Hyatt launches partnership with Starbucks

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Starbucks Coffee Company announced today they have signed an agreement, which will make Starbucks coffee available at more than 100 Hyatt properties across North America.

"We're very excited to offer the world's premier specialty coffee," said George Vizer, vice president food & beverage, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "This relationship speaks volumes about the quality of both the Hyatt and Starbucks product -- it's a perfect partnership."

Starbucks freshly brewed drip coffee will be served throughout Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt properties, including restaurants, room service, catering and Hyatt-branded lobby stores. The rollout of Starbucks coffee in Hyatt Regency and Grand Hyatt hotels will be completed by the end of March 2001.

"This agreement is a wonderful branding opportunity and brings the Starbucks Experience to millions of travelers and business professionals who visit Hyatt properties each year," said Jim Alling, Starbucks senior vice president of Business Alliances. "We look forward to working with this leader in the hotel industry."

There are 199 Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world. Hyatt Hotels Corporation operates 119 hotels and resorts in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. Hyatt International, through its subsidiaries, operates 80 hotels and resorts in 36 countries. In the U.S., Hyatt Worldwide Reservations for individuals and groups can be reached at 800-233-1234. Outside the U.S., contact the local Hyatt sales office or representative. For more information about Hyatt hotels and resorts, consult Hyatt through the Internet at http://www.hyatt.com.

Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. In addition to its retail locations in North America, the United Kingdom, the Pacific Rim and the Middle East, Starbucks sells coffee and tea products through its specialty operations, including its online store at Starbucks.com. Additionally Starbucks produces and sells bottled Frappuccino coffee drink and a line of superpremium ice creams through its joint venture partnerships. The Company's other brands enhance the Starbucks Experience through best-of-class products: Tazo Tea Company offers a line of innovative premium teas, and Hear Music produces and distributes a line of exceptional compact discs. http://www.businesswire.com/cnn/sbux.shtml NOD+ number is: 800/239-0317

SOURCE: Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Starbucks Coffee Company