Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu celebrates first anniversary

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu celebrated its first anniversary with notable accomplishments, underlining its growth and success.

The hotel, introduced by Hyatt Hotels Corporation, made its debut late last year, marking the arrival of Hyatt’s rapidly expanding lifestyle brand in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

In just one year, the hotel has achieved significant milestones and accolades, reflecting its commitment to excellence.

Hyatt Centric’s warm hospitality

Within its first year of operation, the first Hyatt Centric branded hotel in Southeast Asia received several prestigious awards. These include the MyMalaysia Tourism Awards 2023 for Outstanding New Lifestyle Hotel, Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Award – Hospitality: Silver Award, and a Silver Certification by GreenRE for green building excellence.

The 222-key hotel has also become a favourite among travellers from China and South Korea, with guest sentiments reflecting exceptional experiences. Guests have praised the hotel’s warm hospitality, considerate amenities, outstanding architecture, and strategic location in Kota Kinabalu’s vibrant dining and entertainment district.

During its inaugural year, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu actively engaged with the local community, aligning with its brand values. The hotel hosted the Ewan Lane Festival, promoting Kota Kinabalu’s urban culture and fostering connections with the community. The festival celebrated street art, extreme sports, music, and local talent, creating a platform for diverse Sabahan artists and emerging talents.

Additionally, the hotel organised the “Best Bah-Ger (Burger) in Kota Kinabalu” competition, inviting esteemed chefs for a friendly cook-off at its ON22 restaurant. Guided street art tours were introduced to encourage guests to explore the neighbourhood’s hidden gems, featuring insights from local artists.

Community initiatives and culinary innovation

In the culinary scene, the hotel has introduced a unique dining experience by immersing guests in the vibrant Sabahan palate. The ON22 all-day dining outlet, under the guidance of Chef Jun Yip Ho, offers contemporary Asian cuisine using fresh, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients.

The sharing concept has made ON22 a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors. Chef Jun’s signature Lambshank Rendang is a highly-praised dish, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to delightful gastronomic experiences.

The hotel’s ON23 Sky Bar complements the culinary offerings with locally-crafted cocktails using regional ingredients and breathtaking panoramic views, especially during Kota Kinabalu’s magical sunsets.

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu also collaborated with local designer Melinda Looi to create distinctive staff uniforms, promoting sustainable fashion by incorporating upcycled plastic materials. The hotel’s focus on sustainability led to the Silver certification by GreenRE for eco-friendly initiatives.

The hotel places talent development at its core, working closely with local talents to grow their careers while improving the hotel’s offerings and services. The hotel focuses on staff engagement, job training, and skills building. Fresh graduates are provided with opportunities to gain on-site experience for career advancement.