Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk Welcomes Ryan Fender as General Manager
San Antonio, TX – February 25, 2025 – The Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk, a premier luxury hotel nestled along San Antonio’s iconic River Walk, proudly announces the appointment of Ryan Fender as its new General Manager. Fender takes on the leadership role during an exciting chapter for the 1,003-room hotel, which is currently undergoing a transformative $9 million renovation to its lobby, restaurants, and public spaces.
“I am thrilled to join the incredible team at Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk, and to be a part of such a vibrant and growing city filled with so much history and culture,” said Fender. “I am committed to immersing myself into the hotel, city, and regional tourism sector to best support my new team and community. I look forward to enhancing the hotel’s reputation as San Antonio’s convention gateway and strengthening its standing as an upscale and welcoming place to stay and work.”
A Global Journey Rooted in Hospitality
Originally from the United Kingdom, Fender’s hospitality journey began at the age of 15 when he worked in commercial kitchens and various restaurant positions, inspired by his father, who was also a hotel General Manager. His early experiences solidified his passion for the industry, leading him to pursue formal education at the Hotel School at The Hague in the Netherlands.
After graduation, Fender launched his career with Hyatt as a Corporate Management Trainee at Grand Hyatt DFW in Dallas, Texas. His career trajectory included key leadership roles at Grand Hyatt New York and Hyatt Times Square in New York City, where he served as Front Office Manager and Director of Rooms. Fender’s expertise also led him to the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa in California and later to Hyatt Corporate’s Chicago office, where he served as Director of Rooms for all luxury and lifestyle brands across the Americas.
Throughout his career, Fender was instrumental in the opening of several Hyatt properties, including the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Andaz Mayakoba, and Hyatt Centric hotels in locations such as Lima, Santiago, and Guatemala. Prior to joining the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk, Fender held General Manager positions at notable properties including Alila Ventana Big Sur in California and Hotel 50 Bowery and Andaz 5th Avenue in New York City.
Exciting Renovations and New Culinary Experiences
Fender’s arrival coincides with the hotel’s significant $9 million renovation project, aimed at redefining guest experiences. Set for completion in early spring 2025, the upgrades include a revitalized lobby and reimagined public spaces, alongside the debut of three new dining concepts:
- Moda Fare: An upscale Italian restaurant offering refined cuisine in a contemporary setting.
- Tejas Lounge: A stylish bar serving exclusive signature cocktails, ideal for both socializing and relaxing.
- Spoonful Provisions: A café-style outlet specializing in premium coffee and light bites.
The renovation reflects Grand Hyatt’s commitment to elevating guest comfort and reinforcing its role as a central hub for both leisure travelers and convention attendees in San Antonio.
A Vision for the Future
As General Manager, Fender is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and community engagement. His extensive international experience positions him perfectly to guide the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk into its next era of success.
“We are confident that Ryan’s leadership, combined with his global perspective and deep industry knowledge, will further enhance the Grand Hyatt experience for our guests,” said a representative from Hyatt Hotels Corporation.
For more information about the Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk and its renovations, visit the hotel’s official website.
