Hyatt Expands Leadership in Luxury and Lifestyle Hotels with 50+ Openings by 2026

  • Dec. 27, 2024
  • FMCG HORECA BUSINESS
Hyatt Expands Leadership in Luxury and Lifestyle Hotels with 50+ Openings by 2026

Hyatt is set to strengthen its position as a leader in the luxury and lifestyle hotel sectors with a remarkable pipeline of over 50 new hotel openings scheduled around the world by 2026. This announcement was made at ILTM Cannes, the world’s premier luxury travel trade show, where Hyatt showcased its commitment to meeting the increasing demand for high-end travel experiences.

A Surge in Luxury Travel

As luxury travel continues to rise, Hyatt is poised to capitalize on this growing trend. According to Savills, Europe’s luxury hotel supply is expected to increase by over 50% by 2028, underlining the high level of investor confidence in the segment's future. With 70% of Hyatt’s global rooms categorized as luxury and upper upscale, the brand has seen impressive growth in this segment. Over the past three years alone, Hyatt has added 28 new luxury hotels and resorts, and since 2017, it has doubled its luxury room count. These efforts ensure that Hyatt is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of the global luxury travel boom, especially in the key growth market of Europe.

Lifestyle Hotels Are Thriving

The lifestyle hotel segment is also flourishing, with new generations of travelers gravitating toward experiences that are distinctive and culturally immersive. Hyatt has become a leader in this category, quintupling its lifestyle rooms since 2017 and adding 28 lifestyle hotels in 2024 alone. Hyatt’s commitment to the lifestyle space was further strengthened by its acquisition of Standard International, a pioneering company in lifestyle hospitality, which includes The Standard brand. Hyatt’s new Lifestyle Group, headed by Amar Lalvani (former Executive Chairman of Standard International), will focus on expanding and enhancing its lifestyle offerings. This team will be based in New York, with additional offices in Austin and Bangkok.

Upcoming Openings: A Glimpse into the Future

Hyatt’s ambitious pipeline of luxury and lifestyle hotels includes several highly anticipated properties across the globe, with notable openings set for 2025 and beyond:

  • Miraval The Red Sea (late 2025): Marking the international debut of the Miraval brand, this property will offer a transformative wellness experience and feature one of the largest spas in the Red Sea destination.
  • Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and Park Hyatt Johannesburg: These openings will further solidify Hyatt’s presence in key international cities.
  • Andaz Miami Beach and Andaz Gold Coast: These properties will embody the vibrant, cultural essence of their respective locations.

These are just a few examples of Hyatt’s upcoming openings that will build on the brand’s growing portfolio of luxury and lifestyle hotels. Recent openings like Park Hyatt London River Thames, Alila Shanghai (Greater China’s first urban resort-style Alila hotel), The Standard, Singapore, and The StandardX, Bangkok have already set a high standard for future properties.

A Strong Future for Hyatt’s Luxury and Lifestyle Segments

Hyatt’s success in 2024, particularly in the Europe, Africa, and the Middle East regions, has been largely driven by its luxury and lifestyle segments. Javier Águila, Group President for EAME, Hyatt, expressed his excitement about the company’s progress, citing the strong performance of hotels like Park Hyatt London River Thames and Park Hyatt Marrakech. The recent acquisitions of brands like Mr & Mrs Smith and Standard International have played a crucial role in Hyatt’s ability to cater to the growing demand for luxury and lifestyle experiences.

Evolving Brand Portfolios

Hyatt’s growth strategy is centered around expanding its brand portfolios to meet the specific needs of today’s luxury and lifestyle travelers. The company’s portfolio includes over 250 luxury and lifestyle hotels and resorts in 45 countries, with 58 properties across EAME. Hyatt has refined its offerings into two distinct segments:

  1. The Luxury Portfolio: This includes the most refined destinations for discerning travelers. Brands such as Park Hyatt, Alila, and Miraval offer unparalleled service, exquisite design, and exceptional amenities for those seeking an ultra-luxe escape.

  2. The Lifestyle Portfolio: Geared towards guests who thrive on cultural experiences, this portfolio includes brands like Andaz, Thompson Hotels, and the newly acquired Standard International brands (The Standard and Bunkhouse). These properties are designed to offer immersive experiences with unique dining, creative programming, and original design.

Crystal Vinisse Thomas, Vice President & Global Brand Leader for Lifestyle & Luxury Brands at Hyatt, shared her enthusiasm for Hyatt’s evolved brand portfolios, noting that the company is committed to exceeding guest expectations with innovative, transformative experiences.

A Promising Future

Hyatt’s strategic growth in the luxury and lifestyle hotel segments positions the brand to lead the way in delivering high-end travel experiences for years to come. With a strong pipeline of new hotels, impressive acquisitions, and a deep understanding of traveler preferences, Hyatt continues to redefine what it means to stay in luxury.

As travelers increasingly seek unique, experience-driven stays, Hyatt’s diverse portfolio and its commitment to creating memorable moments ensure that the future of luxury and lifestyle hospitality is bright. Whether it’s through groundbreaking wellness offerings, cultural programming, or unmatched service, Hyatt is paving the way for the next generation of high-end travel.