Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Offers Teens A Unique Sweet 16 Celebration

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA— Hyatt is giving teenagers the chance to celebrate their Sweet 16 birthdays with a weekend of fun and luxury. Recognizing the trend of unique celebrations among young guests, the company has launched its “HyaTTeen Suite 16” promotion to cater to this select demographic. The new promotion is part of Hyatt’s marketing strategy to better cater to its teenage visitors. “Many families are vacationing together,” said Cheryl Pfelps, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa, which was selected to host a special kickoff event for the Sweet 16 package. “It’s easy to entertain the young kids, but we needed something for teens.” The HyaTTeen Suite 16 promotion, which launched May 1 at participating Hyatt Resorts, includes a one-night stay in a two-bedroom suite for two adults and up to six guests under the age of 18; limousine transportation to and from the resort for up to a 30-mile distance; a special spa robe for the birthday teen; use of a digital camera; dinner for eight catered by the hotel’s in-room dining service; continental breakfast; and a special birthday dessert. Additionally, the hotel helps to create a luxurious slumber party for the guests providing a movie as well as popcorn and candy. The basic package, which starts at a cost of $2,500 and varies by property and season, also includes the services of a “Birthday Concierge,” who will help guests customize the Sweet 16 package to include additional activities. “Our Birthday Concierge will talk them through the complete package prior to their stay and can customize their package around a guests’ likes and dislikes,” said Julie Mash, marketing manager at the hotel. While the package can be altered to include more guests, “we recommend they don’t exceed more than 6 teens,” said Pfelps, “we feel that’s a good number…but another room can be added if they wish.” Guests also have the option of extending the promotion over two nights, during which they can opt to add activities such as spa treatments or outdoor sports that are specific to each particular resort. To officially start the promotion, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa hosted a Sweet 16 party for Andrea Bowen, who appears on the television show Desperate Housewives. Pfelps noted the hotel was selected for its ideal location. “We’re one of the premiere resorts on the West Coast, and we are oriented to the teen market,” she said, adding that Bowen chose to add activities such as chocolate kiss manicures and pedicures and surfing lessons to her birthday celebration. Although still very new, Mash expects the HyaTTeen Suite 16 promotion to do very well, particularly because of the hotel’s location. “I’ve heard individuals at the spa who live in Orange County [CA] comment that they think the promotion is a fantastic idea for their daughters…it’s gotten an extremely positive response. We think because of where the property is situated, a lot of local residents will take advantage of it,” she said, noting that she thinks the Sweet 16 promotion will be a long-term offering at the hotel. “There’s really been a surge in the sophisticated teen traveler,” she said. Pfelps commented that she expects the HyaTTeen Suite 16 package will be more popular in the summer months and that the hotel will actively market the promotion through the hotel’s website as well as through direct mailings and e-mail blasts. “It’s still very new, so we need to put our marketing efforts behind it…It’s a nice alternative to a big Sweet 16 party,” she said.