Hyatt is set to refurbish a 1966 building into the new Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls after signing a management agreement with Albwardy Investments LLC. This will be the second Hyatt in the country after the Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that a new Grand Hyatt in Victoria Falls is expected to open in late 2027. With the new management agreement between a Hyatt affiliate and an affiliate of Al Bodi Investments LLC in effect, the hotel promises a great infrastructre. The hotel will be located right near Zimbabwe and Zambia’s Victoria Falls.
The property Hyatt has chosen is the Kingdom Hotel, which was originally built in 1966 and was later redeveloped in 1999. The Kingom Hotel has a lost civilization vibe in its architecture and reflects the style of “Great Zimbabwe.” To create a captivating destination along the Grand Hyatt trademark, the building will undergo extensive renovation and transformation. After the repositioning, the hotel is expected to be within walking distance of the Victoria Falls rainforest that carries the namesake waterfall.
The property sits right in the heart of Victoria Falls, which is a much renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, the waterfall is so popular that activities around the fall and the rainforest are always considered to be one of the top outdoor adventures to be had in the world. Locally, the waterfall is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders”. The entire area is filled with astonishing natural phenomena; you would find more 360° rainbows than any other place in the world.
What Is Expected Of The New Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls?
Not many details have been announced about the infrastructure, but the property is expected to have around 245 guest rooms along with meeting and event space of 1800 square kilometers. Hyatt is also planning on fitting three dining venues a spa, a fitness center and a lobby.
Besides lodging, the brand is also ready to offer new activities and experiences for Victoria Falls Rainforest. The property is the closest hotel to the entry to the Falls, and thus will be a key organizer of related activities. That will provide access to regional safari circuits, guided tours and other cultural attractions. Although it has not been clarified the rates, guests will also be able to earn and redeem World of Hyatt benefits. The hotel is also at just a short 20-minute dive from Victoria Falls International Airport and is well connected to the world.
The move is a clear expansion of Hyatt’s name into Africa. The brand already operates 19 properties in the continent; some of which are in fact the biggest properties of Hyatt. Hyatt Regency Nairobi Wetlands and Park Hyatt Johannesburg are particularly popular with tourists.
Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President of Hyatt in the Middle East and Africa quoted
“We are delighted to collaborate with Albwardy Investments to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls. With its landmark location just moments from the Victoria Falls rainforest, this property represents a truly exceptional setting. This signing marks a significant milestone in Hyatt’s continued expansion across Africa, reinforcing our commitment on growing our brand presence in the region and providing World of Hyatt members more travel choice in inspiring destinations.”
Ali Albwardy, Chairman, Albwardy Investments also affirmed on the new beginnings between the two new companies-
“We are proud to collaborate with Hyatt on plans to introduce the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls. As one of the destination’s most established hospitality landmarks for more than 60 years, the property holds significant heritage and potential within Zimbabwe. Through its transformation under the Grand Hyatt brand, and with plans to reopen in late 2027, we aim to create an elevated hospitality experience that celebrates the culture, energy and significance of Victoria Falls, further reinforcing our commitment to Africa’s hospitality sector.”
In other news, it is a grand year for Hyatt in the global hospitality industry. Besides Victoria Falls, Hyatt has also announced the opening of Hyatt Regency London Olympia, Parian Chronicle Hotel Paros rooted in Cycladic Culture on the island of Paros in Greece, and the first Hyatt Regency Hotel in Tucson. A new mountain retreat Alila Sengokuhara Hakone in Japan’s Onsen Country was also introduced towards the end of last month.
