Ascott Group News

Ascott to expand presence in Philippines with Manila property
The Ascott has increased its presence in the Philippines by securing a contract to manage a serviced residence in Alabang, a major business district in Metro Manila. The 150-unit Somerset Alabang Manila is slated to open in 2017. It will reinforce Ascott’s position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in the Philippines with more than 1,400 apartment units across eight properties.

The Ascott boosts China offering with Wuxi properties
CapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott, has entered Wuxi in China by securing contracts to manage two serviced residences in the city. The 134-unit Ascott Central Wuxi and 169-unit Somerset Wuxi are slated to open in the second half of 2015. The new properties in Wuxi will further strengthen Ascott’s leadership position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in China with more than 8,600 apartment units in 48 properties across 19 cities.
New chief executive for the Ascott
CapitaLand has announced its wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott, has appointed Lee Chee Koon as its chief executive with effect from June 1st 2013. He will succeed Chong Kee Hiong who has resigned to pursue other opportunities.

Ascott rolls out free wi-fi to customers
The Ascott, the world’s largest international serviced residence owner-operator, is offering free internet access to all guests who book its apartments at Best Available Rates. Free internet will be available across more than 100 properties under the Ascott, Citadines and Somerset brands worldwide.

Alain Ferracani, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Europe, Ascott
Alain Ferracani, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Europe, Ascott, speaks to Breaking Travel News at ITB Berlin 2013.

Ascott Limited launches Citadines Suites
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the world’s largest international serviced residence owner-operator, will launch Citadines Suites early 2013 in Paris. Citadines Suites Louvre Paris will be the first property under Ascott’s new category of boutique serviced residences adding a third and upper tier to the existing Citadines Apart’hotel and Citadines Prestige labels in Europe.

New appointment for Ascott
Ascott has appointed Joanna Fisher as the new regional director of sales & marketing in London to run the sales & marketing operation for all three brands: Ascott The Residence; Citadines Apart’hotel; Somerset Serviced Residence.

Ascott to acquire SNC Costes K
CapitaLand owned serviced residence provider The Ascott has agreed to acquire SNC Costes K, which owns the prime Hotel K and an adjacent vacant residential property in Paris. The deal is based on an agreed asset value of €65 million (approximately S$118.4 million).

Ascott adds 5 properties and almost doubles portfolio
The company is to launch its fist Ascott branded property in France – Ascott Louvre Paris –in 2011, joining the highly successful Ascott Mayfair London as the company’s 2nd European residence

Ascott Opens Somerset in Chengdu
Ascott has opened its latest property in China, the Somerset Riverview, Chengdu. The serviced residence was acquired through the Ascott China Fund and became operational this month.

Ascott Opens Somerset on Thonglor
Ascott has opened its eighth property in Bangkok, Thailand. The 262-unit Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor is one of the largest serviced residences in Bangkok’s prime Thonglor (Sukhumvit Soi 55) district which is well known amongst expatriates and travellers for the convenience and vibrant international lifestyle it offers.
Ascott Group unwraps Tianjin property
The Ascott Group has opened its newest serviced residence property in Tianjin in northern China. The Somerset Youyi, Tianjin is set in the heart of Tianjin’s downtown Hexi commercial district, close to the bustling financial street Youyi Road.