This episode of the Podcast Skift Travel presented a discussion with Amar LalvaniExecutive vice-president, president and creative director, lifestyle at Hyatt. Lalvani addressed the evolution of the standard after The acquisition of the brand by Hyatt in 2024 With editor -in -chief Sarah Kopit and the chief of research Seth Borko.
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Five key points
Creative direction and innovation: Lalvani said he emphasized innovation motivated by intuition and personal taste rather than traditional consumption surveys – citing examples like the way in New York, which has no televisions and prohibits children in public spaces.
Strategic expansion in Southeast Asia: The growth of the standard in Southeast Asia was a mixture of strategy and serendipity. A major factor was their previous majority investor, Sansiri – a large Thai developer – who provided capital, connections and an understanding of the local market. The accessibility of Southeast Asia, the mastery of English and the volume of tourism made it a practical launch for global expansion.
Travel as an essential need: Despite global uncertainty, Lalvani said that modern trips are no longer optional – it is essential. He noted that the young generations prioritize more than previous trips, which makes it resilient industry despite geopolitical and economic turbulence.
Well-being as a holistic and evolutionary experience: Hyatt’s approach to well -being – through immersive pensions like Miraval and serene properties like Alila – reflects a broader change in consumer expectations. Lalvani is also intrigued by “technological well-being”, including AI therapies, cryotherapy and NAD +drops, suggesting that well-being is developing in personalized and high-tech territory.
The impact of AI on hospitality: AI transforms hospitality operations behind the scenes – from the analysis of customer comments to the design of rooms and to the rationalization of internal tasks. Although Lalvani does not see AI in rooms as immediately, he considers enormous potential in the way customers discover, plan and experience travel using AI.
Summary of the episode
This episode of the Podcast Skift Travel explored the evolution and impact of lifestyle hotels, emphasizing the Standard brand, which started in Hollywood 25 years ago and has gotten importance with its flagship location in the meat district in New York.
Lalvani said “lifestyle” is not only a marketing term, but a commitment to the immersive experiences of customers who transcend traditional hotels. Although the term “luxury” remains fluid, Lalvani maintains that the personalization and relevance of the context are greater than the conventional classifications of the industry.
The discussion also addresses the evolution of consumer behavior, especially among young travelers who prioritize well-being, quality experiences and moderation. In the end, the future of the hospitality of the lifestyle, according to Lalvani, lies in daring creativity, the thoughtful design and the stay before the evolution of the expectations of the guests.
Kopit, Borko and Lalvani also discussed the global expansion of the company, which seriously started with the opening of the London Standard in 2019. They also talked about the potential of the AI to improve internal processes, customization of the travel of the guests and the design inspiration. Although AI is not yet directly added to the rooms at the standard level, it was useful in Backend operations and understanding the ideas of the guests.
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