Skip to content

Why Hyatt Is Betting on Luxury Over Volume

Using an asset-light model, Hyatt put over 70% of rooms in luxury and upper-upscale tiers, doubling luxury rooms since 2017 to court high-end guests.

Hyatt Hotels is charting a unique course in the hospitality industry, focusing on luxury rather than competing on sheer volume like its rivals Marriott and Hilton. Letโ€™s explore why Hyatt is choosing this path and how itโ€™s reshaping its business to attract high-end clientele. ๐ŸŒ

Hyattโ€™s Unique Position in the Hotel Industry ๐Ÿขโœจ

While Hyatt is significantly smaller than its competitors in terms of property count, it surpasses them in average room rates and the caliber of its customer base. With only 2% of its properties owned outright, Hyatt has embraced an "asset-light" model, selling off real estate to external owners. This strategy allows Hyatt to retain its brand presence without the financial risks associated with property ownership. ๐Ÿ’ก

Doubling Down on Luxury ๐Ÿ’Ž๐Ÿ–๏ธ

Hyattโ€™s portfolio is heavily skewed towards luxury and upper upscale segments, with over 70% of its rooms in these categories. Since 2017, Hyatt has more than doubled the number of luxury rooms, tripled resort rooms, and quadrupled rooms in the lifestyle category. This expansion was achieved primarily through strategic acquisitions rather than buying more real estate. Notable acquisitions include Miraval Group, Two Roads Hospitality, Apple Leisure Group, and Dream Hotel Group, which have brought luxury brands like Alila, Destination, and Thompson under the Hyatt umbrella. ๐ŸŒ

Attracting High-End Customers ๐Ÿ›Œ๐Ÿ’ธ

Hyattโ€™s strategy focuses on attracting a premium clientele, not just for overnight stays but for various high-end experiences. The companyโ€™s properties feature amenities like restaurants, spas, and rooftop decks that draw local customers as well. These amenities are seen as assets that enhance the overall guest experience and generate additional revenue. For instance, Thompson Hotelsโ€™ rooftop spaces and vibrant restaurants attract both hotel guests and locals, creating a bustling atmosphere. ๐Ÿฝ๏ธ๐Ÿ™๏ธ

Expanding Global Presence ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ

Despite its strong focus on luxury, Hyatt has lagged in global presence compared to its competitors. To address this, Hyatt recently acquired the luxury hotel booking platform Mr and Mrs Smith for approximately $72 million. This acquisition brings Hyatt into more than 20 new countries and integrates over 1,500 properties into its loyalty program. The deal also adds 1 million established Mr and Mrs Smith members to Hyattโ€™s customer base, which is a significant draw given the spending habits of Hyattโ€™s loyalty members. ๐ŸŒ

The Power of Loyalty Programs ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ’ณ

Hyattโ€™s World of Hyatt loyalty program plays a crucial role in its strategy. Loyalty members stay 46% more often, spend 76% more on average, and book directly 90% of the time. The revenue from one top-tier loyalty member is equivalent to that from 40 non-members. This emphasis on loyalty helps Hyatt build a stable, high-spending customer base. ๐Ÿ’ผ

Conclusion: Betting on Diverse, High-End Experiences ๐Ÿ๏ธ

Hyattโ€™s focus on luxury is not just about high room rates but offering diverse, premium experiences that attract a discerning clientele. By expanding its portfolio with high-end brands and integrating these into its loyalty program, Hyatt aims to capture a larger share of the travel market. The strategy underscores Hyattโ€™s commitment to catering to a high-end market, setting it apart in the competitive hotel industry. ๐ŸŒŸ

Stay tuned for more insights into the strategies driving success in the hospitality industry! ๐Ÿจ

Originally published on LinkedIn .

Amr Elharony
Delivery Lead, Mentor, FinTech Author & Speaker โ€” bridging banking and technology to deliver measurable digital transformation across MENA.

Discussion 0 comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
3 min left