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 


Wyndham to Expand Network with Five Ovolo Hotels Across Australia and Hong Kong

Wyndham to Expand Network with Five Ovolo Hotels Across Australia and Hong Kong

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 3, 2025

In a strategic move that boosts its lifestyle hospitality offerings, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Ovolo Group, announcing the integration of five Ovolo hotels into Wyndham’s global portfolio by the end of this year. The collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Wyndham’s Asia Pacific expansion, bringing more than 450 rooms across key cities—Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Hong Kong—into its fold.

Under the agreement, Ovolo Group will retain ownership and operational control of its properties while capitalising on Wyndham’s global scale, franchising expertise, and powerful distribution and marketing infrastructure. This strategic alignment enables both parties to grow their presence without compromising on brand integrity or experience quality.

Shivang Jhunjhnuwala, Chief of Staff, Ovolo Group, stated,

“Ovolo isn’t just a hotel brand—it’s a lifestyle, a creative force that fuses fashion, art, music, and entertainment. Now, through our partnership with Wyndham, we’re flipping the script to unlock bold new growth opportunities by franchising a lifestyle brand without diluting its DNA.”

Founded in 2010, Ovolo has built a distinctive identity rooted in culture-led design and guest experience, setting itself apart from traditional hospitality offerings. The partnership allows Wyndham to tap into this unique appeal and further diversify its presence in the upscale lifestyle segment.

Joon Aun OOI, President, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific, said,

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for Wyndham, further expanding our upscale presence in the Asia Pacific region by combining Ovolo’s strengths in the lifestyle segment with our extensive global network. The future of travel isn’t about sameness—it’s about spaces with soul, brands with a point of view, and experiences that don’t blur into the background.”

Through this collaboration, the five Ovolo properties will gain access to Wyndham’s sales, marketing, and distribution platforms, increasing visibility and unlocking new commercial potential. They will also be integrated into the Wyndham Rewards® loyalty programme, offering guests enhanced value and flexibility.

With this alliance, Wyndham continues to strengthen its foothold in high-growth urban markets while reinforcing its position as a global leader in hotel franchising.


Goa Welcomes Miros Hotels: A New Name in Luxury Travel

Goa Welcomes Miros Hotels: A New Name in Luxury Travel

By Hariharan U

Published on August 3, 2025

The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL) has entered the hospitality world with the launch of Miros Hotels & Resorts, a luxury lifestyle brand that redefines how modern travellers experience their stay. 

Inspired by the words “miracle” and the Greek “os” meaning island, Miros represents more than just a place to stay, it’s a curated space meant to spark connection, reflection, and wonder. 

The first hotel in Goa showcases this philosophy with a vegetarian fine dining restaurant that includes vegan options, a wellness spa, gym, swimming pool, indoor and outdoor games, and personalised cultural experiences, all crafted to foster a sense of calm, authenticity, and luxury without excess.

Speaking about the launch, Abhinandan Lodha, Chairperson of HoABL, said, “With Miros, we are extending our belief in reimagining legacy industries. Just as we’ve made land ownership aspirational and accessible, we’re now creating destinations that are rooted in emotion, curated with care, and designed to leave behind memories that last a lifetime.”

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Ranvir Bhandari, President of Miros Hotels & Resorts, added, “Guests today don’t just travel, they explore, seek and discover... Luxury today isn’t about the opulence of stays, but about rare moments crafted with warmth and authenticity”.

Samujjwal Ghosh, CEO of HoABL, echoed the sentiment: “By integrating a luxury hospitality brand such as Miros into our branded land developments, we are bringing aspiration and access together”.

Looking ahead, Miros is set to expand to Alibaug and Matheran in Maharashtra, along with other premium destinations across Goa and the Konkan coast, creating immersive sanctuaries for the modern explorer.


Vivanta Makes a Stylish Debut in Thane with Scenic Hillside Views

Vivanta Makes a Stylish Debut in Thane with Scenic Hillside Views

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 2, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has officially announced the opening of Vivanta Thane on LBS Road, marking a significant debut for the brand in one of the most dynamic urban pockets of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Set against the scenic Yeoor Hills, this new 97-key hotel offers a refreshing blend of nature and modern luxury, catering to both business and leisure travellers. Strategically located with excellent access to major business corridors and transport routes, Vivanta Thane brings a fresh perspective to the city’s hospitality landscape.

Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses & Hotel Openings, IHCL, said,

“The opening of Vivanta Thane reflects IHCL’s strategy of expanding into key urban centres. Thane, as an immediate neighbour to Mumbai, has evolved into a major satellite city within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.”

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Guests at Vivanta Thane can indulge in diverse culinary experiences. Mynt, the hotel’s all-day diner, offers panoramic views of the hills, while Zira, a specialty vegetarian restaurant, celebrates flavour-rich plates. For spirited evenings, Wink, the brand’s signature bar, serves expertly crafted cocktails in a lively setting. Adding a sweet touch, Swirl, a chic patisserie at the lobby level, presents colourful desserts in a playful atmosphere.

The hotel also boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an infinity pool that overlooks the hills and city skyline, offering guests moments of calm and luxury. Business travellers and event planners can benefit from the hotel’s modern banqueting and meeting venues, tailored for seamless gatherings and upscale functions.

Tejas Bhoite, General Manager, Vivanta Thane, commented,

“Vivanta Thane, LBS Road captures the vibrant spirit of the city, offering guests a haven where style and substance converge. Our team is excited to welcome guests to this new landmark.”

With this launch, IHCL now operates 17 hotels in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, including 5 currently under development, further solidifying its stronghold in western India’s hospitality circuit.

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