Highlights:
- Five new Vienna properties more than double Ascott’s existing presence in the city
- Somerset and lyf brands make their debut in Seville as part of the landmark Lagoon City resort development
- lyf Gambetta Paris officially opens, becoming the third operational lyf in Europe as the brand expands to eight locations continent-wide
- The Unlimited Collection launches in Europe with three distinctive hotels offering culturally immersive stays in Edinburgh, Dublin, and Leicester
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has announced the signing of seven new properties in Vienna and Seville through franchise and management agreements. Together, these projects will deliver nearly 1,100 units and mark a significant step forward in Ascott’s continued European expansion.
With these latest additions, Ascott’s European portfolio will grow to 64 properties comprising almost 8,500 units across 26 cities in 10 countries, encompassing both operational and pipeline assets. On a global scale, Ascott now manages more than 1,000 properties with over 175,000 units worldwide.
The signings were unveiled during the official opening of lyf Gambetta Paris, Ascott’s first lyf-branded property in France. Since its soft launch, the property has received highly positive feedback from guests, fostering a vibrant community that reflects the growing popularity of the experience-led social living brand. With eight properties now open or in development across Europe, the lyf brand continues to build strong momentum. In addition, Ascott’s European portfolio has seen robust performance, supported by the launch of three properties under The Unlimited Collection and four upcoming lyf openings in 2026.
Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott, said:
“Europe is a cornerstone of Ascott’s global growth strategy, offering a resilient, high-yield market underpinned by strong tourism fundamentals and fragmented supply, where a significant portion of quality assets remain unbranded. Our expansion in Vienna, entry into Seville and growing lyf and The Unlimited Collection presence in Europe reflect the increasing demand from property owners and investors for trusted operators with global scale, proven brand architecture and robust distribution capabilities. By deepening Ascott’s asset-light model in Europe through franchise and management agreements, we are scaling efficiently while building long-term brand equity across one of the world’s most attractive hospitality markets.”
Strategic Growth in Vienna and Seville
Ascott’s five new signings in Vienna further strengthen its partnership with developer VIE Trust Real Estate Group, with whom it already collaborates on Citadines South Vienna, lyf Schönbrunn Vienna, and Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna. These latest projects will add around 750 units to Ascott’s Vienna portfolio, including a second lyf-branded property set to open by late 2026. Situated in the 15th district, the new 150-unit lyf will enjoy excellent transport links via the nearby train station and direct access to a shopping centre. With these additions, Ascott’s Vienna presence will grow to nine properties totalling nearly 1,400 units, reinforcing its status as one of the city’s leading international hospitality operators.
In Seville, Ascott has extended its collaboration with developer Forty Management SA, with whom it is already developing The Crest Collection in Bucharest. The two new properties—a 250-unit lyf and a 120-unit Somerset—will form part of the 12.5-hectare Lagoon City Seville, a mixed-use resort anchored by an 18,000-square-metre crystalline lagoon surrounded by beaches. Just 10 minutes from the city centre, the resort is set in an affluent area adjacent to an 18-hole golf course and is designed to address Seville’s lack of coastal access. Alongside Ascott’s managed properties, the development will include villas, residences, a convention centre, restaurants, bars, and recreational facilities. Scheduled to open in late 2028, the two hotels will represent Ascott’s first beachside resort project in Europe and expand its Spanish portfolio from one property in Barcelona (Citadines Ramblas Barcelona) to three, comprising over 500 units.
Mr Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer, Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia and China, Ascott, said:
“The momentum across our European portfolio reflects a disciplined expansion strategy focused on destinations where quality accommodation meets authentic demand. From lyf’s experience-led social living spaces to The Unlimited Collection’s culturally rooted hotels and our established Citadines, Somerset and The Crest Collection brands, each has a clear identity yet remains adaptable across formats and traveller segments. Our multi-typology brand strategy enables us to deploy brands across diverse formats, from urban centres to resort destinations, expanding our reach while maintaining brand integrity. Whether in gateway cities or emerging leisure destinations, we remain committed to creating stay experiences that connect guests meaningfully to the places and communities they visit.”
lyf Brand Expands Rapidly Across Europe
lyf Gambetta Paris officially opened on 16 October 2025, marking the brand’s entry into France. Located in the lively Gambetta district in the 20th arrondissement, the 140-unit property is the third operational lyf in Europe, following lyf East Frankfurt and lyf Schönbrunn Vienna. Since its soft launch in June 2025, it has cultivated an active guest community through curated events and creative social programming. The property features signature lyf amenities such as the Connect coworking zone, Bond shared kitchen, Burn social gym, and the All Together villa with a private garden for up to six guests. Set within a repurposed early 20th-century printing house, the property connects visitors with authentic Parisian culture through collaborations with local artisans and businesses.
Looking ahead, Ascott will open four additional lyf properties in 2026 – one more in Vienna and three in the UK. Among these, lyf Chelsea London is due to open in the second quarter of 2026, transforming the existing 232-unit Stamford Bridge Hotel London located within Chelsea Football Club’s grounds. Just five minutes from Fulham Broadway station, the property will offer easy access to London’s museums, theatres, and retail districts. Through Ascott’s partnership as Chelsea FC’s Official Hotels Partner, the hotel will give supporters and Ascott Star Rewards members unique access to the club’s experiences, creating an immersive stay at one of football’s most iconic venues. The brand will also expand to Manchester and Glasgow later in 2026, cementing its presence across the UK’s most vibrant urban destinations.
The Unlimited Collection Launches in Europe
Complementing lyf’s expansion, Ascott is introducing The Unlimited Collection brand across Europe. Following its brand refresh in August 2024, three new properties have joined the portfolio in culturally rich cities. The first, Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection, opened in September 2024 on the historic Princes Street, offering 169 rooms and sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle while paying tribute to the city’s literary and whisky heritage.
In August 2025, Temple Bar Hotel Dublin by The Unlimited Collection opened its doors on Dublin’s famed Fleet Street. With 136 rooms, the hotel immerses guests in the city’s vibrant music culture, featuring the iconic Buskers Bar with daily live performances, cocktail classes, and the award-winning Buskers on the Ball sports bar. Located in the heart of Dublin’s cultural quarter, the hotel provides easy access to key landmarks including Dublin Castle and the National Gallery of Ireland.
Next in line, The Grand Hotel Leicester by The Unlimited Collection will reopen by the end of 2025 with 104 individually styled rooms following a sensitive restoration that celebrates its Art Deco charm and theatrical legacy. The property houses Leicester’s largest historic ballroom, The Kings Hall—an event space that has hosted His Majesty The King, the Queen Mother, and Winston Churchill. Signature experiences such as the Grand Hour cocktail ritual and Leicester Grand Tea will highlight local traditions with a modern twist.
Rejuvenating Ascott’s European Portfolio
Alongside its expansion, Ascott continues to enhance its existing portfolio to maintain strong brand performance and market leadership across Europe. Following major refurbishments in 2024 at Citadines Les Halles Paris, Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London, Citadines Kurfürstendamm Berlin, and La Clef Tour Eiffel Paris by The Crest Collection, further upgrades are planned. Citadines République Paris will complete its renovation in Q4 2025, while works will commence at Citadines Part-Dieu Lyon and Citadines Bastille Gare de Lyon Paris later the same year.
