HYATT HOTELS & Resorts announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of Boutique Group of Companies for a Hyatt Place hotel in Phuket, Thailand.

Expected to open in 2016, Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong will mark the first Hyatt Place hotel in Phuket, Thailand.

''Thailand continues to be an important market for Hyatt, both from a leisure and business travel perspective. Phuket in particular is one of Southeast Asia's premier leisure destinations, and Hyatt's expanding resort portfolio is key to creating preference among our guests,'' said Ratnesh Verma, senior vice president, real estate and development, Asia Pacific, Hyatt.

''Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong will be the company's first Hyatt Place resort hotel in Southeast Asia, and it is a privilege to work with such an experienced and dynamic owner as the Boutique Group.''

''We are pleased to work with Hyatt on our latest hotel development. Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong will be Boutique's twelfth real estate development, the ninth hotel development and the company's first hotel project in Phuket,'' said Group Chief Executive Officer Prab Thakral of Boutique Group of Companies.

''We have further plans to expand over the next 12 months by adding another three hotel developments in Phuket to the Boutique portfolio.

''From Hyatt and Boutique's combined strength and expertise in hotel development and management, we are confident that Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong will excel and gain loyal guests in the region and will further enhance our real estate portfolio.

''Furthermore, we look forward to the opportunity to work with Hyatt on other hotel projects in the future.''

Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong will feature 161 guestrooms with balconies, a swimming pool, a fitness center, a restaurant and bar, a business center, and more than 2400 square feet (225 square meters) of flexible, high-tech meeting/function space.

Located in the heart of Phuket, Hyatt Place Phuket, Patong will be nestled on an elevated piece of land on Patong beach. The hotel will be a short walk from the seafront, and will offer panoramic views across the bay.

Tucked away from the city center, the hotel will provide guests with a sense of tranquility and also offer easy access to Patong's entertainment, markets, dining, and shopping.

Hyatt Place Phuket Patong will join three Hyatt-branded hotels already in operation in Thailand: Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, Hyatt Regency Hua Hin and Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort.