Worldwide: Lifestyle hotel brand YOTEL has signed an exclusive franchise agreement with Hilton, with the first YOTEL properties available for booking through Hilton channels later this year.
YOTEL will continue to independently manage and license its brand at 23 hotels across 10 countries, with a goal of more than tripling its portfolio in the coming years.
Currently, YOTEL’s portfolio spans cities such as New York, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Glasgow and Singapore.
As part of the agreement, YOTEL has also becoming the founding member of soft brand Select by Hilton, which aims to grow via “high-quality, established hotel brands”. Select by Hilton brands will retain independence and brand management while connecting to the Hilton Honors loyalty program.
Christian Charnaux, executive vice president and chief development officer, Hilton, said: “The addition of YOTEL to Hilton’s network is the latest example of our commitment to capital efficient growth through a relationship that is both complementary to our existing brand portfolio and offers guests thoughtfully designed, sleek new ways to stay with Hilton in key urban locations around the world. This agreement further strengthens our network effect by connecting a beloved independent brand like YOTEL into the powerful Hilton Honors network and commercial distribution system, while preserving what makes the brand unique.”
Phil Andreopoulos, chief executive officer, YOTEL, added: “Hilton brings unmatched global distribution and loyalty scale to our brand and business. YOTEL’s relationship with Hilton allows us to expand our reach while staying true to who we are. What changes for YOTEL is access – not identity – in a capital-light, and scalable way.”
Highlights:
- YOTEL has signed an exclusive franchise agreement with Hilton, enabling its lifestyle hotel portfolio to be distributed and booked via Hilton channels later this year.
- The YOTEL portfolio includes urban hotels in cities such as New York, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Glasgow and Singapore.
- As part of the partnership, YOTEL will become a founding member of Select by Hilton, a soft brand platform linking independent hotels to Hilton Honors loyalty and distribution systems.
- Under the agreement, YOTEL will continue independently managing and licensing its 23 hotels across 10 countries while pursuing expansion plans to more than triple its global portfolio.
