Hyatt Corporation opened its first hotel on September 27, 1957. Today, there are 207 Hyatt Hotels and Resorts around the world, which are managed by two separate groups of companies.

Subsidiaries of Hyatt International Corporation operate 62 hotels and 22 resorts in 39 countries, with an additional 16 hotels under development. Hyatt Hotels Corporation, a separate company, and its subsidiaries operate, lease and franchise 123 hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.

Hyatt's first property at Los Angeles International Airport was originally named Hyatt House. The owner of Hyatt House was a local entrepreneur by the name of Hyatt R. von Dehn. Hyatt hotels expanded aggressively along the West Coast during the next decade. However, it wasn't until 1967, when Hyatt opened the world's first atrium hotel that the Hyatt name became known worldwide. The hotel's 21-story atrium tower lobby and dramatic departure from traditional hotel architecture changed the course of the lodging industry. The challenge to hotel architects was no longer to eliminate extra space; rather, to create grand, wide-open public spaces.

By 1969, there were 13 Hyatt hotels in the United States. That year, the first international hotel opened. The hotel, operated by a newly formed company called Hyatt International, was Hyatt Regency Hong Kong.

Hyatt Regency hotels are Hyatt's core brand of hotels, offering guests opportunities to broaden their horizons and rejuvenate. Lobbies and rooms are designed to reflect the best of the local cultures, the food and beverage outlets are inventive, and exceptional technology, meeting, and fitness facilities are available.

Grand Hyatt and Park Hyatt brands were introduced in 1980 to further identify and market the diverse types of Hyatt properties worldwide. Grand Hyatt hotels serve culturally rich destinations that attract leisure and business travelers as well as large-scale meetings and conventions. The hotels, reflecting a grand scale and refinement, include features such as state-of-the-art technology, sophisticated business and leisure facilities, banquet and conference facilities of world-class standard, and specialized programs that cater to discriminating business and vacation guests.

Park Hyatts are the company's smaller, luxury hotels designed to cater to the discriminating individual traveler seeking the privacy, personalized service and elegance of a small European hotel. They offer a sense of sanctuary and luxury. In addition to state-of-the-art technology, Park Hyatts offer exceptional food and beverage facilities, intimate, understated surroundings, and 24-hour personalized service.

Since the opening of Hyatt Regency Maui in 1980, Hyatt has become known as a leader in the creation and operation of dramatic luxury resorts as well. These include, for example, Hyatt Regency Kauai in Hawaii; Hyatt Regency La Manga in southern Spain; Bali Hyatt and Grand Hyatt Bali in Indonesia; Hyatt Regency Cheju on the southern coast of Korea; Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove and Hyatt Regency Coolum Spa & Resort in Australia's Queensland state; Hyatt Regency Guam in Micronesia; Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki in Greece, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, Nepal, and Hyatt Hyatt Regency Hua Hin in Thailand.

Today, Hyatt specializes in deluxe hotels with meeting facilities and special services for the business traveler, operates hotels in major and secondary cities, airport locations, and leading resort areas throughout the world. In many cities Hyatt has made a significant contribution to revitalizing the area and spurring business and population growth. With the new hotels under development, Hyatt International will be creating more than 20,000 job opportunities throughout the world. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts have a reputation not only for their physical distinctiveness, incorporating local art and design, but also for the amenities and services provided. These special services include Hyatt Gold Passport, Hyatt's renowned recognition and award program for the frequent traveler; Regency Club and Grand Club, VIP concierge floors; complimentary morning newspaper; specialty restaurants; and custom catering.