It's time for a Renovation Report, and we promise you'll be interested to hear about the exciting transformations going on at two of our hotels! With 2011 drawing to an end and 2012 just around the corner, we celebrate the end of a renovation at Grand Hyatt New York and the beginning of a renovation at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis.

The legendary Grand Hyatt New York just put the finishing touches on its $130 million renovation with the unveiling of a stunning new lobby space filled with artwork from sculptor Jaume Plensa, a brand new, modern Grand Club, and 1,306 completely redesigned guestrooms.

When guests take the escalator up to the main lobby of the hotel, they will be greeted by larger-than-life installations from Plensa in the entryway's well-known "water wall." When asked about his two sculptures featured in the lobby, which are named Chloe and Awilda, Plensa said that they were inspired by the thousands of people who pass through Grand Central Station and Grand Hyatt New York every day.

In addition to the newly designed lobby, the hotel just finished remodeling the Grand Club, which is designed to resemble a rooftop garden and offers a living room, breakfast room and light-filled conservatory.

All guestrooms have also been renovated with the help of Looney & Associates and George Wong Design. All rooms feature world-class artwork and sophisticated design elements that are reminiscent of a Manhattan apartment.

Grand Hyatt New York's renovation also includes the acclaimed New York Central restaurant and social event space, Gallery on Lex, designed by Bentel & Bentel, as well as revitalized meeting spaces and ballrooms, and the innovative grab-and-go food outlet, Market. 

Whether you're in NYC for business, a girls' weekend, or a family vacation, we encourage you to stay at the new and improved Grand Hyatt New York for a real Big Apple experience.

Switching gears and heading to the Midwest, we're excited about the $25 million renovation starting this month at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. The hotel is planning to spruce up its guestrooms, suites, public areas, and restaurants.

The architecture and design work, by New York based Stonehill & Taylor, will pay homage to the local heritage, culture and economic history of Minnesota in a contemporary aesthetic with references to local industries, materials, and crafts. Guestrooms and public spaces will features items like local Red Wing stoneware pieces and granite from local mines to reflect the city's culture and celebrate all things Minnesota.

The new lobby will feature an expansive stone fireplace with rustic wooden logs, a sunken-living room, and split-timber walls. All 533 guestrooms will also get a makeover with color hues of indigos, cool gray, and warm gold tones, along with artwork that includes an image of the iconic Gold Medal Flour building overlooking the Mississippi River by local artist Matt Ollig.

With a new renovation also comes a total rehab of food and beverage. Hyatt Regency Minneapolis will showcase a new 360-degree lobby bar, and there will also be an upscale three- meal restaurant that will be announced in the coming months. Guests on the run can visit the new grab-n-go deli-style concept at the hotel that will have a vintage design with a tin ceiling and wooden counters.

Make sure to check out the pictures of Grand Hyatt New York's makeover below! We'll also be sure to share pictures of Hyatt Regency Minneapolis once it undergoes its renovation.