Hyatt Hotels has unveiled its latest brand, Hyatt Select, an upper-midscale transient brand aimed at expanding the company’s presence in secondary and tertiary markets. Designed to meet the evolving demands of modern travelers while offering a cost-effective and flexible model for owners, Hyatt Select is set to strengthen Hyatt’s footprint in markets where its presence has been limited.

Expanding into New Markets

Hyatt Select will join the Essentials portfolio, marking a strategic shift towards a brand-focused approach. This new brand complements Hyatt Studios, the company’s extended-stay offering, and provides a conversion-friendly alternative for owners seeking to leverage Hyatt’s commercial engine, distribution network, and loyalty program.

"For Hyatt, launching a new brand is never just about adding to our portfolio—it’s about strengthening our network in a way that benefits both owners and guests," said Jim Chu, Chief Growth Officer, Hyatt Hotels.

He further added, "Hyatt Select hotels will meet a specific need in the market by offering a cost-effective, conversion-friendly option for owners while delivering an experience for guests who want reliability, comfort, and thoughtful design in the upper-midscale segment."

A Flexible Model for Owners

Hyatt Select will feature a flexible prototype accommodating 70-200 keys, tailored for transient travelers. The brand follows a lean operational model that helps minimize labor costs while maintaining service standards, making it an attractive investment option for owners.

Additionally, owners will benefit from Hyatt’s global distribution network, including:

✅ Revenue management tools for optimal pricing strategies
✅ Centralized commercial services to maximize efficiency
✅ Advanced reservation systems to streamline guest bookings

Modern Amenities for Travelers

Hyatt Select will offer a blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability, ensuring a consistent guest experience. Key amenities include:

✔️ 24/7 market for grab-and-go essentials
✔️ Complimentary breakfast for all guests
✔️ Modern guest rooms with free high-speed internet
✔️ Dedicated workspaces for business travelers

Strengthening Hyatt’s Portfolio

The announcement of Hyatt Select follows Hyatt’s continued expansion efforts, including the recent launch of Hyatt Studios Mobile / Tillmans Corner. In April 2023, Hyatt also introduced The Pell, a boutique hotel under the JdV by Hyatt brand.

With Hyatt Select, the company is positioned to capture a larger share of the growing upper-midscale market, offering both owners and travelers an innovative, value-driven hospitality experience.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide (MVW) has announced the appointment of Matthew Avril and James Dausch as independent directors to its board of directors, effective March 4. This transition comes as Melquiades Martinez and Raymond Gellein retire from their positions, effective immediately before the company's annual stockholders’ meeting in May.

Strategic Leadership for the Future

The appointments are part of MVW’s ongoing board refreshment process, led by the nominating and corporate governance committee, aimed at strengthening the company's strategic vision and digital transformation efforts.

"Matt and Jim bring decades of collective experience with leading hospitality and consumer brands and deep industry, operational, technological, and digital expertise," said William Shaw, Chair of MVW's Board of Directors. "They are both terrific additions with skills that will help drive our strategy forward."

Meet the New Directors

Matthew Avril

With over 30 years of leadership experience in hospitality and vacation ownership, Avril’s expertise spans executive operations, brand management, and growth strategy. He most recently served as CEO of Diamond Resorts International and was previously CEO-elect of Vistana Signature Experiences. His past roles include President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s Hotel Group and Managing Director of Operations at Starwood and Vistana.

James Dausch

Bringing over 25 years of experience in corporate strategy and digital transformation, Dausch has played key leadership roles in major global brands. He is currently Global Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Pizza Hut (Yum! Brands). Previously, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Under Armour and held senior leadership roles at Marriott International, including Chief Digital and Transformation Officer, where he led initiatives across corporate finance, sales, marketing, franchising, and technology.

Strengthening the Board for Future Growth

MVW's leadership sees these appointments as a step toward leveraging technology and operational expertise to modernize its business and maximize long-term shareholder value.

"Looking ahead, I am confident that the board is well-equipped with the right mix of skills, expertise, and tenure needed to advance our strategic vision," added Shaw.

With Avril’s hospitality expertise and Dausch’s digital transformation background, MVW is set to strengthen its market position and drive innovation in the vacation ownership sector.

Meliá Pattaya Hotel has appointed seasoned hospitality professional Thaneht "Keng" Naovarat as its new executive chef. With an impressive career spanning three decades, Naovarat brings extensive experience from Thailand’s top luxury hotels and international establishments.

As executive chef, Naovarat will oversee the hotel's vibrant culinary landscape, which reflects Pattaya’s diverse cultural influences. His responsibilities include leading the culinary teams at Lay Beach Club, the rooftop Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar, the all-day dining restaurant Sanehh Sarae, which specializes in fresh seafood, and Den, a Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei restaurant.

Before joining Meliá Pattaya Hotel, Naovarat served as executive chef at Marriott Chiang Mai and Holiday Inn Chiang Mai. He was also the culinary director at W Hotels Bangkok and has worked as a consultant for renowned establishments such as The Firm Club and Restaurant and The Cured Chamber in Bangkok. His career has taken him to North America and Europe, where he honed his skills in international cuisine aboard major cruise lines.

Naovarat’s return to Thailand saw him rise through the ranks at several five-star properties, eventually becoming the first Thai culinary director at a Starwood property in the country. His leadership style emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and sustainability.

“Keng’s many talents include his exceptional ability to create a one-of-a-kind experience that truly connects guests to the local culture through food,” said Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s General Manager, Javier Gimeno. “He takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring our dishes reflect Pattaya’s rich heritage and supporting local farmers and sustainable seafood farming practices.”

Naovarat himself is deeply committed to culinary innovation and mentorship. “I place a strong emphasis on fostering creativity and collaboration among my team. The kitchen is a space where all team members contribute ideas, and everyone is encouraged to experiment and innovate while staying mindful of our ecological footprint,” he shared.

With his extensive expertise and dedication to sustainable, high-quality cuisine, Naovarat’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Meliá Pattaya Hotel’s culinary offerings.