The property is the first development in the plans for the 946-acre peninsula on the Island’s east coast.
The visionaries behind the development of the new Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony in the company of members of the Puerto Rico tourism industry and the community. The event officially inaugurated the 579-room oceanfront haven designed to deliver the ultimate stress-free escape, following a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2019.
“By full completion in June 2020, the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico will have undergone a capital expenditure and rebranding program of over $70mm,” explained owners’ spokesperson Rich Cortese, senior vice president of Aimbridge Hospitality, adding that as of December 2019, the development had generated 580 jobs”, he concluded.
The inauguration featured a tour of the property by General Manager Luis R. Rivera Cabrera who led guests through some of the most distinctive features of the hotel, set in a secluded 72 acres of tropical gardens, against the backdrop of the island’s northeast coast and El Yunque National Rainforest. “We aim to redefine the luxury resort experience for leisure guests with high-touch, empathetic service, paired with the Hyatt Regency ethos,” said Rivera Cabrera.
For his part, Hyatt spokesperson Robert Martínez, Hyatt Senior Manager for Latin America & Caribbean, explained that the resort represents the first Hyatt Regency hotel in Puerto Rico. “Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico joins a portfolio of more than 200 properties worldwide under a brand known for offering an upscale vibe and everything guests need to make meaningful connections,” he enthused.
Carla Campos, executive director of the Government of Puerto Rico’s Tourism Company said, “We are excited to be part of the launch of the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve flag in Puerto Rico. This opening marks an important milestone for Puerto Rico, as it is the first of a series of hotel developments on the Coco Beach peninsula which promise to serve as a catalyst for tourism growth in the region. Every aspect of this renovation and rebranding has been carefully planned, in coordination with our team, to provide guests with the best of our renowned hospitality and service. These qualities combined with easy access from major U.S. and international hubs plus a diverse range of attractions and tour options, are what make Puerto Rico a preferred destination and industry leader in the Caribbean.”
For his part, the secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, Manuel A. Laboy Rivera said: “the economic development of the tourism sector will be strengthened after the opening of this new Hyatt hotel in the municipality of Rio Grande. Puerto Rico expands its lodging offer so that tourists can enjoy the beautiful natural attractions that the Island offers in this area, which will generate the creation of hundreds of jobs and represents a positive boost for the commerce of the eastern region. We believe in the success of this project that is in Puerto Rican hands.”
The event culminated with a three-course lunch prepared by Executive Chef Efraín Cruz and his culinary Team.
Formerly known as the Gran Meliá Hotel, and relaunched as The Resort at Coco Beach, a Hyatt Affiliated Hotel, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico was acquired in 2019 by Monarch Alternative Capital in partnership with Royal Palm Companies and an affiliate of Aimbridge Hospitality, LLC. The resort then underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation, creating 300 direct employees with 525 direct jobs upon the opening of the hotel. Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is the first entity of RPC Holding’s development plans for the 946-acre peninsula.
Tucked away in the pristine tropical paradise of the northeast coast of the island, Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is the closest full-service luxury resort from the San Juan International Airport. The oceanfront oasis also offers convenient access to nearby attractions such as Old San Juan, El Morro Castle, and Bio Bay Fajardo.
The new Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico joins four select-service Hyatt hotels open in Puerto Rico: Hyatt House San Juan, Hyatt Place Manatí, Hyatt Place San Juan Bayamon and Hyatt Place San Juan City Center.