The Brand That Set The Standard for Lifestyle Hotels – Skift Travel Podcast

This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast featured a discussion with Amar Lalvani, Executive Vice President, President & Creative Director, Lifestyle at Hyatt. Lalvani touched on The Standard's evolution following Hyatt's acquisition of the brand in 2024 with Editor-in-Chief Sarah Kopit and Head of Research Seth Borko.

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Creative Direction and Innovation: Lalvani said he emphasizes innovation driven by intuition and personal taste rather than traditional consumer surveys — citing examples like The Manner in New York City, which has no TVs and bans kids in public areas.

Strategic Expansion into Southeast Asia: The Standard’s growth in Southeast Asia was a mix of strategy and serendipity. A major factor was their previous majority investor, Sansiri — a major Thai developer — which provided capital, connections, and local market understanding. Southeast Asia’s accessibility, English fluency, and tourism volume made it a practical launchpad for global expansion.

Travel as an Essential Need: Despite global uncertainty, Lalvani said modern travel is no longer optional — it’s essential. He noted that younger generations prioritize travel more than previous ones, making it a resilient industry despite geopolitical and economic turbulence.

Wellness as a Holistic and Evolving Experience: Hyatt’s approach to wellness — through immersive retreats like Miraval and serene properties like Alila — reflects a broader shift in consumer expectations. Lalvani is also intrigued by “tech wellness,” including AI-driven therapies, cryotherapy, and NAD+ drips, suggesting wellness is expanding into personalized, high-tech territory.

AI’s Impact on Hospitality: AI is transforming hospitality operations behind the scenes — from analyzing customer feedback to designing rooms and streamlining internal tasks. While Lalvani doesn’t see AI in guest rooms as immediate, he sees enormous potential in how guests discover, plan, and experience travel using AI.

This episode of the Skift Travel Podcast explored the evolution and impact of lifestyle hotels, with a focus on The Standard brand, which began in Hollywood 25 years ago and rose to prominence with its flagship Meatpacking District location in New York City.

Lalvani said “lifestyle” is not just a marketing term but a commitment to immersive guest experiences that transcend traditional hotel offerings. While the term “luxury” remains fluid, Lalvani argues that personalization and relevance to context are more important than conventional industry classifications.

The discussion also touches on changing consumer behaviors, particularly among younger travelers who prioritize wellness, quality experiences, and moderation. Ultimately, the future of lifestyle hospitality, according to Lalvani, lies in bold creativity, thoughtful design, and staying ahead of evolving guest expectations.

Kopit, Borko, and Lalvani also discussed the company’s global expansion, which began in earnest with the opening of The Standard London in 2019. They also talked about AI’s potential to improve internal processes, guest journey personalization, and design inspiration. While AI isn't being added directly into rooms at The Standard yet, it has been useful in backend operations and understanding guest insights.

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