Hilton is making a major move in the booming lifestyle hotel market through a new exclusive agreement with YOTEL, a sleek, design-driven hospitality brand known for its compact smart rooms and futuristic guest experience.
The partnership will bring YOTEL into Hilton’s growing global network while allowing the brand to maintain its distinct identity and independently manage its hotels. The move also marks the launch of Hilton’s newly established “Select by Hilton” platform, designed to bring high-quality independent hotel brands into Hilton’s powerful reservation and loyalty ecosystem.
YOTEL becomes the first brand under the new Select by Hilton umbrella.
Founded in London in 2007, YOTEL built its reputation on space-saving room concepts, automated technology, and modern urban design aimed at travelers looking for efficiency without sacrificing style. The company currently operates 23 hotels across 10 countries, including major cities such as New York, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Singapore, and Glasgow.
One of the brand’s signature features is the YOTEL SmartBed, which transforms from a flatbed into a sofa with the push of a button. Many locations also include automated luggage systems and self-service tech designed to streamline the guest experience.
Hilton executives say the agreement helps the hospitality giant strengthen its presence in the increasingly competitive lifestyle travel sector while staying true to its asset-light growth strategy.
“The addition of YOTEL to Hilton’s network is the latest example of our commitment to capital efficient growth,” said Christian Charnaux. “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.”
For YOTEL, the partnership offers access to Hilton’s enormous global distribution system and nearly 250 million members of the Hilton Honors loyalty program.
“Hilton brings unmatched global distribution and loyalty scale to our brand and business,” said Phil Andreopoulos. “What changes for YOTEL is access — not identity.”
Once fully integrated, Hilton Honors members staying at participating YOTEL properties will be able to earn and redeem points while accessing Hilton’s digital booking and contactless technology features through the Hilton Honors app.
The first YOTEL properties are expected to become bookable through Hilton channels later in 2026.
The partnership highlights how major hotel companies are increasingly seeking growth through lifestyle and experience-driven brands as travelers continue prioritizing design, flexibility, and tech-enabled convenience alongside traditional hospitality perks.