One of Hyatt’s popular resorts in Mexico will be rebranding, though probably not for the reason that Hyatt is claiming.
In this post:
Details of the “new” Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen
On December 1, 2024, we’ll see the opening of the Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen. In reality, this is just a rebranding of the existing Thompson Playa del Carmen, which first opened back in 2016, and is just closed for a period of several weeks.
The 119-key property consists of a Main House and Beach House:
- The “Downtown House” will feature 92 guest rooms and suites, and will be adults-only; this will feature a lively rooftop social bar and restaurant, a day club, and more
- The “Beach House” will feature 27 suites, and will be family-friendly; this will be a bit more serene and is beachfront, and has a signature restaurant
Don’t expect much to change about the property with it rebranding, as it’ll have the same mid-century modern(ish) decor that the Thompson brand is known for.
Why the Thompson Playa del Carmen is rebranding
The Hyatt Centric brand is supposed to offer properties in the heart of cities. So, why is Hyatt rebranding this property? Here’s the official explanation:
Rebranding Thompson Playa del Carmen Main and Beach House to Hyatt Centric Playa del Carmen was a strategic decision based on the hotel’s location in the heart of Playa del Carmen, a key differentiator for the Hyatt Centric brand, which is known to be in the center of the action, embrace the locale and inspire exploration. The hotel is ideally situated on Fifth Avenue or ‘La Quinta Avenida’, a vibrant street filled with shopping, dining, entertainment and nightlife stretching five miles long through the center of Playa del Carmen’s downtown. The hotel’s standout location allows savvy travelers to discover the best of what the coastal Mexican beach town has to offer with premium lifestyle accommodations.
But let’s be honest — this explanation is a bunch of malarkey. Thompson is unarguably a higher end brand than Hyatt Centric, and also has more of a loyal following. There are people who seek out Thompson properties, but I don’t think there are nearly as many people who specifically seek out Hyatt Centric properties.
So it’s pretty clear what’s going on here — this hotel was no longer adhering to Thompson brand standards, so got “demoted.” For context:
- Hyatt management has made it clear that it’s holding properties to brand standards, and is reflagging properties that aren’t to the expected levels (which I very much appreciate)
- This has been known for being one of the weaker Thompson properties out there, though in fairness, it has also historically been pretty reasonably priced
- While Hyatt Centric is a brand that consistently has properties with central locations, it otherwise doesn’t have much in the way of brand standards, with huge variance in terms of the quality and design of properties
So I feel pretty confident that this rebranding isn’t for the reasons that Hyatt is claiming. After all, there are lots of Thompson properties right in the heart of the action (in Chicago, New York, Seattle, etc.), but you don’t see them suddenly becoming Hyatt Centrics.
Bottom line
The Thompson Playa del Carmen is being rebranded as a Hyatt Centric. While Hyatt claims this rebranding is intended to better reflect the property’s central location, it’s pretty clear that the property is being kicked out of the Thompson brand, presumably based on the owners being unwilling to update the property to be up to brand standards.
What do you make of the Thompson Playa del Carmen becoming a Hyatt Centric?
We stayed at the Arlington DC Centric which was clearly a worn out Regency.
It appeared to be just a name change because we couldn't see any changes from a worn out Regency.
This situation in Playa Del Carmen, not sure. We were there a few months ago and decided against going there, reviews were not good, lots worn out.
Maybe they did let it run down. When near the beach, salt water,...
We stayed at the Arlington DC Centric which was clearly a worn out Regency.
It appeared to be just a name change because we couldn't see any changes from a worn out Regency.
This situation in Playa Del Carmen, not sure. We were there a few months ago and decided against going there, reviews were not good, lots worn out.
Maybe they did let it run down. When near the beach, salt water, you've to continually refresh or your hotel will be old within a year.
We did manage a few day at the Grand Hyatt, it was good, we wanted to extend, but they sell out every year to a huge Jewish group from the states who takes a week holiday there. And it was that time.
