Hyatt Finalizes Acquisition of Standard International, Expands Lifestyle Hotel Portfolio

Hyatt Finalizes Acquisition of Standard International, Expands Lifestyle Hotel Portfolio

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 6, 2024

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has completed the acquisition of Standard International, parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands. This acquisition enhances Hyatt’s position in the lifestyle segment, adding well-known boutique and lifestyle hotels to its growing portfolio.

The acquisition includes management, franchise, and licensing contracts for 22 hotels, totaling about 2,000 rooms, such as The Standard, London, The Standard, High Line in New York City, and The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. The acquisition also adds The Manner, a new lifestyle hotel in SoHo, New York, which recently opened and hosted several New York Fashion Week afterparties. Other properties set to open later this year include The Standard, Singapore; Hotel Saint Augustine in Houston; and The StandardX, Bangkok.

Standard International’s robust residential business is also part of the acquisition. Currently, Standard Residences are under development in cities like Miami, Lisbon, and Mexico City, while completed Bunkhouse Residences include Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin, Texas.

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Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt, commented, "The development community knows an industry game-changer when they see it, and the enthusiasm for bringing together the ethos of The Standard and Bunkhouse brands and the power of Hyatt’s network and distribution system is palpable. Developers love this combination as much as we do."

The acquisition also includes more than 30 future projects with signed agreements or letters of intent. To support this growing segment, Hyatt plans to introduce a dedicated Lifestyle group headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in Austin and Bangkok. Amar Lalvani, former Executive Chairman of Standard International, will lead the new Lifestyle group as President & Creative Director.

“The lifestyle segment isn’t for the faint of heart, it takes creativity and commitment,” Lalvani said. “But if you get it right, you reap the benefits of outsized guest loyalty and outsized developer returns. The beauty of this combination is that Hyatt respects the creativity and freedom required to deliver the experiences we do, and we respect the value of Hyatt’s storied history, global infrastructure and best-in-class commercial services.”

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In addition to its focus on the lifestyle segment, Hyatt continues expanding across other areas. The company has the largest collection of luxury all-inclusive resorts globally, and its select service portfolio represents half of its pipeline, driving the expansion of Hyatt-branded properties into new markets. Hyatt also plans to announce a dedicated luxury group with distinct leadership focusing on delivering exceptional services for guests at the luxury level.

“Our transformation to an asset-light business model has been a resounding success, and now it’s time to evolve our organization to propel us into the future, benefiting our guests, members, customers, owners and shareholders along the way,” added Hoplamazian. “This is not about prioritizing one segment over another; this is about aligning our internal resources and expertise to care even more deeply for guests, customers and owners across our entire portfolio.”

Since 2017, Hyatt’s brand portfolio has grown by 86%, tripling the number of World of Hyatt members. This growth has also increased room night penetration for members, reflecting the effectiveness of Hyatt's expansion strategy.

Image Credits: Hyatt 


Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport Celebrates 15 Glorious Years

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport Celebrates 15 Glorious Years

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 27, 2025

April 2025 marks a proud milestone for Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport as the hotel celebrates 15 years of creating memorable experiences. Since welcoming guests in 2010, the property has become a flagship Courtyard by Marriott in India, known for its thoughtful service, flexible spaces, and its ability to empower both business and leisure travelers.

Nestled in the heart of Andheri’s business district and minutes from Mumbai International Airport, the hotel commemorated its anniversary with a vibrant line-up of events. Guests were treated to a laughter-packed stand-up performance by comic artist Punit Pania, a soulful live act by The Lost Fireflies, and an energetic after-party at the in-house nightclub, ARK. A special raffle draw featuring exclusive gift vouchers added extra excitement to the celebrations.

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Looking ahead, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai continues to reimagine its offerings for the modern traveler. A fresh beverage scene inspired by Mumbai’s evolving spirit has been introduced, alongside a newly refreshed menu at Ummrao. With bold flavors, wellness-inspired dishes, and nostalgic comfort food, MoMo Café remains a favorite for travelers and locals alike.

Reflecting on the journey, General Manager Abhishek Sachdev shared,
"This property has been a key part of Mumbai's hospitality landscape for the past 15 years, and I see my role as one that enhances its legacy while steering it towards future growth. Consistency has been the cornerstone of this property's success, but innovation is what keeps guests engaged. Our focus, therefore, is twofold: to deliver consistent, high-quality service that keeps the Marriott Bonvoy members returning to our refurbished rooms, and to introduce fresh, engaging experiences—particularly across food and beverage—with offerings that surprise and delight."

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Under the Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy umbrella, the hotel continues to shine as a preferred venue for weddings and social gatherings, offering personalized, seamless celebrations that turn dreams into reality.

With 15 years of rich legacy and an exciting future ahead, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport remains committed to reimagining guest experiences, driving innovation, and staying at the forefront of Mumbai’s dynamic hospitality scene.

About Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport:

Ideally located in Andheri East, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport offers a seamless blend of modern comfort and warm hospitality. Close to commercial hubs like BKC, SEEPZ, and MIDC, the hotel is a preferred choice for business and leisure travelers alike. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, globally-inspired dining at MoMo Café, signature Awadhi flavors at Ummrao, and vibrant nights at Ark 2.0 Bar. The hotel also features a spa, fitness center, outdoor pool, and elegant event spaces, making it a standout destination for memorable stays and celebrations in Mumbai.


Wyndham and Soliteight to Introduce Super 8 Hotels Across Spain and Portugal

Wyndham and Soliteight to Introduce Super 8 Hotels Across Spain and Portugal

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 27, 2025

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, has signed an exclusive development agreement with Soliteight Hotel Projects SA to introduce its iconic Super 8® by Wyndham brand in Spain and Portugal. Under this partnership, Soliteight will develop 40 new Super 8 hotels across the region over the next ten years, addressing the growing demand for quality, budget-friendly accommodations amidst a booming tourism sector.

Super 8, known globally for its hospitality, trusted quality, and great value, will offer a much-needed option for budget-conscious travelers in Southern Europe. The first Super 8 hotel is set to open in Leiria, Portugal, in late 2027, with more locations planned across prime travel hubs, airports, retail zones, and transportation routes in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.

"Bringing Super 8 to Spain and Portugal is a strategic move to make quality, affordable travel more accessible," said Dimitris Manikis, President, EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. "Our collaboration with Soliteight allows us to meet the growing demand for reliable, budget-friendly accommodations without compromising on comfort or quality."

The move comes as Spain and Portugal witness record-breaking tourism growth. Spain welcomed 94 million international visitors in 2024 alone, with Portugal also seeing significant increases. This, coupled with a 3.2% GDP rise in Spain, is driving demand for branded economy hotels—a segment still under-penetrated compared to the rest of Europe.

"Spain and Portugal continue to lag other European markets in branded economy hotels," said Rui Alpalhão, Chief Executive, Soliteight. "We are thrilled to partner with Wyndham to introduce Super 8 to Iberia, offering consistent comfort and value to both domestic and international travellers."

Wyndham’s franchisees benefit from the Wyndham Advantage, which includes world-class marketing, cutting-edge technology solutions, and access to a powerful Wyndham Rewards member base of approximately 114 million travelers globally. These strengths, combined with Soliteight’s regional expertise and investment capabilities, position the Super 8 brand for long-term success in Iberia.

The hotels will feature smart modular construction designs focused on efficiency and sustainability, reinforcing Super 8’s commitment to quality and modern comfort.

For more information on franchising opportunities, visit whrdevelopmentemea.com.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts:

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with approximately 9,300 hotels across more than 95 countries. Its 25 brands span the economy and midscale segments, catering to everyday travelers globally. Wyndham’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards loyalty program boasts approximately 114 million enrolled members worldwide.

About Soliteight:

Soliteight is a Portugal-based hotel development company specializing in premium hospitality projects. Founded through a joint venture between FundBox Holdings and Estoril 8023, Soliteight focuses on asset-light models and long-term leases, ensuring sustainable returns while meeting global standards.


Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport Celebrates 15 Years of Passionate Hospitality

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport Celebrates 15 Years of Passionate Hospitality

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 26, 2025

April 2025 marks a significant milestone for Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport as it celebrates 15 years of delivering warm hospitality and empowering guest experiences. Since its grand opening in 2010, the hotel has remained a landmark in the Andheri business district, just minutes from Mumbai International Airport, and has played a key role as a flagship Courtyard property in India.

To celebrate the occasion, the hotel curated a vibrant series of events, bringing together entertainment, music, and community. The anniversary festivities included a stand-up performance by comic artist Punit Pania, a soulful live band session by The Lost Fireflies, and a high-energy after-party at the in-house nightclub, ARK. A raffle draw added extra cheer to the celebrations, with exclusive vouchers and surprises for guests.

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As it steps into the future, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai is introducing fresh and forward-thinking experiences for the modern traveler. Highlights include a newly crafted beverage program capturing the dynamic energy of Mumbai, and a revamped menu at Ummrao, their signature restaurant. The hotel’s all-day diner, MoMo Café, now features a blend of wellness-focused plates, nostalgic comfort food, and rich Maharashtrian cuisine, welcoming guests and locals alike.

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Speaking about the hotel’s journey, General Manager Abhishek Sachdev shared, “This property has been a key part of Mumbai's hospitality landscape for the past 15 years, and I see my role as one that enhances its legacy while steering it towards future growth. Consistency has been the cornerstone of this property's success, but innovation is what keeps guests engaged. Our focus, therefore, is twofold: to deliver consistent, high-quality service that keeps the Marriott Bonvoy members returning to our refurbished rooms, and to introduce fresh, engaging experiences, particularly across food and beverage with offerings that surprise and delight.”

The hotel also continues to be a preferred venue for weddings and celebrations under the Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy brand, offering seamless and personalized experiences to turn dream weddings into reality. With a blend of legacy and innovation, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport remains committed to evolving with the city's pulse, empowering guests and creating lasting memories in the heart of Mumbai.

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