Hyatt first announced its intention to acquire Dream Hotel Group back in November 2022. That transaction is now completed and the hotels are being added to World of Hyatt. The Dream Hotel Group currently consists of 12 lifestyle hotels (9 managed and 3 licensed) with 24 signed long-term management agreements for hotels expected to open in the future. These are “lifestyle” or party hotels hosting nightlife destinations. Let’s dig in.

Hyatt Acquires Dream Hotel Group

Hyatt has completed the acquisition of Dream Hotel Group, which includes Dream Hotels, Chatwal Hotels, and Unscripted Hotels with properties in America, Europe, and Asia. The acquisition initially adds 12 hotels to Hyatt’s portfolio. In the key New York City market, it increases Hyatt’s room count by over 30%.

Hyatt paid a base purchase price of $125 million with an additional $175 million paid over the next six years. Only the Chatwal in New York has been integrated into the World of Hyatt program so far, but the other properties are expected to join soon.

The brand has a further 24 signed long-term management agreements for hotels expected to open in the future signed with further significant growth expected.

In a statement, Hyatt’s CEO, Mark Hoplamazian, said, “Hyatt’s acquisition of Dream Hotel Group represents an exciting chapter in our asset-light growth as we expand our lifestyle offerings, providing global travelers with an increased number of elevated experiences – now, and in the future.”

The founder of Dream Hotel Group, Sant Singh Chatwal, will continue as an owner of the hotels and former CEO Jay Stein will join Hyatt as the Head of Dream Hotels.

Dream Hotels will join Hyatt’s Boundless Collection, The Chatwal and Unscripted Hotels will join Hyatt’s Independent Collection.

“Hyatt has a proven track record of preserving what makes lifestyle hotels special and is the ideal new home for our growing Dream Hotel Group brands. As an owner of Dream Hotel Group properties, I look forward to the next part of our journey, and I am confident there is a bright future ahead for our hotels, owners, guests, and team members as part of the Hyatt family.”

Sant Singh Chatwal, founder of Dream Hotel Group

Dream Hotels World of Hyatt Integration

With the acquisition now complete, we can expect Dream Hotel Group’s 12 existing properties to be quickly added into World of Hyatt.

So far, The Chatwal in New York City is the only property to have been added to the World of Hyatt loyalty program (on January 19, 2023). Some other properties are showing up on Hyatt.com but without availability. We can expect that to change quickly, though, so stay tuned.

If you’re curious about where in Hyatt’s portfolio the new hotels will fit in and their integration status into World of Hyatt, we put together a chart:

Dream Hotels: Party-Style Lifestyle Properties

The acquisition brings Dream’s portfolio of popular lifestyle hotels, including Dream Hotels, The Chatwal, and Unscripted Hotels, under the Hyatt flag. Hyatt describes Dream Hotels as being known for their “vibrant dining and nightlife experiences, including hotspot restaurants, lavish entertainment venues, and exclusive night clubs built on strategic collaborations with innovative and award-winning industry leaders.”

To put a finer point on it, the hotels are geared towards young travelers looking for a fun, party-style experience at a luxury hotel.

A quick look at Dream Hotels’ websites make it immediately clear exactly what you can expect if you book one of these properties. If you enjoy party or rave culture and you’re looking for a place to let loose and have the local nightlife spill into your hotel, then these properties are perfect for you. If you’d prefer a more traditional luxury hotel experience, steering clear of Dream Hotels is advisable.

Chatwal & Unscripted Hotels

Meanwhile, Chatwal Hotels and Unscripted Hotels are also lifestyle properties with upscale amenities. Chatwal Hotels have a distinct historical feel, with properties located in New York City and in the Catskills. Meanwhile, Unscripted Hotels offer a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. There’s currently only one property open in Durham.

Why Is Sant Singh Chatwal Selling Dream Hotels?

To anyone who’s followed Sant Singh Chatwal and his family drama, the fact that he’s selling Dream Hotel Group shouldn’t come as a shock. At one point, his son, Vikram Chatwal was expected to take over his family’s hotel empire. But he’s had a string of documented substance abuse and legal troubles. He was even once arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs onto an airplane in Florida.

In 2016, Vikram was arrested for attempting to light two Jack Russell Terriers on fire a charge he pled guilty to and was sentenced to community service, required to move back in with his parents, and added to the animal abuser registry. Meanwhile, he was banned from New York City’s Electric Room, a club he owns, according to a former club doorkeeper. Despite Vikram being his eldest son, it’s not shocking that Sant Singh Chatwal would rather sell Dream Hotel Group than allow his empire to be left in his son’s hands.

Bottom line

Hyatt has completed the acquisition of Dream Hotel Group, which includes Dream Hotels, Chatwal Hotels, and Unscripted Hotels with properties in America, Europe, and Asia. The acquisition initially adds 12 hotels to Hyatt’s portfolio and increases the company’s room count in New York City by more than 30%. Only the Chatwal in New York has been integrated into the World of Hyatt program so far, with other properties expected to join soon.