Hyatt is reportedly in advanced talks to buy Standard International, Red Robin offers more—not less—in a bid to improve profits, and BDNY registration is now open. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Kengo Kuma designs the world’s first audio museum

Photo by Yongbaek Lee
Following two years of construction, architecture firm Kengo Kuma and Associates has completed Audeum, an audio museum in the Gangnam district of Seoul. The new South Korea institution, which spans approximately 2.4 million square feet, marks the world’s first-ever museum dedicated to sound, according Archinect. The structure’s exterior is enveloped in overlapping aluminum louvers that extend downward to create an interplay of shadows. Inside, exhibition rooms are clad in wood to foster a gradual shift from the hard exterior to a softer interior. “Going forward, we will not be healed solely by the visual,” Kuma says. “Sound will play a critical role in our healing and recovery from various sources of modern-day stress. Audeum will symbolize a new era of healing through a sense of hearing.”
Hyatt looks to acquire Standard International

A penthouse suite at the 155-key Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon; photo courtesy of Standard International
According to Bloomberg, hotel giant Hyatt is in the advanced stages of negotiations to purchase boutique operator Standard International. If the transaction, which is not yet finalized, goes through, Standard International would join Hyatt’s expansive portfolio of brands, including Alila, Thompson Hotels, and Apple Leisure Group, which were also added via acquisitions. Standard International—Hospitality Design’s 2024 Hotel Company of the Year—operates the Standard, Bunkhouse Group, and the Peri Hotel properties in Miami, London, Bangkok, and beyond. No financial details have been disclosed at this time.
Daycation unlocked: Demand for resort day passes is booming

The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New York City, one of ResortPass’ many hotel partners; photo courtesy of Virgin Hotels
Both cost-conscious travelers and local staycation seekers can indulge for less as more and more hotels and resorts offer onsite amenities to day pass holders, writes The New York Times. Plus, it’s a win-win of sorts: Properties bring in a stream of revenue despite not operating at full occupancy, while guests avoid spending hundreds on lofty nightly rates. Hilton, for instance, began rolling out its partnership with ResortPass this spring at 175 of its 7,600 global locations. ResortPass access, sold on either its app or website, starts at $25 per day and more than 70 percent of its 1,500-plus hotel partners around the world offer a day pass for $65 or less.
Can all-you-can-eat options improve restaurant chains’ woes?

Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
Despite fellow restaurant chain Red Lobster citing its bottomless shrimp deal (along with as an asset-stripping strategy favored by private-equity firms) as one reason that contributed to the company filing for bankruptcy in May, Red Robin is doubling down on its all-you-can-eat offerings in a new push to attract patrons. In lieu of meal deals or cutting prices, the burger restaurant has added more than 30 unlimited options to its menu, The Wall Street Journal reports. Red Robin, which has been under new leadership for close to two years, is hoping to entice inflation-weary consumers with bottomless fries, drinks, and more, as well as an enhanced loyalty program and customer experience—and early findings show the improvements are resonating with diners.
Registration is now open for BDNY 2024!

Moderator Alissa Ponchione, Hospitality Design with Blake Danner, AKA Hotels + Residences; Tom Parker, Fettle; Ryan Nelson, INTER_IAM; and Julien Albertini, Asthetique on the BDNY 2023 Mainstage; photo by PWP Studio
BDNY will soon return to the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York. Taking place November 10–11th, the annual trade fair and conference, presented by HD’s sister publication Boutique Design, will once again connect boutique hospitality brands and designers with a curated selection of vendors, unique experiences, and hospitality products from around the world. New to the show floor: A yet-to-be-named F&B pavilion featuring high-end restaurant and bar design, complete with an active café space envisioned by Jessica Gidari of J.GIDARI. Register today! Early conference rates expire soon.
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