Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the acquisition of Standard International, the parent company of iconic hotel brands The Standard Hotels and Bunkhouse Hotels.
This strategic acquisition, expected to close later this year, will bring these trend-leading brands under Hyatt's extensive 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 consolidate and strengthen the unique identities of Standard International's brands. The group will be led by Amar Lalvani, Chairman of the Board of Standard International, who will serve as President and Creative Director. A hospitality visionary, Lalvani is recognized for transforming The Standard and Bunkhouse brands into globally renowned brands.
Hyatt President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian expressed his enthusiasm about the merger, saying, “The Standard International team has created a unique, award-winning portfolio of disruptive brands and properties that have attracted a loyal following of the most discerning lifestyle guests over the past 25 years. We are excited to welcome the Standard International properties and team to the Hyatt family.”
Hyatt's Expanding Lifestyle Destinations
The acquisition marks a pivotal moment in Hyatt's strategy to evolve into a brand- and experience-driven company. By acquiring Standard International, Hyatt will not only add 21 distinctive properties with approximately 2,000 rooms to its portfolio, but also integrate well-known restaurant and nightlife concepts such as The Boom Boom Room, The Standard Grill and Le Bain.
Hotels joining the Hyatt Lifestyle Group include The Standard in London, The Standard Highline in New York and boutique hotels such as Hotel San Cecilia in Austin, Texas and Hotel San Cristobal in Baja California, Mexico. These hotels are known for their cutting-edge design, cultural significance and innovative guest experiences that set them apart in the competitive hospitality industry.
A vision for growth and innovation
The acquisition also includes more than 30 projects under development, including The Standard, Pattaya Na Jomtien, The Standard X and Bangkok Phra Arthit. These upcoming properties aim to further expand Hyatt's presence in key global markets, offering travellers a wider range of unique, experience-driven stays.
As part of the acquisition, Hyatt will incorporate these properties into its World of Hyatt loyalty program, enabling its 48 million members to access and enjoy the unique experiences offered by Standard International's hotels. This integration is expected to create significant value for Hyatt loyalty members as they will now have access to a wider range of lifestyle hotels around the world.
Amar Lalvani expressed his excitement about the merger: “We have waited a long time to find the right company to join forces with. Choosing Hyatt allows us to leverage their strong global infrastructure and loyal guest base. I am incredibly proud that our team has been able to realize the potential we saw in The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels, and I am honored that Hyatt recognizes the excellence of our brands, properties and most importantly, our employees.”
“Hyatt's acquisition of Standard International underscores the company's commitment to expanding its lifestyle offerings and providing unique and memorable experiences for its guests. The formation of a dedicated lifestyle group signals a focused approach to cultivating the distinct identities of The Standard and Bunkhouse brands while leveraging Hyatt's global reach and operational expertise.”
The transaction is expected to close later this year, and the hospitality industry will be watching closely to see how the merger shapes the future of lifestyle hotels and how Hyatt will continue to innovate in a rapidly evolving market.
