An ambitious expansion strategy
Located not far from the Père Lachaise cemetery, the lyf Gambetta establishment marks the debut of this hybrid concept on the French market. Developed by The Ascott Limited group, the brand is already well established in Europe, with its first opening in 2023 in Vienna, and its development is far from over.
Launched in 2019 in Singapore, Lyf is the fruit of collaborative work between Ascott teams and students via an innovation laboratory. Its ambition: to bring tourists and local residents together in shared living spaces.
To date, the portfolio comprises 35 establishments, either open or under development, with a stated goal of 150 units worldwide by 2030, with priority given to major regional cities with high potential, such as Glasgow and Manchester.
A flexible offering in the heart of the 20th arrondissement, designed for travellers and residents alike
The Group signed this project with property developer COFFIM in 2021. ‘The opening of Lyf Gambetta in Paris marks a key step in the European development of our lifestyle brand,’ says Ngor Houai Lee, COO EMEA, South Asia & Europe, The Ascott Limited.
Lyf Gambetta offers a total of 140 units, divided between rooms and flats, to cater for a variety of needs and lengths of stay. Prices start from €180 per night, with six different types of accommodation ranging from 15 to 65 m².
In keeping with its philosophy of openness to the neighbourhood, the establishment also offers spaces that are accessible to local residents, such as a gym, rooftops (one of which is always open to the public) and coworking spaces to encourage exchanges.
Located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, Lyf Gambetta is fully in line with the local dynamic as a hybrid and inclusive space. ‘Our main ambition is to bring travellers together with local residents,’ stresses Vangelis Porikis, Regional General Manager lyf – Ascott Europe.
A hybrid model to enhance the experience
It’s a hybrid concept that’s in tune with the times, and one that’s also appealing to investors. Each establishment combines hotel functions with community living spaces: shared kitchens (Bond), coworking areas (Connect), meeting spaces (Collab), fitness areas (Burn) and laundry facilities.
Lyf Gambetta also has a karaoke room (Sing) and two rooftops that can be used for private parties. The rooms, measuring between 15 and 65 m², are suitable for stays ranging from a few nights to several weeks, and include studios and furnished flats.
The range of rooms and flats is extremely varied, based around 6 categories including ‘one of a kind’, ‘level up plus’, ‘two of a kind plus’ and ‘all together’. The latter is special in that it consists of a house with 3 independent suites and a shared living area with a private garden.
Architecture designed to break down barriers
Designed by Roque Intérieurs, the Lyf Gambetta is housed in a former Parisian printing works, of which it retains 50% of the original structures, reflecting a CSR approach that has been taken on board through HQE certification.
“For the Lyf Gambetta project in Paris, we had a formidable architectural heritage. The building is part of a former printing works, which has undergone major renovation and construction work, and we wanted to preserve the spirit of the place. – Fabien Roque, Founder of Roque Intérieurs
Stainless steel, chrome, skylights and industrial codes pay tribute to the place while asserting a contemporary identity. ‘The bedroom remains a sanctuary, but the communal areas have been deliberately opened up to encourage people to get together,’ explains Alice Lefebvre, interior designer in charge of the project at Roque Intérieurs.
Local roots and community dynamics
Headed by Arthur Loiseau, the general manager, known here as lyf champion, the Paris site is positioned as a living space open to the neighbourhood. The “Bistouille” bistro caters for both travellers and local residents, with a focus on products selected from local merchants.
Job dating without CVs was used to recruit people with cross-disciplinary skills, capable of taking on roles as diverse as reception, entertainment and the creation of digital content, a function embodied by the Ambassador of Buzz, who is none other than Saratou in Paris.
Since it opened on 5 May last year, the establishment has recorded dynamic visitor numbers, with peaks of 100% occupancy and a progressively more international clientele (2/3 foreigners today compared with 1/3 at the very beginning), made up of digital nomads, corporate travellers and urbanites on the move.
“Today’s travellers are looking for much more than a place to stay: they want to connect with the area and enjoy unique experiences. At lyf Gambetta Paris, every space is designed to encourage dialogue and collaborative working. lyf is part of the community, but the community is also part of lyf.” Vangelis Porikis – Regional General Manager lyf – Ascott Europe
Many residents of the 20th arrondissement visited the site as soon as it was launched, a sign of genuine local interest. A large number of the establishment’s facilities are also accessible to them, including the F&B area, the central garden, the coworking spaces and the fitness room.
