Hyatt Hotels Acquires Standard International, Expands Lifestyle Hotel Brands – Focus on Travel News

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the acquisition of Standard International, the parent company behind the iconic hotel brands The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels.

This strategic acquisition, set to be finalized later this year, will bring these trendsetting brands under Hyatt’s expansive global umbrella, further diversifying its portfolio of lifestyle offerings.

With this acquisition, Hyatt will establish a new lifestyle group, headquartered in New York City, to integrate and enhance the unique identity of Standard International’s brands. This group will be led by Amar Lalvani, Executive Chairman of Standard International, who will take on the role of President & Creative Director. Lalvani, a visionary in the hospitality industry, is recognized for his role in transforming The Standard and Bunkhouse brands into globally celebrated names.

Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt, expressed enthusiasm for the merger, stating, “The team behind Standard International has created a unique and award-winning portfolio of brands and properties that turn the status quo on its head and have attracted a loyal following among the most discerning lifestyle guests for the past 25 years. We are thrilled to welcome Standard International’s properties and team to the Hyatt family.”

Expanding Hyatt’s Lifestyle Footprint

The acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Hyatt’s strategy to evolve into a brand- and experience-driven company. By acquiring Standard International, Hyatt is not only adding 21 distinctive properties with approximately 2,000 rooms to its portfolio, but it is also integrating a suite of celebrated restaurant and nightlife concepts, including The Boom Boom Room, The Standard Grill, and Le Bain, into its offerings.

Among the properties joining Hyatt’s lifestyle group are The Standard, London, The Standard, High Line in New York City, and the boutique gems like Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas, and Hotel San Cristóbal in Baja California, Mexico. These properties are known for their cutting-edge design, cultural significance, and innovative guest experiences, which have set them apart in the competitive hospitality landscape.

A Vision for Growth and Innovation

The acquisition also includes more than 30 projects in development, such as The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, and The StandardX, Bangkok Phra Arthit. These upcoming properties are set to further enhance Hyatt’s presence in key global markets, offering travelers a range of unique, experience-driven stays.

As part of the acquisition, Hyatt will incorporate these properties into its World of Hyatt loyalty program, allowing its 48 million members to access and enjoy the unique experiences offered by Standard International’s hotels. This integration is expected to bring significant value to Hyatt’s loyalty members, who will now have access to a broader array of lifestyle hotels worldwide.

Amar Lalvani expressed his excitement about the merger, saying, “We waited a long time to find the right company with whom to join forces. In choosing Hyatt, we tap into a powerful global infrastructure and loyal guest base. I am very proud that our team has delivered on the potential we saw with The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels and am honored that Hyatt appreciates how special our brands, properties, and – most importantly – our people are.”

Hyatt’s acquisition of Standard International underscores its commitment to expanding its lifestyle offerings and creating unique, memorable experiences for guests. The formation of a dedicated lifestyle group signals a focused approach to nurturing the distinct identities of The Standard and Bunkhouse brands while leveraging Hyatt’s global reach and operational expertise.

As the transaction closes later this year, the hospitality industry will be watching closely to see how this merger shapes the future of lifestyle hotels and how Hyatt continues to innovate in a rapidly evolving market.