Meikles Hotel rebrands to Hyatt Regency, ploughs US$30m into refurbishment

HARARE – Zimbabwe’s renowned Meikles Hotel, a historic landmark in the heart of Harare, will see US$30 million ploughed into refurbishment, upgrading and rebranding of the hotel which has now been rebranded to Hyatt Regency.

Five years ago the hotel was bought for US$20 million by Albwardy of the United Arab Emirates.

Albwardy, which runs multiple hotels under the Four Seasons and Hyatt brands, decided on changing the name from Meikles.

Hyatt Regency Harare’s director of sales and marketing, Mr Nyasha Mwandiambira said confirmed that the first phase of the refurbishment process is now complete. 

“We are undergoing a refurbishment process since this hotel changed ownership. The hotel is now under the management of Hyatt which is a renowned brand and we hope this will attract more international visitors coming into the Country and boost our tourism market.

“So far we are done with the First phase of the refurbishment.” 

The refurbishment of the hotel comes at a time when Zimbabwe is expecting more visitors when the country hosts the 44th SADC Heads of State Summit in August this year.

Hyatt is known for its high-end, elegant hotels in prime locations around the world targeting travellers seeking luxury experiences.