Hyatt Finalizes Acquisition of Standard International, Expan

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.

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.”

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

The Malabar Coast Opens New Gurugram Outlet at M3M Atrium

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

The Malabar Coast, renowned for showcasing the rich flavours of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, has expanded its presence with a new outlet at M3M Atrium, Sector 57, Gurugram. The grand opening drew food enthusiasts, influencers, and special guests eager to experience an authentic coastal culinary journey.

The new restaurant’s warm, coastal-inspired interiors—complete with handpicked artwork and traditional motifs—set the stage for a menu that spans delicately spiced seafood, classic Malabar biryanis, and their signature Coconut Payasam. Highlights included Ghee Podi Idly, Chettinad Chicken Tikka, Malabar Prawn Curry, and Thalassery Chicken Biryani, each dish crafted to transport diners to South India’s sun-soaked shores.

At the launch, Satish Bhatia, Co-Founder of The Malabar Coast, remarked,

“We are elated to bring the soul of South India’s coastlines to Gurugram. This outlet is an extension of our journey to celebrate regional flavours and offer an immersive, cultural dining experience in the heart of the city.”

Guests enjoyed live music performances, enhancing the relaxed, soulful atmosphere and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to an authentic South Indian cultural journey.

The Malabar Coast, an offshoot of The Appumm House founded in 2020 by Satish Bhatia and Priyanka Tiwari, continues to champion traditional coastal recipes and elevate regional dining across India.

The new Gurugram outlet is now open to the public, promising to become a go-to destination for lovers of genuine South Indian coastal cuisine.

IHCL and United Way Mumbai Join Hands for Community-Led Waste Management

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 11, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has reinforced its commitment to sustainable practices through a strategic partnership with United Way Mumbai, driving impactful change in waste management as part of its Paathya ESG+ framework.

Under this initiative, IHCL has been actively supporting municipal efforts at Mahim Reti Bunder and Mahim Causeway by deploying Safai Sathis—frontline waste workers—who conduct daily beach clean-ups and waste segregation. From October 2024 to March 2025, the project has successfully collected and processed over 1,12,097 kilograms of waste, all of which was sent to a Material Recovery Centre (MRC) for recycling and co-processing—significantly reducing the burden on local landfills.

Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources at IHCL, highlighted the significance of the project:

“Guided by our industry leading ESG+ framework of Paathya, we are moving beyond conventional waste management to create lasting, scalable solutions that actively engage communities and drive positive environmental impact.”

George Aikara, CEO of United Way Mumbai, echoed the sentiment:

“Our partnership with IHCL builds on our vision of addressing waste at every stage—generation to disposal—by strengthening systems, raising awareness, and empowering communities.”

Beyond clean-ups, the initiative is also deeply focused on community sensitisation, engaging local residents through awareness drives, shore walks, and educational programs involving students, self-help groups, sanitation workers, and youth leaders.

Aligned with Paathya 2030 goals, this collaboration promotes circular economy solutions and reinforces responsible waste management across IHCL’s operations, reflecting a long-term commitment to sustainability and community-driven environmental change.

Siyam World Maldives Ranks Among Top 10 Hotels in the World by Tripadvisor

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 11, 2025

Siyam World Maldives has officially arrived on the world stage—and with a trophy cabinet to match. The one-of-a-kind island resort has been crowned among the Top 10 Hotels in the World in Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Best of the Best Awards 2025, making it the only resort in the Maldives to make this coveted global list this year.

But that’s just the beginning. Siyam World also clinched several top spots:

#10 Best Hotel in the World
#4 Top Hotel in Asia
#2 Best All-Inclusive Hotel in the World
#1 Top All-Inclusive Hotel in the Maldives
#1 Top All-Inclusive Hotel in Asia

This recognition places Siyam World in the top 1% of Tripadvisor listings globally, reflecting not just popularity but true guest satisfaction based on real reviews over the past year.

Sara Siyam, Director of Marketing at Sun Siyam Resorts, shared,

"We’re beyond honored and thrilled to be ranked #10 in Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Hotels in the World! From day one, our team has worked tirelessly to deliver memorable moments, infused with authentic Maldivian hospitality. This is a win for the whole team and every guest who believed in us."

Ausy Waseem, Resort Manager at Siyam World, added,

“We never aimed to be the flashiest or most luxurious resort. Our mission was to be bold, real, and unforgettable. What we’ve created here is different—and seeing the world recognize that is truly special.”
He also acknowledged the pivotal role of Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, VP of Operations Abdulla Thamheed, and the entire team for their support in making Siyam World a “game changer” in the Maldives.

Opened in late 2021, Siyam World is known for rewriting the rules of luxury island travel. Set across 54 hectares in Noonu Atoll, it’s home to some of the most outrageous, fun-filled, and first-of-their-kind experiences in the region:

The Maldives’ largest floating water park
The country’s first horse ranch
An electric go-kart track on an island resort
Seabreachers, jet cars, and Cudajets
Football camps hosted by icons like Michael Owen, Del Piero, and Rio Ferdinand
16 unique room categories, including massive 4-bedroom beach residences and overwater villas with slides

Add to that 18+ dining and bar outlets, 24-hour WOW! All-Inclusive experiences, wellness programs, curated kids’ activities, and full island buyout options—Siyam World is a universe of its own.

As Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best awards are determined by real travelers' reviews, this win cements Siyam World as a true guest favorite—and a rising icon in global tourism.

For offers and bookings, visit: sunsiyam.com/siyam-world/offers or email stay@siyamworld.com.

Welcome to post your talent

A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.