Actually I happen to know the HC Arlington was purpose built as an HC and I'm not sure HC as a brand is actually below HR. I dare you to stay at the nearby HR Crystal City or HR Dulles and say you prefer them over the HC Arlington
I hate this hotel. It's the only Thompson that I found very disappointing. Was there just a few years ago. The rooftop noise level with the effin' DJ was beyond obnoxious. The beach house restaurant was just so so.
This reminds me of the Andaz Wall Street changing to a Centric
Also falling brand standards
Yep, I stayed at that Andaz about 5 years ago and it was subpar.
I’m not sure that the area that has screeching adults and screeching children is going to be more serene than the area with only screeching adults but it’ll be interesting to see.
Keep in mind that Hyatt requires that Thompson properties are operated by Hyatt corporate. With Hyatt Centric, the owner can operate it themselves or go with a third party.
You sure about that? Trying to resolve an issue with a newer Thompson, and consumer affairs is acting like they have no influence.
I've seen at least a couple people ask about purchasing condos there in the last few weeks. $1 million and up.
Can't imagine buying a condo at Thompson only to have it rebrand to Centric. I'd be sick to my stomach.
Are you sure you're talking about PDC? There are Thompson condos going up in Puerto Vallarta, but I wasn't aware of any in PDC
Ah.... could be. My bad if so.
I like this property. I've stayed several times and generally have good stays, but I agree with the decision here. It's not really a Thomas.
Thompson. Duh
Too many conspiracy theories. Why does it even matter that they rebranded. Same physical property, same staff, same ownership presumably. Stayed at main house 2x and thoroughly enjoyed it. Both great properties IMO. Was planning to stay a 3rd time starting this Thursday but rehab/maint. still dragging on a few more weeks. Took Hyatt up on the offer to shift to GH in Playa at no increase in points. They also offered the Andaz Mayakoba,...
Too many conspiracy theories. Why does it even matter that they rebranded. Same physical property, same staff, same ownership presumably. Stayed at main house 2x and thoroughly enjoyed it. Both great properties IMO. Was planning to stay a 3rd time starting this Thursday but rehab/maint. still dragging on a few more weeks. Took Hyatt up on the offer to shift to GH in Playa at no increase in points. They also offered the Andaz Mayakoba, same deal. But too remote for what I wanted.
Demographic will likely change. Nobody tries to impress a date by taking the to the Hyatt Centric. GH Playa is much better, even if the beach is gone (not sure of current beach state). If you expect an oceanfront upgrade, just don’t be on the north side or there will be noise from the club during the day.
Is the erosion in front of GH Playa really that bad?
Evan it’s been as bad as completely gone with stairs falling into the ocean and no direct beach access. You can go just north to mamitas beach which is notoriously crowded. The pool at GH is definitely the place to be given the options.
That's terrible. Sounds like the move is to split up a trip between Andaz Mayakoba for R&R/seclusion/beach and GH PDC for pool, off-site restaurants, and the superior spa.
@Lucky also worth nothing. Caesar’s Scottsdale is soft rebranding as a Hilton. Likely only this location, but interesting given the Caesar’s/Wyndham partnership and Hilton Resorts World.
noting* lol
They should be removed from Hyatt altogether. The upstairs restaurant is run by slimy management and waiters. Menu items are in USD and pesos and bills are presented the same way in an attempt to rip off the customers. This is not normal for the area (I’ve spend months living in PDC).
Additionally, imagine being in a peaceful environment, with an incredible view of the ocean, with two other tables there on a Monday...
They should be removed from Hyatt altogether. The upstairs restaurant is run by slimy management and waiters. Menu items are in USD and pesos and bills are presented the same way in an attempt to rip off the customers. This is not normal for the area (I’ve spend months living in PDC).
Additionally, imagine being in a peaceful environment, with an incredible view of the ocean, with two other tables there on a Monday night, and a DJ starts blasting techno for no reason.
PDC has devolved over the years, and this place is a prime example. Just make it a City Express already.
Their explanation is interesting. The entire hotel’s response is various descriptions of the location. Not much else. Go figure-
Very reminiscent of the former Andaz Wall Street
In what way, mayI ask?
The one that's now a Hyatt Centric.........
Do I need to explain further?
It went from an Andaz to a Centric……