors, whimsical accents, and a relaxed, elegant vibe.

Situated as an oasis in close proximity to South Beach, The Confidante will feature 30 suites, two restaurants, two heated swimming pools, direct beach access, a rooftop spa, a full service salon, an indoor/outdoor fitness experience, in-room dining, a craft cocktail bar, and a lush tropical garden. It will also house approximately 35,000+ square feet of indoor and outdoor flexible, multi-functional venue space.

I’m really not sure if they’re renovating the hotel (which seems unlikely as it was only opened in 2014) or if it’s amenities are just being referenced in the future tense because Hyatt doesn’t own the property yet.

Regardless of which it is, the picture that the words paint do make the hotel sound very attractive so that’s a good start.

thompson-miami-beach-poolThompson Miami Beach Pool

Bottom Line

I’m excited about this new Hyatt property. I like the perks I get with Hyatt Diamond status, I like to stop over in Miami either on my way to or from the Caribbean and I’m not particularly tempted by the Hyatt Centric – as soon as a something is described as a “lifestyle brand” I naturally shy away from it.

It will be interesting to see which category Hyatt assigns to The Confidante (the Hyatt Centric Miami Beach is a Category 6 hotel so I’d be surprised if it’s lower than that) and how easy Diamond Suite upgrades will be. Hyatt’s description of the property mentions 30 suites but we don’t yet now how many of those will be in a category eligible for Diamond Upgrades.

This property will definitely be on my radar the next time I’m looking to book a stay in Miami. Whether I book or not will depend entirely on how expensive it is and/or how many points I need for a stay.

More information on the Confidante Miami Beach available via this link.