Hyatt Finalizes $2.6 Billion Acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts, Expanding All-Inclusive Portfolio

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has completed its $2.6 billion acquisition of Playa Hotels & Resorts, significantly boosting its presence in the all-inclusive resort sector across Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. The deal, which includes 15 Playa-owned and managed beachfront resorts, strengthens Hyatt’s leadership in the all-inclusive space and adds iconic properties such as Secrets La Romana, Dreams La Romana, Dreams Rose Hall, Hyatt Vivid Playa del Carmen, and Suns cape Cancun to its Inclusive Collection.

The acquisition was announced earlier this year, with Hyatt purchasing all outstanding shares of Playa at $13.50 each and assuming $900 million in debt. Eight of the acquired resorts were already part of the Hyatt system under the Hyatt Ziva and Hyatt Zilara brands, while others are being rebranded from Hilton and other chains to Hyatt’s all-inclusive brands. Hyatt plans to maintain its asset-light strategy by selling off the real estate of Playa-owned properties, targeting $2 billion in asset sales by the end of 2027.

However, the transition has not been seamless for all guests. Reports indicate that some travelers with existing reservations at former Playa properties—particularly those previously branded as Hilton—have experienced abrupt cancellations with little compensation, causing inconvenience for affected guests. 

Despite these challenges, Hyatt’s leadership emphasizes that the acquisition will deliver compelling experiences for guests, expand loyalty offerings, and drive strong performance for property owners.

Key Points:

• Hyatt acquired Playa Hotels & Resorts for $2.6 billion, adding 15 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.
• The deal expands Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection and involves rebranding several resorts previously managed by Hilton and other chains.
• Hyatt aims to sell Playa’s real estate assets, maintaining an asset-light model and targeting $2 billion in sales by 2027.
• Some guests with prior bookings at affected resorts have faced cancellations and disruptions during the transition.