Strengthening its presence in Vienna and Seville
In Vienna, Ascott is deepening its collaboration with VIE Trust Real Estate Group, adding five new projects totaling 750 units, including a second lyf property scheduled to open in late 2026.
Located in the 15th district, near a major railway station and shopping centre, the 150-unit lyf will complement Ascott’s existing portfolio, which will soon reach nine properties and nearly 1,400 units in the Austrian capital.
In Spain, Ascott expands its partnership with Forty Management SA through two new properties within the Lagoon City Seville mixed-use development. This 12.5-hectare resort will feature a large artificial lagoon, residential units, a convention centre, and dining venues.
The two upcoming properties — a 250-unit lyf and a 120-unit Somerset — mark Ascott’s entry into Seville and its first beachside resort project in Europe, expected to open by end-2028.
“Europe is a cornerstone of Ascott’s global growth strategy, supported by solid tourism fundamentals and a fragmented supply of unbranded quality assets. Our expansion in Vienna and Seville, and the growth of lyf and The Unlimited Collection, reflect increasing demand for trusted global operators with scalable, asset-light models.” – Kevin Goh, CEO, Ascott
lyf brand gains traction across Europe
On 16 October 2025, Ascott officially opened lyf Gambetta Paris, the brand’s first property in France and third in Europe. Located in Paris’s 20th arrondissement, the 140-unit property occupies a former industrial building and features communal areas such as coworking spaces, shared kitchens, and social zones.
Four more lyf properties are scheduled to open in 2026 — a second in Vienna and three in the UK: Chelsea (London), Manchester, and Glasgow. The Chelsea property will take over the former Stamford Bridge Hotel, within the grounds of the Chelsea Football Club, as part of Ascott’s ongoing partnership with the club.
“Our disciplined expansion focuses on destinations where quality accommodation aligns with authentic market demand. Each of our brands — lyf, The Unlimited Collection, Citadines, Somerset, and The Crest Collection — maintains a clear identity while adapting to various markets and traveller profiles.” – Lee Ngor Houai, COO Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and China, Ascott
The Unlimited Collection debuts in Europe
Following its 2024 brand refresh, The Unlimited Collection has launched in Europe with three distinctive properties:
- Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh (169 rooms), opened in September 2024 on Princes Street.
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Temple Bar Hotel Dublin (136 rooms), opened in August 2025, celebrating Dublin’s music and nightlife culture.
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The Grand Hotel Leicester (104 rooms), reopening by late 2025, restoring its Art Deco heritage and historic ballroom, The Kings Hall.
Ascott is simultaneously modernising its existing European assets. Recent renovations include Citadines Les Halles Paris, Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London, and La Clef Tour Eiffel Paris, with upcoming refurbishments planned for Paris, Lyon, and Berlin by the end of 2025.
Through these projects, Ascott reaffirms its commitment to long-term growth, operational excellence, and the diversification of its hospitality offering across key European markets.
