It has been 25 years since the Hyatt Regency Miami made its grand debut in the city's downtown area. The hotel, which has recently housed Miami sports icons and pop star royalty, has the largest function space in the city with the adjoining James L. Knight Center, Miami Convention Center and University of Miami Conference Center.
The Hyatt, however, has also seen the emergence of several properties within a one-mile radius, including the Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons, which are giving this quarter-century property a run for its money. To keep up with the city's ever-progressing hotel scene, the Hyatt Regency Miami is taking charge with a $20 million soft and case goods renovation. 
About the Renovation
The renovation, which began August 20, encompasses all 612 guest rooms and includes a complete overhaul of furniture—even the wallpaper and carpeting will be brand new. The resulting quarters will be sleek with monochromatic décor—with shots of color—and a sophisticated minimalism, which will be more reminiscent of a cool, elegant residential space rather than the typical hotel room.
Keeping with the "out with the old, in with the new" attitude, the rooms will be furnished with the hotel's signature Grand Hyatt Bed, ergonomic work station "smart" desks and flat-screen TVs. Although all rooms will be receiving this sleek makeover, when the renovation is complete, the rooms that might garner an ample amount of attention will be the Petite Suites, of which there are 35. Guests can book suites at a $40 premium over the regular room rate. 
Although the hotel doesn't necessarily "sell by view," pointing out that clients are more apt to use value, room size and Regency Club floors as determining factors, guest rooms do offer breathtaking views. Some of the best are of the city—clients can see Miami's twinkling lights laid out before them. Also, when there is less construction, some rooms will have picturesque views of the Biscayne Bay and Miami River.
The hotel has two towers; The first tower's renovations will be completed by November 20. After that, the second tower will be shut down and its renovation is scheduled to be finished by February 20. Make sure to tell clients who are planning a trip to Miami after November 20 that they will be staying in a renovated guest room.
Handy Location for Cruisers
Besides the renovation, agents should also keep in mind that this hotel is within five minutes of the Port of Miami, making this a great property to sell to cruising clients. The hotel also overlooks the Biscayne Bay and Miami River, and is near an international financial center, which has been likened to Wall Street in New York City. 
Those clients looking for the pace of Miami Beach but a place to retreat to at the end of the day should also seek solace at this hotel, which is 15 minutes away from the area.
The Hotel's Dining Options
Peckish guests have their choice of on-property establishments. The Riverwalk Café is in the lobby and overlooks the hotel's tropical courtyard; Currents Sports Lounge is the perfect place for sports-minded guests to enjoy a cocktail and a sports bar atmosphere; and The Riverwalk Deli is just outside the Sports Lounge.
Not to be forgotten, the Hyatt also spruced up its interior this past March with a renovation of the lobby. Now, the calm and sophisticated gathering place with Hyatt's signature atrium, boasts new art, furnishings, lighting and plants. Contemporary background music, candles, flowers, a check-in kiosk and Fast Board kiosk are also new additions.
The hotel's reigning title of the largest meeting and convention hotel in the city is largely due to its 100,000 square feet of function space. On the list are 27 meeting rooms and the 12,000-square-foot Regency Ballroom, which can accommodate events for up to 2,000 guests.
Travel agents sending their clients to the hotel should contact Business Travel Sales Manager Alesia Moreno at [email protected].