The Standard Hotel: Ownership, History, and What to Expect

The Standard hotel brand, founded in 1999 by hotelier André Balazs, has changed hands multiple times before landing under Hyatt’s portfolio in 2024. Understanding who owns The Standard today—and how the brand’s ownership structure differs from individual property ownership—matters if you’re planning a stay or evaluating the chain’s reputation. This guide traces the ownership timeline, explains why some locations closed, and weighs what travelers actually say about the experience. We draw on official corporate announcements, industry reports, and verified property transaction records as primary sources.

Last checked: 2026-09-15

Brand: The Standard Hotels · Founded: 1999 · Current partnership: Hyatt (per official website) · Notable locations: NYC, London, Bangkok, Miami Beach

Who is the Standard hotel owned by?

The Standard brand is currently owned by Hyatt Hotels Corporation following the acquisition of Standard International in October 2024. The deal, announced on August 20, 2024, was structured as an asset-light purchase of brand rights, management contracts, and franchise agreements rather than hotel real estate (Skift).

Before Hyatt, the chain passed through several hands:

• 1999–2013: André Balazs founded The Standard and owned the brand outright.
• 2013: Amar Lalvani formed Standard International and acquired The Standard brand from Balazs, who retained a minority stake (Hyatt Investor News). Balazs sold roughly 80% of his stake, per Hotel Management.
• 2017: Balazs stepped down from the board of Standard International, retaining about a 20% stake in the company and stakes in individual hotels (Hotel Management).
• 2017–2019: Thai developer Sansiri PLC first invested in Standard International in 2017 and increased its ownership to about 59% by 2019 (Skift). That stake was acquired for approximately $40.45 million (The Caterer).
• 2024: Hyatt acquired Standard International, and Sansiri exited its majority position while continuing to own several properties managed under the brand (Hyatt press release).

Is The Standard hotel owned by Hyatt?

Yes. Hyatt completed the acquisition of Standard International—the company that owns The Standard brand, Bunkhouse Hotels, The StandardX, The Peri, and The Manner—in October 2024. The purchase price was up to $335 million, composed of a base price of about $150 million plus up to $185 million in growth-based earnouts (The Real Deal). Hyatt has said it will integrate The Standard and The StandardX into the World of Hyatt loyalty program and create a new lifestyle division based in New York (Luxury Hospitality Library).

Who owns the Standard hotel in London?

The Standard, London—the brand’s European flagship in King’s Cross—was owned by Crosstree Real Estate until November 2024, when it was sold to a joint venture of Trinity Investments, Oaktree Capital Management, and Partners Group for approximately £185 million (Hospitality Net). The hotel continues to operate under The Standard brand, managed by the same team now under Hyatt’s umbrella.

Why did the Standard hotel close?

Several Standard properties closed between 2021 and 2022. While the exact reasons for each closure are not uniformly documented in public sources, at least two locations ceased operations: The Standard, Hollywood and The Standard, Downtown LA (sold and later reopened under different management).

The original Standard Hollywood—which opened in 1999 with celebrity backing from Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, and Benicio del Toro—saw Balazs sell his interest in the property and its management company in 2017 (The Hotel Property Team). It closed as a Standard in 2021. The Downtown LA property also closed in 2021.

The pattern: Ownership changes at the brand level coincided with asset sales, but the inputs don’t specify a single overarching cause for each closure beyond owner decisions to reposition or divest.

What is the standard hotel known for?

The Standard Hotels are known as a boutique chain with a “sexy vibe,” avant-garde design, and prime urban locations. TripAdvisor reviews cited in our research praise “clean lines, sleek dark décor,” and a lively bar scene. The brand’s own tagline, as quoted by Hyatt, is “pioneering design, taste-making clientele, and unrelenting un-standard-ness” (Hyatt press release).

The chain is a direct descendant of the early-2000s boutique hotel boom, targeting a younger, design-conscious clientele willing to pay a premium for atmosphere. Under Standard International’s tenure (2013–2024), the brand expanded beyond the US into Bangkok, Ibiza, Miami, Lisbon, Phuket, and Hua Hin (The Stanza Media).

“Standard International is a pioneering lifestyle company, parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands.” — Hyatt Hotels Corporation, investor announcement

What brand is the standard hotel?

The Standard Hotels is a distinct boutique brand under Hyatt’s portfolio. It is not affiliated with other “Standard” hotel groups. The chain operates under the parent company Standard International, now fully owned by Hyatt.

Is the Standard a good hotel?

Guest reviews are mixed, which is typical for a strong-concept boutique brand. TripAdvisor reviews (aggregated from multiple properties) highlight the design-forward rooms and energetic nightlife as major plusses, but note that service consistency varies by location.

Pros cited by reviewers:

• Excellent central locations (e.g., High Line in NYC, King’s Cross in London).
• Unique décor and “cool” atmosphere.
• Popular rooftop bars and restaurants.

Cons noted:

• Noise from nightlife can affect sleep.
• Some rooms described as compact relative to price.
• Service quality inconsistent across properties.

Bottom line: The Standard is a good fit if you prioritize design and social spaces over quiet luxury; business travelers and light sleepers may prefer other brands. Hyatt’s acquisition brings the chain into its loyalty program, which should improve booking value for members.

Pros and Cons of staying at The Standard

Best for segments

• Couples: The romantic, dark interiors and central locations suit short romantic getaways.
• Design-focused travelers: Architecture and décor are a major draw.
• Nightlife enthusiasts: On-site bars, clubs, and event spaces are a highlight.
• Business travelers: Mixed; adequate for short stays if you choose a quiet room, but not ideal for sleep-focused work trips.

Pricing band

Because room rates vary widely by city, season, and property, we provide a qualitative band rather than exact numbers. The Standard generally sits in the upper-upscale to luxury tier, with rates typically above regional average but below true luxury brands like Four Seasons or Aman. Business centers and standard rooms in NYC or London often start around $250–$400 per night; suites can exceed $800.

Alternatives to The Standard

• ACE Hotel: Similar indie-boutique vibe with a strong loyalty program (no direct ties to Hyatt).
• Moxy Hotels (Marriott): More playful, lower price point, good for younger travelers.
• W Hotels (Marriott): Design-forward but more consistent service and larger footprint.
• Bunkhouse Hotels (also part of Hyatt now): Quirky, smaller properties in the US and Mexico.

Our pick

Timeline of The Standard Hotels ownership

• 1999: The Standard Hotels founded by André Balazs; first property in Hollywood opens.
• 2013: Amar Lalvani forms Standard International and acquires the brand from Balazs (approx. 80% of his stake sold).
• 2017: Balazs leaves the board; Sansiri begins investing.
• 2019: Sansiri majority stake (59%) completed; The Standard, London opens.
• 2021–2022: Hollywood and Downtown LA locations close.
• 2024-08-20: Hyatt announces acquisition of Standard International.
• 2024-10: Hyatt completes acquisition.
• 2024-11: The Standard, London sold for £185 million to Trinity/Oaktree/Partners Group; brand remains under Hyatt management.

Frequently asked questions

Sources cited

• Hyatt Investor News – acquisition announcement
• Skift – Hyatt acquisition details
• The Caterer – Sansiri stake
• Skift – Sansiri majority ownership timeline
• Hotel Management – Balazs exit
• Hospitality Net – London sale
• The Real Deal – asset-light structure
• Luxury Hospitality Library – Hyatt integration
• Wikipedia – Standard Hotels background