Coronavirus prompts Grand Hyatt Tampa to close until May 1

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TAMPA — The Grand Hyatt Tampa plans to suspend hotel operations starting Wednesday “to prioritize the safety and well-being of guests and colleagues" during the coronavirus pandemic, with an expected re-opening on May 1.

“We look forward to welcoming our colleagues, valued workforce, guests and members back to the hotel once we emerge from this global crisis,” hotel general manager Ruth Benjamin said in a statement.

Until then, the Grand Hyatt will not accept new room or dining reservations and will temporarily cease its food, beverage, meetings and events operations.

Located on in the Rocky Point area near Tampa International Airport, the hotel has 444 rooms, 22,000 square feet of event space, views of Old Tampa Bay and restaurants that include Armani’s and Oystercatchers. Its decision to close temporarily is a sign of the disruption in the Tampa Bay area’s hospitality industry, which employs an estimated 150,000 people and has seen the cancellations of events that drive visits, including NCAA men’s basketball championship games and Wrestlemania.

Hyatt guests and third-party travel providers have been told of the change, and future reservations have been canceled without penalty. Reservations requiring pre-payment will be fully refunded, according to Hyatt.

The hotel is encouraging employees to consider using eligible benefit time off, including vacation and floating holidays, Benjamin said, and to share concerns and questions with management.

“Caring for our colleagues during this challenging time remains a central focus for Hyatt, and we will continue to work on appropriate measures to accommodate needs,” Benjamin said.

Hyatt guests with questions can contact their nearest Hyatt Global Contact Center or their travel agent or other booking providers for bookings made online through those businesses.

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