Downtown Denver doubles up on Hyatts.

• Author: Skiles, Wes

It seems counterintuitive--two hotels, same company, similar names, two blocks apart. Chances are if you've driven through downtown at all recently, you've noticed the new 38-story tower nearing completion adjacent to the convention center at Welton between 14th and 15th streets. That building, the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, is scheduled to open Dec. 20--just two blocks from its sister facility, a newly refurbished, re-branded and upgraded Grand Hyatt Denver at 17th Street.

John Schafer, general manager of the Regency, and Ed Bucholtz, general manager of the Grand, believe the paired multi-million-dollar hotels offer convention-goers and meeting planners a huge opportunity. "We believe there is a real synergy that will create a positive force not only for the hospitality industry, but for Denver as a whole," Schafer said. Combined, the two properties provide more than 1,600 guest rooms, 64 meeting rooms and six ballrooms, all practically within the shadow of the expanded Convention Center.

While Hyatt operates both properties, they are branded differently and offer guests different amenities, much like the Marriott chain offers different services through several brands including Courtyard, Residence Inn and Fairfield Inn hotels within the same city. The re-branded Grand, formerly the Hyatt Regency Denver, is the smaller of the two properties with 511 guest rooms and luxury suites. According to Bucholtz, the change of names and a $15 million renovation should eliminate any "old Hyatt" vs. "new Hyatt" identification in the minds of consumers, and it positions the Grand Hyatt as the cozier of the two hotels. Included in the renovation was the addition of 20,000 square feet of banquet space, upgraded conference facilities and high-speed Internet access

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