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Hyatt Regency Hotel closes temporarily due to COVID impact on business

rochester.hyatt.com

The Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Rochester is closing temporarily due to the impact on their business from the coronavirus pandemic.

General Manager Jason Fulton says that they are closing as of Monday, October 5, and they plan to resume early next year, probably in early February.

He said that many factors were considered in coming to this decision.

“Hyatt Regency Rochester hotel chiefly operates in conjunction with large city-wide conventions, conferences, galas, grand weddings and sizable social events which are planned many months in advance. With government mandated restrictions prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 guests, most events for 2020 into early 2021 have been forced to cancel or reschedule. With winter months traditionally being less active, the impact is being felt even more so at this time of year,” Fulton said.

Other factors that contributed to the temporary pause are: Companies widespread restriction on travel, the challenges the airline industry is facing, mandatory quarantines imposed for travel between states and the continued apprehension for many to travel or gather.

“This is a difficult decision,” Fulton said. “As hoteliers we strive to create experience and memories through our events and accommodations.  We are wired to serve our guests with genuine care and hospitality.  We will be prepared to resume services earlier than planned if circumstances change. “

Though guest room accommodations, event service, and dining outlets will be on pause until early 2021, Fulton said the sales team will continue to book future events and work with existing clients on planning their currently booked events.

Recently, just over 50 people were working at the hotel.  A number of them will now be on furlough, which is what happened to other employees earlier this year.

Fulton said that if there is a sudden demand for more accomodations, the Hyatt can reopen quickly.

"The hotel is in exceptional condition and we’ll continue to do the upkeep and continue to perform progress while we are suspending operations but if something were to come up and they have a need, we’re ready, it doesn’t take but a few days for us to turn it around," Fulton said.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.