Hyatt Select Review: Exploring Hyatt’s Newest Entry-Level Brand
We recently had the opportunity to test out Hyatt’s latest addition to its Essentials Collection: the Hyatt Select. At the time of publication, there are two locations; one at the St. Louis Airport in Missouri and the original location where we stayed in Chester, Virginia, just outside of Richmond.
The Room: A Fresh Take on a Familiar Layout
If you’ve stayed at a Hyatt Place, you’ll feel right at home here. In fact, the Virginia property is a converted Hyatt Place, and the relationship is obvious. However, the aesthetic has traded the traditional Hyatt Place beige for modern grey tones and updated finishes.
Room Highlights
- Space: Rooms are relatively spacious, featuring one king or two queen beds plus the signature sleeper sofa.
- Work Area: Includes a small desk area perfect for quick tasks.
- Bathroom Setup: Our room featured a walk-in shower. A major plus for families is the vanity located outside the bathroom, allowing one person to brush their teeth while another showers.
- Comfort: The bed was comfortable and supportive.
Property Transformations
The conversion from Hyatt Place to Hyatt Select feels largely like a “refresh.” While the layout remains the same, the big changes include:
- Updated furniture and carpeting.
- A fully renovated, but reduced lobby.
- The traditional Hyatt Place bar has been replaced with a 24/7 market. It stocks drinks, snacks, and microwavable meals that you can heat up in your room.
Breakfast & Amenities
While we had to check out before the sun came up, Hyatt Select offers an included breakfast featuring both hot and cold items. The highlight for families is undoubtedly the DIY waffle maker.
Other notable amenities include:
- Connectivity: In-room Chromecast and free high-speed internet.
- Convenience: Digital check-in and free on-site parking.
- Sustainability: Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
- Fitness & Fun: A fitness center and a pool (seasonal/location dependent).
- Pet-Friendly: You can bring your “fur babies,” but be sure to check specific weight limits and fees beforehand.
The Globalist Experience
Our Globalist status was quickly recognized. The front desk agent was warm and welcoming, providing:
- Two complimentary bottles of water for anyone with any level of status (with an offer for more if needed).
- A choice of snacks (we chose the chocolate-covered pretzels!).
- Proactive service, such as asking if we required extra towels.
Value & Points
This isn’t a luxury destination hotel, but it is more of a utility player. It is a perfect choice for a one-night pit stop during a long road trip.
As a Category 1 property, it offers good value for World of Hyatt members. Note that Hyatt is updating its point charts in May 2026, so book now to lock in these rates. As of the publication of this post in March 2026, these were the current rates.
Stay Type | Point Cost |
Off-Peak | 3,500 Points |
Standard | 5,000 Points |
Peak | 6,500 Points |
Final Verdict: A Facelift with Potential
Ultimately, Hyatt Studios feels like a fresh coat of paint on a reliable model. While the Chester location was a conversion, it will be interesting to see how ground-up, new builds differ in the future.
The Bottom Line:
If you are looking for an affordable and reliable stay for the family, Hyatt Select is an addition to the portfolio that has potential. There’s lots of space, but, as Hyatt stated in their February 2025 press release, Hyatt Select is the hotel chain’s opportunity to “help owners maximize their returns while delivering an efficient guest experience.” They further stated, “the brand allows owners to optimize existing assets while minimizing upfront capital investments.” The hotel definitely had a similar in-room experience with the biggest changes being the lobby, addition of a microwave in the rooms, and the breakfast expectations.
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