There’s a new look to the lobby — complete with Mediterranean-inspired trees and a dramatic fireplace.
There are new dining experiences — both a casual grab-and-go food market and a more formal experience, complete with 30-foot windows that give a view of Morristown.
And, of course, there are updated rooms and meeting spaces — with all the amenities modern-day guests expect.
The pandemic was a crushing blow to the hospitality business, but the Hyatt Regency in Morristown used the time to complete a multimillion-dollar renovation project designed by Gensler.
The hotel, which is part of the Headquarters Plaza experience just off the Green in Morristown, unveiled its changes this week.
“We are thrilled to announce the completion of an extensive renovation project at our downtown hotel,” General Manager Jeff Babcock said. “The renovation was thoughtfully designed by Gensler, our neighbors here in downtown Morristown, to incorporate the unique and rich history of our local area.
“The newly renovated property features a modern colonial theme, which can be observed throughout all aspects of the property.”
But, while the renovations gave a nod to the area’s historic past, Gensler Design Director Siobhan Barry said they also were made with present-day wants and needs in mind — including making the lobby area the center of attention.
“To create an accessible, hospitality-driven destination for both guests and the Morristown community, we reimagined how the lobby can be experienced and enjoyed throughout the day,” she said. “The café is now part of a new grab-n-go food market, and the lobby bar is relocated closer to the street for better visibility and ample natural light.
“The interior reflects Morristown’s revolutionary ties with a modern colonial aesthetic.”
Here are more detailed insights into the renovation:
- Lobby and public spaces: The lobby was redesigned to incorporate distinctive elements of Morristown’s unique history. Two Mediterranean-inspired trees are the focal points upon arrival inside the hotel’s main entrance, which is backdropped by a dramatic fireplace fixture and lush greenery. The public spaces also have been outfitted with modern furnishings that feature brass tones and various shades of blue, symbolic of officer uniforms from the American Revolution. The refreshed lobby area also includes new carpeting, lighting and artwork.
- Food and beverage offerings: Hyatt Regency Morristown’s revamped dining experience includes an updated lounge with evening food service and a new grab-n-go food market and café offering a variety of healthy and hearty snacks. The lounge has been completely transformed to provide an open and spacious seating area featuring 30-foot windows that provide expansive views of downtown. In addition, the hotel bar has been reoriented to face the entry way and offers updated seating and lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- Guestrooms and corridors: Distinctive hallway carpeting designed to mimic the topography of New Jersey farmlands leads guests to their rooms. The hotel’s double rooms have been converted to queen rooms with two queen beds, and king bedrooms have been outfitted with modern glass showers. The guestrooms also feature a “show closet,” a luxury, open concept closet with concealed lighting, in addition to contemporized bathrooms. The hotel’s 50 studio suites were redesigned to provide more spacious accommodations with comfortable and well-appointed seating areas, including sleeper sofas.
- Meeting and event spaces: The property’s 31,000 square feet of conference space has also been updated, including flexible meeting rooms and the Terrace and Plaza ballrooms. Groups also will have the availability to host events at a brand-new outdoor venue at the adjacent Pioneer Park courtyard beginning in April. The hotel’s former restaurant was also converted into a new meeting venue and all spaces include updated lighting, new furniture and modern artwork.
Babcock said the hotel is eager for its reopening.
“We can’t wait to introduce the reimagined Hyatt Regency Morristown experience to both travelers and the local community,” he said.
