The first Caption by Hyatt hotel in the U.S., will open in Memphis, TN, after an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement with Carlisle LLC.
“We’re excited to bring the Caption by Hyatt brand to Memphis, a brand that is truly committed to embracing the evolving needs of today’s traveler,” said Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Hyatt’s global brand leader, lifestyle and luxury brands. “We are confident this hotel will deliver on creating a welcoming space where both travelers and locals can hang out, be themselves and feel connected to the community. Hyatt is committed to growing in places that matter most to our guests, World of Hyatt members and owners, and with the Caption by Hyatt brand, we have the opportunity to expand our footprint in a way that reflects the brand’s commitment to being truly of the community—not just in it. At Caption by Hyatt hotels, the people make the place, and we’re excited to see that come to life in Memphis.”
Located at One Beale St. and adjacent Hyatt Centric Memphis Beale St., which is set to open on April 15, Caption by Hyatt Memphis is expected to debut in 2022 and will be integrated into the historic main building of Wm. C Ellis & Sons Ironworks and Machine Shop. The historic building will house the hotel’s ground and second floors, and a new 136-guestroom tower will rise above offering guests views of the Mississippi River and city skyline.
The Caption by Hyatt brand’s signature marquee will adorn the hotel’s dual entrances, leading into the all-day, multi-functional lounge space, Talk Shop. The double height lounge will be enveloped by the historic building’s original heavy timber framing, decorative brick walls, archways and clerestory windows. At Caption by Hyatt Memphis, Talk Shop will include a patio and double-height beer garden that will be incorporated into the building’s historic facade on Front St. The hotel will work with Memphis-area purveyors and suppliers, making every effort to support local and minority-owned businesses whenever possible, according to Hyatt.
“Carlisle is deeply rooted in the local Memphis community, and our properties reflect those roots,” said Stephen Kallaher, SVP, development & asset management, Carlisle LLC. “Just like our soon to open Hyatt Centric Memphis Beale Street, the Caption by Hyatt brand is aligned with our vision to truly make Memphis a world class destination for business and leisure travelers, as well as residents. We couldn’t be more thrilled to collaborate again with Hyatt to introduce the Caption by Hyatt brand to Downtown Memphis and we look forward to providing guests and locals with authentic, fresh experiences and new opportunities for meaningful connections.”
Brand primed for global growth
With additional projects underway around the world, including Shanghai, Caption by Hyatt hotels will combine the design and comfort of an upscale, lifestyle-forward hotel with the self-guided options of a select-service property, the company reports. Further, the brand can flex and adapt to suit the needs of different locations and markets, offering a more sustainable approach to design and operations. The brand is also committed to hiring diverse talent, vendors, artisans and suppliers in the community, giving each Caption by Hyatt hotel its own authentic expression of place.
“We are focused on expanding the Caption by Hyatt brand footprint globally with the hope of building our business in key urban and downtown locations, including emerging neighborhoods and mixed-use lifestyle centers, where we can best extend care while also making a positive impact on our guests and communities,” said Jim Chu, Hyatt’s EVP, global franchising and development. “There’s incredible excitement surrounding the Caption by Hyatt brand, and we look forward to collaborating with new and existing owners and operators to bring managed and franchised Caption by Hyatt projects to fruition. As a fellow owner, Hyatt is deeply committed to helping owners and operators fully tap the power of the Caption by Hyatt brand in an effort to achieve operating excellence and ultimately drive revenue.”
Each Caption hotel will feature a signature marquee sign above each main entrance, hand-drawn graphic art and animated social and F&B spaces with tech-forward features like digital check-in, digital keys and mobile-order food service.
At the heart of the Caption by Hyatt brand experience will be the F&B concept Talk Shop, which will serve as a welcome area, all-day lounge and workspace, coffee shop, eatery, grab-and-go artisanal market and cocktail bar.