The iconic Meikles Hotel in Zimbabwe has been renamed Hyatt Regency after being acquired by Albwardy, a United Arab Emirates-based company, for US$20 million five years ago.
Albwardy operates hotels under various brands, including Four Seasons and Hyatt. The decision to change the name of the five-star hotel, located in central Harare, has sparked mixed reactions among Zimbabweans on social media.
Some Zimbabweans on Twitter expressed their attachment to the old name, stating that the hotel will always be known as Meikles. They drew parallels with other establishments like Trade Center, which is still commonly referred to as Jaggers despite a name change.
Others hoped that the Hyatt brand would restore the hotel's former prestige, considering Hyatt's reputation for upscale and luxurious accommodations in prime locations worldwide.
The Hyatt Regency Harare is currently undergoing significant renovations, including repainting. In August, it is expected to host its first VIP guests during a SADC (Southern African Development Community) summit in Harare.
Additionally, the hotel is anticipated to serve as a primary venue for cricket teams participating in the 2027 ODI (One Day International) World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with South Africa and Namibia.
