Hyatt assumed management of the historic
Great Eastern Hotel (GEH) in early 2006 and several (some not particularly enthusiastic) reviews have appeared in FT – see
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...=great+eastern
Earlier this year Hyatt announced the introduction of ANDAZ™ - a new “Luxury Global Brand to Emphasize Personal Style and Independence”. It was also announced that the GEH will be rebranded and repositioned as ANDAZ following completion of extensive renovations in September 2007– see
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...=great+eastern
The renovations seem to have taken a little longer than planned and I was told that the newly rebranded GEH will be fully operational in mid November.
I stayed at the GEH last week and I could not have been more impressed with the new style, comfort, facilities and level of service. I have stayed at hundreds of hotel throughout the world and believed that I had seen it all. I was wrong, the GEH was a completely new experience and I was most impressed.
From the moment of arrival (when I was met at the door by a smartly but somewhat casually dressed young man who completed the check-in using a lap-top on a table in the center of the “lobby”) I knew that I was in a different type of hotel. This impression continued during my various interactions with staff.
The check-in process was quick, smooth and professional and my Diamond status was recognized and I was informed that I had been upgraded to a King Studio room. I was conducted to my room and given a brief explanation of the facilities and services, which included:
• Free wi-fi
• Free internet connection in room using the TV set and a keyboard
• Free contents of mini bar (water, juices and soft drinks)
• Free films on demand (but you still have to pay for porn)
• Free breakfast (£25.50 if you bring a guest)
(All of the above are inclusive in the room rate)
The room was quite very comfortable and well appointed; with a 38 inch flat TV with a large select of local and international channels and about 25 movies. The room also had a satellite radio; and I-pod docking station (I-pods were also available from housekeeping); and a large safe that will hold a lap top. The bath room featured a quick-draw tub (I min to fill according to my guide) and a separate shower. Robes and slippers were also provided.
The breakfast service was quick, friendly and attentive. Any of items from the menu could be selected. A selection of newspapers was offered and coffee refills were frequent.
It is almost impossible to see any evidence of “HYATT” at all. In fact the only reference that I could fine was in the e-mail address on one of the documents.
I was especially impressed with the original and creative staff uniforms. Apparently there are four different uniforms and it is up to the individual staff member to select which one to wear on any given day. Some of the designs are “original” and a reminiscent of uniforms that I have seen on Star Trek.
All of the staff that I encountered were willing and friendly, and I was surprised with the number that greeted my by name.
The GEH in its ANDAZ format is an exceptional property superior to many of the Park Hyatts that I have experienced. I would most certainly return and I am looking forward to seeing how the ANDAZ concepy in implemented in other properties