Kengo Kuma-designed Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to open in 2021

Sabah is about to up its cool quotient. A Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad to develop Hyatt Centric hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Slated to open in 2021, the hotel, with convenient access to the commercial district, shopping malls, restaurants and the Jesselton Point pier, will attract adventurous guests looking to discover the area’s culture and attractions.

Swanky hotels are a dime a dozen but this first Hyatt Centric hotel in Malaysia is set to create an experience that offers something different from the status quo. With the hotel brand’s light-hearted spirit in mind, Hyatt Centric will be designed by famed Japanese architect and interior designer Kengo Kuma, who will be drawing inspiration from the verdant green hills and blue ocean surrounding the hotel.

Combining the design sensibility and character of a boutique lifestyle hotel, Hyatt Centric will feature amenities suited for savvy travellers, including an all-day lounge and restaurant, more than 1,900 sq ft of meeting space, a rooftop swimming pool and bar with views of the South China Sea, and a fitness centre.   

Dato’ Jorgen Bornhoft, chairman of Hap Seng said, “We’re honoured to announce plans to fly the first Hyatt Centric flag in Malaysia, and more importantly, the very first hotel by the Hap Seng group. Leaving no stone unturned, we have decided to engage the world-renowned Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma to design the hotel. We hope this speaks to Hap Seng’s commitment to bring a best-in-class experience to Sabah while creating job opportunities and driving tourism.”

It’s no coincidence for Hap Seng’s first hotel to be in Sabah as the building blocks of the company – whose core business includes plantations, property investment and development, credit financing and automotive – were founded there in the 1960s. The Hyatt Centric brand, created to connect guests to the heart of the action with thoughtful and streamlined designs, will be a solid addition to Hap Seng’s diverse portfolio.

Stay tuned for more updates.