In the heart of popular Palm Beach, this elaborate hotel is in a class by itself. When it opened in 1990, it blew all competition out of the water and remains among the premier resorts here. The owners spared little expense in constructing this hotel, and even now bank-loads of cash are funneled into the place to improve and maintain its high standards. Most recently, a $20 million renovation was completed in December 2007.
A circular driveway fronts the gorgeous reception area and lobby, and a spectacular courtyard is imaginatively worked in island stone to stunning effect. The facelift involved a total overhaul of the property, enlarging the 360 guest rooms (including 24 suites and 29 Regency Club rooms), adding more lighting and new rain-shower fixtures in the baths and upgrading the lobby, lobby bar and all public areas.
Restaurant options include Ruinas
del Mar, the resort's signature restaurant, which features an expanded outdoor seating area; the Palms, the beachfront Latin bistro that now feels like a completely new place; Cafe Piccolo, which serves Italian cuisine; Footprints Beach Grill; Cafe Japengo, offering innovative Asian-fusion dishes; and the poolside Balashi Bar and Grill.
Guests here will not go thirsty. Outdoor bars include Alfresco, the lobby bar; Palms Beach bar; Copacaban Casino Bar; and Piet's Pier bar (Hyatt is one of the few resorts on the island with its own pier).
The heart of the property is an 8,000-sq-ft, three-level pool complex. The elaborate pool stretching toward the sea is replete with waterfalls, gardens, a saltwater lagoon stocked with tropical fish and black swans, and a twisting two-story waterslide. Sailboarding, sail cruises, Jet-Skiing and diving are also offered. Landward 
diversion centers on a modern health club with a sauna, steam room, aerobics classes, two lighted tennis courts and a whirlpool. The beach is dotted with thatch-roof palapas.
The spa is a treasure trove of health and beauty treatments. A supervised program keeps youngsters from 3 to 15 busy with sightseeing, games, tennis, and arts and crafts, and evening activities for the young set allow parents to enjoy romantic dinners alone. Several shops lie just off the lobby, along with tour and car rental desks, and the island's premier dive agency
Groups can gather at an outdoor terrace/function space and in a 9,245-sq-ft indoor meetings facility.
The air-conditioned guest quarters boast the highest standards on the island. All rooms are spacious 
oases with elegant island accents. Appointments are lush—sitting areas with bleached-wood furniture, and small cacti on tabletops. Amenities include ceiling fans, phones, TVs, minibars, safes, coffeemakers, and one king or two double beds. In addition to Hyatt Grand Beds and wireless Internet access, new room features include iPod alarm clocks, flat-screen TVs and Portico spa bath amenities.
Combination baths supply tile floors and hair dryers. Club rooms boast his-and-hers baths rich with marble and plush extras, along with concierge service and breakfast, tea and cocktails.
The staff here is attentive and aims to please. When this place is full, the Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and Renaissance are dependable alternatives.
