The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has announced seven new property signings across Vienna and Seville, adding nearly 1,100 units through franchise and management agreements. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in Ascott’s European growth journey, expanding its portfolio in the region to 64 properties with nearly 8,500 units across 26 cities in 10 countries. Globally, Ascott now manages over 1,000 properties and 175,000 units.
The announcement coincided with the official opening of lyf Gambetta Paris, Ascott’s first lyf-branded property in France. Following a successful soft launch earlier this year, the hotel has already attracted a vibrant community of guests, highlighting the growing appeal of Ascott’s experience-led social living brand. With eight lyf properties now open or in development across Europe—and several more in the pipeline—Ascott continues to strengthen its foothold in one of the world’s most dynamic hospitality markets.
Commenting on the development, Kevin Goh, CEO of The Ascott Limited, said, “Europe remains a cornerstone of Ascott’s global growth strategy, offering a resilient, high-yield market supported by strong tourism fundamentals and fragmented supply. Our expansion in Vienna, our entry into Seville, and the increasing presence of our lyf and The Unlimited Collection brands in Europe reflect the growing demand from property owners for trusted global operators. Through an asset-light approach, we are deepening our footprint efficiently while building long-term brand equity across key global markets.”
In Vienna, Ascott has signed five new properties in collaboration with VIE Trust Real Estate Group, adding 750 units across multiple brands to its existing city portfolio. Among them, a second lyf property will open by the end of 2026 in Vienna’s 15th district, located near a major train station and shopping center. Once completed, these additions will bring Ascott’s Vienna portfolio to nine properties and nearly 1,400 units, reinforcing its position as a leading international operator in the Austrian capital.
Meanwhile, in Seville, Ascott will expand through a partnership with Forty Management SA, with whom it already collaborates on The Crest Collection in Bucharest. The partnership includes two new properties—a 250-unit lyf and a 120-unit Somerset—that will anchor the 12.5-hectare Lagoon City Seville development. The project, featuring a crystalline lagoon, beaches, villas, a convention center, and retail spaces, will open in late 2028. These properties will mark Ascott’s first beachside resorts in Europe, expanding its Spanish portfolio from one to three properties.
Lee Ngor Houai, COO for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and China, said, “Our European expansion reflects a disciplined strategy that aligns brand identity with genuine market demand. From lyf’s social living concept to The Unlimited Collection’s boutique offerings, each brand connects travelers to the heart of their destinations while maintaining consistency, authenticity, and operational excellence.”
The newly opened lyf Gambetta Paris, located in the 20th arrondissement, offers 140 units and a thoughtfully curated mix of co-working and communal spaces, including Connect, Bond, and Burn—lyf’s signature social zones—along with a private garden villa that accommodates up to six guests. Moreover, the property exemplifies Ascott’s innovative approach to urban hospitality, combining functionality with a vibrant community experience. Importantly, the adaptive reuse of a former printing house into a modern social living hub underscores Ascott’s commitment to blending heritage, design, and community engagement. Overall, the project reflects the brand’s vision of creating dynamic, experience-led environments that connect travelers to the heart of local culture.
Looking ahead, Ascott plans to expand its European lyf portfolio with four new openings in 2026, including another property in Vienna and three in the United Kingdom. lyf Chelsea London, scheduled to open in Q2 2026 within the Chelsea Football Club grounds, will feature 232 units and offer exclusive experiences for Ascott Star Rewards members and football fans. The brand will also debut in Manchester and Glasgow later that year.
In parallel, The Unlimited Collection has made its European debut with properties in Edinburgh, Dublin, and Leicester. Each destination offers a distinct, culturally immersive experience—from Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh’s literary and whisky-inspired design to Temple Bar Hotel Dublin’s lively music-led vibe and the upcoming Grand Hotel Leicester, which celebrates the city’s Art Deco and theatrical heritage.
Moreover, the brand is investing in the revitalization of its existing European portfolio, with renovations underway at flagship Citadines and Crest Collection properties in Paris, London, Berlin, and Lyon. These upgrades underline Ascott’s commitment to operational excellence and guest satisfaction.
Through its asset-light model, diverse brand portfolio, and focus on meaningful guest experiences, Ascott continues to cement its position as one of Europe’s most diversified and trusted hospitality operators, shaping the future of modern hospitality across the continent.
