Hyatt in Advanced Talks to Acquire Standard Hotels

Hyatt in Advanced Talks to Acquire Standard Hotels

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 21, 2024

Hyatt Hotels Corp. is reportedly close to finalizing a deal to acquire boutique hotel operator Standard International. 

Negotiations between Hyatt and Standard International are in advanced stages, according to sources familiar with the matter. Standard International, known for its chic and upscale properties in locations such as London, Ibiza, the Maldives, and Melbourne, would bring a new dimension to Hyatt’s offerings. However, it's important to note that no transaction has been finalized, and the deal could still fall through.

A Hyatt spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics but reiterated the company's commitment to "asset-light growth through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions." Standard International also did not provide immediate comments on the ongoing discussions.

Hyatt, under the leadership of CEO Mark Hoplamazian, has been actively acquiring brands in recent years. The company has added Alila, Thompson Hotels, and Apple Leisure Group to its portfolio. These acquisitions have helped Hyatt transition to a model focused on licensing brands to third-party investors, enriching its system with high-end properties that attract loyal customers.

The Standard brand, originally developed by hotelier Andre Balazs, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and trendy appeal, particularly in cities like New York, where it operates a notable property on the High Line.

Hyatt's interest in Standard International follows a broader strategy to compete with industry giants like Marriott and Hilton by acquiring niche brands. This potential deal could further enhance Hyatt's luxury and lifestyle offerings. The acquisition would include high-profile properties like Mont Rochelle in South Africa, The Lodge in Switzerland, and Mahali Mzuri in Kenya, among others.

James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, which also has a strategic partnership with Hyatt, emphasized the alignment of this acquisition with Hyatt's growth strategy. "We are excited to introduce our unique Virgin Limited Edition retreats into Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, further strengthening our successful partnership," Bermingham said.

If the deal goes through, all Standard International properties will benefit from Hyatt's extensive expertise in leisure, corporate, and group sales travel sectors. They will also participate in the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, which boasts over five million travelers enrolled. This program helps attract repeat guests by offering points redeemable for various benefits, including cash-value Reward Certificates and Titanium status.


Royal Caribbean Group raises dividend by 33% to $1 per share

Royal Caribbean Group raises dividend by 33% to $1 per share

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on September 14, 2025

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has announced a significant increase in its shareholder returns, declaring a 33% hike in its quarterly dividend. The company’s Board of Directors approved a dividend of $1.00 per common share, payable on October 13, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 25, 2025.

Jason Liberty, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said the move underscores the company’s confidence in its performance and long-term growth strategy. “Today’s dividend increase reflects both the strength of our performance and our commitment to return capital to shareholders. This increase in dividend, along with our ongoing share repurchase program, highlights our balanced approach to capital allocation, returning value to shareholders while funding future growth,” Liberty stated.

Royal Caribbean Group is a global leader in the vacation industry, operating a fleet of 68 ships across five brands that serve millions of guests annually. Its portfolio includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea, as well as land-based experiences such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club collection. The company also holds a 50% joint venture in TUI Cruises, which manages brands like Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

With a reputation for innovation and guest-focused experiences, Royal Caribbean Group continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to responsible and sustainable growth.


Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) announced its financial results for Q1 FY26, recording a net profit of Rs 13 crore. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 154 crore, a 14% increase year-on-year, while operating EBITDA grew 16% YoY to Rs 45 crore. The company maintained an industry-leading occupancy of 92%, reaffirming its leadership in the hospitality sector.

ASPHL’s growth is fueled by expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. The company recently signed an MoU to acquire and manage four leisure properties in Goa, Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala, adding 138 rooms under its brand. These steps align with ASPHL’s strategy to broaden its presence in high-potential tourism destinations and double its key count to 5,750 over the next five years.

Flurys, ASPHL’s iconic bakery and confectionery brand, now operates 102 outlets nationwide, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding its market presence while integrating modern amenities with rich cultural heritage.

Commenting on the performance, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, said,

"We have delivered an extraordinary and best-ever Q1, setting a strong momentum for the year ahead. With topline growth of 14% and EBITDA growth of 16%, we recorded India’s highest occupancy of 92% and maintained leadership in RevPAR in the upper-upscale segment. ARR improved by 13% and RevPAR increased by 12%. With nearly 600 new rooms added, including a 41% rise in our asset-light model, and nationwide Flurys rollout, we are poised to scale faster, enhance margins, and deliver exceptional shareholder value."

ASPHL’s strong performance in Q1 FY26 underscores its strategic focus on market expansion, operational excellence, and premium guest experiences.


Marriott Announces Dividend and Expands Share Buyback Plan

Marriott Announces Dividend and Expands Share Buyback Plan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

Marriott International, Inc. has declared a quarterly cash dividend of 67 cents per share on its common stock, reaffirming its commitment to delivering shareholder value. The dividend will be paid on September 30, 2025, to shareholders who are on record as of August 21, 2025.

Alongside the dividend announcement, the hospitality giant also revealed an expansion of its share repurchase program. The board of directors has authorized the repurchase of an additional 25 million shares of its Class A common stock. This comes in addition to the approximately 7.4 million shares that were still available under previous authorizations as of July 30, 2025.

Marriott has already bought back 6.4 million shares this year, amounting to $1.7 billion. These moves reflect the company’s continued confidence in its financial stability and long-term performance, aiming to strengthen shareholder value through strategic capital allocation.

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