The Standard is Rising to New Heights in Thailand — and Beyond

It’s safe to say that The Standard, the hip and highly hyped hotel brand with locations in the U.S., U.K., and Maldives, is different than the rest — in the best way possible. According to Amar Lalvani, CEO of Standard International, the hotel’s parent company, that’s exactly the point. “I’d like to think many in the hospitality business are sort of backward looking,” Lalvani expressed. “And I think we’re very forward looking.”

Looking Forward After the Pandemic

Now, having mostly weathered the pandemic — most locations are open or will be soon, though The Standard, Hollywood closed permanently in January — Lalvani and his team are indeed looking forward. With exciting plans to expand The Standard’s ethos, design, and unique vibes to cultural hubs worldwide, the brand is first turning to Asia for its new ventures.

New Locations in Thailand

Partnering with King Power Group, a key player in the duty-free shopping industry, Standard International will launch two new locations in Thailand, beginning with its Asian flagship, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon. Slated to open in December, this hotel will feature 155 rooms in the 78-story King Power Mahanakhon, a futuristic skyscraper that Lalvani calls “one of the most impressive developments in the region, if not the world.”

Design Celebrating Glamour

Standard International’s in-house design team, in collaboration with Spain- and Italy-based Hayon Studio, will oversee the interior design for the Bangkok property. As Lalvani notes, this will “celebrate the brand’s Hollywood glamour,” reflecting its journey from L.A. to New York, London, and now merging the East and West. The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon will feature the country’s first Mott 32, the sought-after Cantonese restaurant with locations in Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and Vancouver, alongside creative interpretations of the iconic Standard Grill, and other unique bars and eateries.

Incorporating Local Culture

“We’re bringing all the stuff into the region to showcase what Standard’s all about but also to incorporate what we love about Bangkok,” Lalvani shared. Having lived in the city back in the late 1990s, he emphasized the aim to create an experience where people can truly immerse themselves in the vibrant fabric of Bangkok.

Second Location: The Standard, Hua Hin

The Standard’s second venture in Thailand forgoes the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, opting instead for Hua Hin, a beach town favored by the affluent. “It is maybe overused, but it’s like the Hamptons of Bangkok,” Lalvani described this coastal retreat, just two and a half hours from the capital.

Overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, The Standard, Hua Hin provides beachfront access, while also being near the town’s street food stalls and markets. Guests can choose from 199 rooms, including a yellow King Suite with scenic garden views or opt for one of the 19 luxurious pool villas that come with private decks and plunge pools.

This resort, also opening in December, will feature multiple dining options including The Lido, a Mediterranean dining spot; Praia, a delightful Thai beach bar; and The Juice Bar. Additionally, a spa incorporating holistic and modern techniques, a gym, and a pool further enhance the resort’s offerings.

Why Hua Hin is Worth Visiting

While many may initially think of Koh Samui and Phuket when considering Thai beaches, Lalvani believes Hua Hin deserves a spot among the top choices. “It’s a beautiful little beach town that’s historically been where the royal family and others have had their palaces,” he noted. Despite having strong wellness resort offerings, there is a unique opportunity for The Standard to introduce something vibrant and fun. “No one has really done anything vibrant and fun and interesting like The Standard,” he concluded.

Future Expansion Plans

Beyond Thailand, Standard International has plans to open additional properties in notable cities including Brussels, Lisbon, Porto, Singapore, and Melbourne in the coming years. Regardless of the location, each upcoming Standard hotel is designed to attract both its loyal fan base and a new generation of post-COVID travelers seeking chic spots to relax, party, or work.

This Gorgeous Bar at Thailand’s Tallest Skyscraper

The concept is that a single individual could relish a beer under the stars in Marfa or enjoy a martini at the Boom Boom Room. This notion of luxury and upscale experience is evolving. “What I do is create stuff that I love, and that the team loves, just stuff that we really, really enjoy. And we believe that if we really enjoy it, others will, too,” Lalvani affirmed.