HYATT HOTELS CORP. reported a record pipeline of approximately 138,000 rooms as of year-end 2024, supported by a brand realignment aimed at boosting owner returns and driving growth. The company seeks to create long-term value for owners and enhance hotel performance through unique guest experiences, Hyatt said in a statement.
“Hyatt’s growth and strategic brand evolution reflect our commitment to creating long-term value for owners and driving hotel performance by delivering distinctive experiences for travelers,” said Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt’s president and CEO. “This evolution enhances guest satisfaction and strengthens our hotels’ success and competitive advantage, driving preference among owners, guests, customers, and World of Hyatt members.”
Lifestyle portfolio expansion
Hyatt increased its total pipeline properties by nearly 50 percent and the number of open hotels by more than 20 percent year-over-year, the statement said. The recent acquisition of Standard International’s brands, including The Standard, Bunkhouse Hotels, and the newly launched The StandardX brand, adds 22 open hotels and more than 30 future projects with signed agreements or letters of intent.
Amar Lalvani, former executive chairman of Standard International, now leads Hyatt’s new Lifestyle Group as president and creative director, focusing on brand identities and performance across lifestyle brands.
“I’m excited to lead the newly formed Lifestyle Group during this pivotal time of growth and value-focused evolution,” said Lalvani. “Hyatt’s acquisition of Standard International brands brings a portfolio of differentiated, award-winning hotels and creative talent. Combined with Hyatt’s design-driven, culturally relevant lifestyle brands and global infrastructure, I am optimistic about our ability to grow these brands in new markets, delivering memorable experiences for guests and returns for owners.”
Hyatt also appointed Catie Cramer as head of lifestyle development – U.S. to lead efforts expanding its Lifestyle portfolio in the U.S. Additionally, Tina Necrason has been named global head of branded residential to lead Hyatt’s branded residential strategy across all brands. She joins from Montage International, where she oversaw residential activities.
Hyatt Studios enters 22 new markets
Hyatt Studios, the portfolio’s new upper-midscale extended-stay brand, saw significant growth with more than 50 executed deals, expanding into 22 new markets and adding 27 new owners, Hyatt said. The brand’s first location, Hyatt Studios Mobile/Tillman’s Corner, is set to open in the first quarter of 2025. It is owned by 3H Group, founded by Hiren Desai.
“Hyatt’s momentum has never been stronger as we build on our success and deepen our commitment to finding innovative solutions that drive profitability by working closely with owners and responding to guests’ needs,” said Dan Hansen, Hyatt’s head of Americas development. “We’re excited about the opening of our first Hyatt Studios location in Mobile, AL, marking a significant step in our expansion into the upper-midscale market.”
Hyatt’s expanded pipeline is driving growth across its luxury, inclusive, and classics portfolios. New U.S. additions include Fairmont Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt; The Seville Nomad and Hyatt Regency Times Square in New York; and Okhissa Lake Lodge in Mississippi.
In December, Hyatt announced plans to open more than 50 new luxury and lifestyle hotels globally within two years.
