Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles
Conferencing Facilities
Article: Rudo Nhamoinesu | Images: Hyatt Regency
The transformation of Meikles Hotel into Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles marks an exciting new era for events and conferencing in Zimbabwe’s capital. This historic landmark, now managed under the globally respected Hyatt Regency brand, brings together a rich legacy of hospitality with an invigorated commitment to modern luxury, service, and innovation. With extensive renovations and the introduction of world-class amenities, Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles offers a sophisticated blend of timeless elegance and contemporary functionality—making it the premier venue
for conferences, banquets, and celebrations of every scale. Perhaps the most illustrious chapter in The Meikles’ history is its role as the chosen venue for the historic Independence Banquet in 1980. The Stewart Rooms, then and now a flagship venue of the hotel, bore witness to a momentous occasion attended by dignitaries from across the globe, including the then Prince Charles—now King Charles III—and numerous heads of state. This event not only underscored The Meikles’ status as a venue fit for royalty and statesmanship but also placed it firmly on the map as a beacon of Zimbabwe’s
newfound sovereignty. Beyond its political and diplomatic significance, The Meikles Hotel has also been a silent witness to countless personal milestones. Love stories abound within its elegant walls, where young couples and seasoned patrons alike reminisce about matrimonial unions celebrated amidst the grandeur of the banqueting hall. For many Zimbabweans, the name “Meikles” evokes a cascade of cherished memories—nights filled with music, dancing, fine dining, and the joy of togetherness. It is a place where history intertwines with the personal, creating timeless experiences that resonate across generations. Today, The Meikles Hotel, now proudly branded as Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles under the stewardship of ASB Hospitality, embraces a new chapter. Extensive renovations have been meticulously undertaken to harmonise the hotel’s historic charm with contemporary luxury and world-class amenities. This transformation ensures that the hotel remains at the forefront of Africa’s hospitality scene, catering to the evolving needs of discerning guests and business travellers alike. The second phase of the refurbishment has elevated the property’s conferencing and banqueting facilities to exceptional standards. The hotel now boasts eleven distinct event venues, capable of hosting up to 700 guests for conferences, and even larger numbers for banqueting arrangements. This remarkable versatility allows for a broad spectrum of events—from intimate celebrations to large-scale corporate conferences—each executed with precision and style. At the heart of the conference offerings is the historic Stewart Room, elegantly refurbished to accommodate up to 330 guests, depending on the setup. This flagship venue retains its legendary status as Zimbabwe’s premier event space, combining timeless grandeur with state-of-the-art technology and comfort. Complementing the Stewart Room are the adjoining spaces of Edwards, Bagatelle, Connaught, and the newly converted La Fontaine venue—formerly a restaurant— now a versatile medium-sized event room with capacities ranging from 20 to 120 guests. La Fontaine adds an exciting new dimension to the hotel’s event portfolio, offering a chic and intimate setting for mid-sized gatherings.
In addition to these first-floor venues, the hotel offers outdoor event spaces on the west side of the swimming pool terrace. These picturesque gardens overlook Africa Unity Square, providing an exquisite backdrop for al fresco receptions, cocktail parties, and relaxed social functions. The poolside itself can also be utilised, lending a fresh and vibrant
ambience to any event. The second floor houses four smaller, sophisticated meeting rooms—Windsor, Edinburgh, Glamis, and Balmoral—each tailored for meetings, presentations, and private gatherings with capacities ranging from 15 to 40 guests. Adding to this suite of options is the executive boardroom, designed for intimate, high-level meetings accommodating up to 16 participants. On the ground floor, the Palm Court venue offers an elegant space for events with a maximum capacity of 180 people, perfect for gala dinners, receptions, and seminars. Central to the Meikles experience is its commitment to exceptional cuisine. The hotel has invested in a brand-new kitchen outfitted with world-class amenities, helmed by an accomplished executive chef whose culinary expertise spans a diverse array of global cuisines. The culinary team’s dedication to sourcing the finest ingredients and crafting bespoke menus ensures that every event is accompanied by a dining experience that delights both the palate and the eye. Whether planning an elegant plated dinner, a sumptuous buffet, or innovative food stations, the catering team offers unparalleled flexibility and creativity. Menus are tailored to meet the specific tastes and dietary requirements of each gathering,
guaranteeing that all guests enjoy meals that are both delicious and thoughtfully presented. Attention to detail extends to the artistry of food presentation, with each dish meticulously arranged and garnished to create a feast for the senses. The professional and attentive service staff further elevates the experience, ensuring seamless and gracious hospitality throughout every event. The completion of the revamped conferencing facilities marks the successful conclusion of the second phase of The Meikles’ extensive refurbishment programme. The hotel’s journey of renewal continues with the forthcoming third phase, which focuses on the comprehensive redevelopment of the South Wing guestrooms. This phase promises to bring the same level of sophistication, comfort, and style to the guest accommodations as seen in the public and event spaces, with completion anticipated by the end of the year. As The Meikles Hotel embraces its new identity as Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles, it remains a beacon of Zimbabwe’s hospitality heritage and a shining example of modern luxury. The seamless blend of historic grandeur and contemporary elegance invites travellers and event planners to create their timeless memories within its storied walls. For those seeking a venue steeped in history yet equipped for the future, where every detail is crafted to perfection, The Meikles Hotel continues to be the quintessential choice—an enduring symbol of Zimbabwean pride and a jewel in Africa’s crown of distinguished hospitality.
