Here’s an interesting real estate investment for Hyatt, though it shouldn’t have too many practical implications for guests.
Continue reading: Hyatt Buys Alila Ventana Big Sur For $148 Million
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
In my opinion, the owners of this property were happily maximizing the income from the award program at a time when traditional bookings would have been lean - their small size and high occupancy means they probably were getting reimbursed close to the ADR from Hyatt (unlike a property like Maui that would have to work to fill to 90% every night so would be taking a big hit from high redemptions). I feel that the all inclusive change was just proof of what the owners intentions were.
Hyatt was putting up with it because they needed the property to anchor the expansion of the Alila brand in the US.
Somebody finally crunched the numbers, realized just how much they were paying out to these guys and offered to buy them out - they get to keep the property in the network but tighten up costs a bit.
Hmm, I have v feeling we could see an end to “full board” meal-inclusion fading into the sunset in the not too distant future....
PLEASE help me Ben/Tiffany/Literally anyone. Ever since the website redesign I haven't been receiving my daily newsletters. Ive tried resubscribing (twice) to no avail. Emailed websupport and your email, no response.
please treat your readers better, I just want my daily newsletters in my Gmail box again so I can continue reading and supporting your blog.
For context, the price equates to about $2.5 million per room, which may be the highest per room price in US history, so expensive. Hyatt sees the hotel as a strategic asset to drive World of Hyatt engagement, and it may have been at risk of losing the Hyatt brand if someone else bought it. Hyatt may sell for less when they do resell it, but the strategic value may be worth it for them
absolutely not. this property is for adult guests needing a peaceful escape. kids can go to disneyworld.
I fully expect rates and points redemptions to go up, its an epic property in an amazing location. When compared to the Post Ranch across the street its extremely cheap, there is so much room for Hyatt to increase the price. Plus the secret is out every millennial with a Sapphire Reserve is transferring points to stay here. No way the outsized value we were getting here will continue moving forward.
Here's a bug to fix:
Featured Comments shows 4 comments
When I click "Load all 10 Comments" a window pops up that says "Conversations (10)" and "Oldest comments are displayed first"
but non are viewable.
The comment box I'm typing is what's viewable.
I'll agree with the other commenters here, I hope it always remains adults only, the whole point of this property is to relax and enjoy the peace and calm. Kids would completely ruin the experience.
I'm sure this will launch a higher level of point redemption or the dreaded "dynamic pricing"
There needs to be more adults-only options the US. This is likely a trend that will increase rapidly as people are waiting longer to have children or rejecting the idea completely.
Nobody likes your kids except for *maybe* you, and if they say otherwise they’re being polite. I’m waiting for Hawaii to get in on the adults only concept so I can visit. In the meantime I’ll continue to subsidize your tax credits while vacationing in Mexico.
I remember when Ventana was small and cozy and they only served breakfast...when I worked at Pfeiffer in the early 70's
Can't believe this resort now....
As Tiffany has mentioned on the site feedback master thread:
(Side note: I know the email newsletter is broken. It has nothing to do with the new design, and is just the worst.timed.inconvenience.ever. We’ll have it up and running by the end of the weekend, even if it means changing email providers again, or else I may just move to Mars.)
Hyatt owning one of its properties wouldn't necessarily make it any better for WoH members. After all, the Andaz Maui was owned by Hyatt when it began its particularly egregious practices such as implementing an 8-night minimum for award stays, which is against WoH terms.
I think the previous ownership group was a bit flaky and that could have played a part in Hyatt stepping in. Why do I say that? Because at the beginning of COVID they lost their GM that appeared to be because of how they chose to operate during COVID. I'm betting the ownership wanted all the money they could squeeze out of guests and the GM was working tirelessly to protect his workers. I went once after he left and the place was a shitshow. Understand that COVID created some hard barriers but after I had gone I shook my head and said "never again" until all the COVID restrictions are lifted as a luxury property is hard to fully enjoy while wearing a mask! And I'm not an anti-masker!
While I also appreciate some of adults only properties, I believe it's dangerous trend to avoid having chidden all together... that's going to cause a huge problem with labor force in the future. You might be subsidizing tax credit of parents with kids now but they don't make any profit... raising kids and educating them is hard and very very costly and your retirement benefit depends on these future labor force. Yes my children will subsidize some of your social security and/or pension checks when time comes.
We have stayed at Ventana for over 15 years, until Covid. Sad to see all inclusive as rates have soared and we NEVER eat 3 meals per day. Perhaps offer a non- inclusive option? Until then, we're back to Post Ranch.
What's a "pension"? I am not counting on Social Security to fund my retirement and I am one of the 80%+ of working adults who do not have a pension. Your children who I subsidize have nothing to do with funding my 401(k) and IRA contributions.
I actually didn't realize the Ventana does not allow children -- this is great to know and makes me much more likely to stay there in the future. Ben, I'd encourage you to mention similar child-free policies more prominently in your reviews in the future.
While I agree with the "keep it adult only" responses, I will say that at many hotels it's young adults, and not kids, making noise and lacking any courtesy and awareness...
I've never seen rooms at the alleged 30k pts/night, have you? Any dates I've checked, for 1 night or 3, its always 48k/night
Agreed we need more adults only properties. My wife and I stayed at the Hyatt Andaz Maui a few years back and were shocked at the number of families there, most with nannies for the kids.
Yeah, I probably don't since I don't have a pension like most American workers
I’ve been a guest at Ventana for 40 years, but only once under this ownership structure. I’d seen the room prices soar over the decades, but this “management value opportunity” sucks. Not only are rooms north of $2K per night, the absolutely UNFORGIVABLE sin is closing the restaurant to the public. Hyatt and their money partners can go stick it; they have ruined a beautiful, valuable resource for those of us who live near it and for those visiting the coast for elsewhere. This is just sinful, as it is one of the most spiritual places on the West coast. Piss on Hyatt and their greed.
I was in the hotel industry, before Hyatt and numerous other "chains" were born. My good friend, Joe Kordsmeyer was the first V P. Sales.
I see a unique trend, as outlined in this article, that many well known hotel organizations, are leaning towards franchising, and diluting what made them successful.
Franchise hotels, while they carry the brand name, are limited, as franchises are individually owned and operated, and can operate their hotel, as they seem fit. The franchise agreement, tends to basically be a financial agreement. The hotels hire their own employees, and the brand, receives fees, and have little or no responsibility or liability.
I experienced this two times within the past few years. When an owner of a franchise, does something that becomes a problem, the Brand, turns their heads, and will tell you, it is the total decision, of the franchisee. Wyndham hotels, was the franchisor in question.
Bottom line is, the Brand, will do nothing to resolve any dispute.
Subsequently, I will no longer stay in any franchise hotel. The franchise has no allegiance to the Brand. They take the position, it is doubtful, they will ever see the guest again.