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THE ANALYSIS
STANDARD ’ S BOLD MOVES
hotelsm . ag / StandardPipeline Stating “ this is just the beginning ” and “ big brands don ' t get it ,” Standard International CEO Amar Lalvani has announced 15 new projects . Less than 18 months after a US $ 58 million capital infusion from Bangkok-based real estate development firm Sansiri PCL in November 2017 , the parent company of
Standard Hotels and Bunkhouse Group said additional projects will include new Standard properties in the Maldives , Paris , Milan , Bangkok , Mexico City and
Chicago , as well as three Bunkhouse hotels in the U . S . The group is also dipping its toe into residential . In response to the big pipeline news , Lalvani boldly stated that owners and developers have taken note of how genuine and rich the Standard ’ s culture and creativity are compared to the soulless “ lifestyle brands ” popping up seemingly at every turn .
THE NEWS
AIRBNB DIPS FURTHER INTO HOTEL TERRITORY
hotelsm . ag / AirbnbHotelTonight In March , Airbnb acquired hotel booking site HotelTonight , edging even further into more traditional hotel listings and adding yet more inventory to its platform . The company has already indicated interest in the more traditional boutique hotels and luxury properties over the past several years as it faces increasing competition from online travel agencies and hotels . In 2018 , Airbnb more than doubled the number of rooms available in properties that hosts categorized as boutique hotels , bed and breakfasts , and other hospitality venues like hostels and resorts . “ We ’ ve had an overwhelming response from hoteliers with strong ties to their local communities who want to offer truly personal hospitality ,” the company said at the time .
THE TALK
A ‘ HOSTEL ’ TAKEOVER
hotelsm . ag / hotelhostel Until the corporate model is broken , writes HOTELS blogger Christopher Henry , hotels are missing an opportunity for guests to socialize – not only with fellow travelers but also with employees . At a hostel , this social aspect comes naturally . Beyond basic legalities , hostels tend not to have structured , corporate-mandated standards or regimented job descriptions . Your front desk agent may also be the barman , tour guide , smoke break buddy , thrift shop hunter , concert organizer , circuit partier and karaoke master , and the guest transcends his or her traditional role and becomes , more importantly , a friend .
4 hotelsmag . com May 2019