The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of Singapore’s CapitaLand Investment, has signed seven new properties through franchise and management agreements totalling nearly 1,100 units across Vienna and Seville, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing European expansion.
These additions will expand Ascott’s European portfolio to 64 properties with nearly 8,500 units across 26 cities in 10 countries, including both operational and pipeline properties. Globally, Ascott’s portfolio now totals over 1,000 properties with over 175,000 units.
Expanding through Strategic Partnerships in Vienna and Seville
The five new signings in Vienna deepen Ascott’s partnership with property developer VIE Trust Real Estate Group, with whom it already partners on three properties: Citadines South Vienna, lyf Schönbrunn Vienna and Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna. They will add 750 units across various brands to Ascott’s portfolio in Vienna, including a second lyf-branded property opening by end-2026.
Located in the city’s 15th district, the upcoming 150-unit lyf property is conveniently adjacent to the train station offering connections to major international and regional destinations, with seamless access to a shopping centre. These additions will bring Ascott’s Vienna portfolio to nine properties totalling nearly 1,400 units, strengthening its position as one of the city’s leading international hospitality operators.
Two Seville signings
Meanwhile, the two Seville signings extend Ascott’s partnership with real estate developer Forty Management SA, with whom it is also managing a project under The Crest Collection in Bucharest. The two properties – a 250-unit lyf and a 120-unit Somerset – will be part of the 12.5-hectare mixed-use mega project Lagoon City Seville anchored by an 18,000-square-metre man-made crystalline lagoon surrounded by beaches.
Located just 10 minutes from Seville’s city centre in an affluent area and adjacent to an 18-hole golf course, the resort development will include residential apartments and villas, a convention centre and many recreational amenities, restaurants and bars.
Scheduled to open at the end of 2028, the two Seville properties mark Ascott’s first beachside resort project in Europe and will expand the company’s Spanish portfolio from a single property in Barcelona (Citadines Ramblas Barcelona) to three properties with over 500 units.
lyf Brand Gains Momentum Across Europe
The signings were announced at the official opening of lyf Gambetta Paris on 16 October, Ascott’s first lyf property in France and the third to open in Europe.
Located in the Gambetta neighbourhood of the 20th arrondissement, the 140-unit property is the third lyf property to open in Europe, following lyf East Frankfurt and lyf Schönbrunn Vienna. The transformation of this former early 20th-century printing house into a vibrant social living hub is complemented by partnerships with neighbourhood artisans and businesses that connect guests with authentic Parisian culture.
Building on this momentum, Ascott will open four lyf properties in 2026 – a second property in Vienna and three in the UK. lyf Chelsea London, slated to open in 2Q 2026, will transform the existing 232-unit Stamford Bridge Hotel London within the grounds of Chelsea Football Club.
Through Ascott’s partnership as Chelsea FC’s Official Hotels Partner, the property will give fans and Ascott Star Rewards members unprecedented access to the club’s world. lyf will then expand to Manchester and Glasgow in the later part of 2026, establishing the brand’s presence across some of the UK’s most dynamic urban centres.
The Unlimited Collection Debuts in Europe
Following a brand refresh in August 2024, The Unlimited Collection has entered Europe with three distinctive properties in culturally rich destinations.
Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection, located on Edinburgh’s renowned Princes Street, became the first addition in September 2024. Offering 169 rooms and stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the hotel seamlessly weaves the Scottish capital’s storied literary and whisky heritage throughout the guest experience.
In August 2025, the 136-room Temple Bar Hotel Dublin by The Unlimited Collection on Dublin’s Fleet Street joined the brand, immersing guests in the city’s legendary music scene through its iconic Buskers Bar – featuring live contemporary music daily and cocktail-making classes – and the award-winning Buskers on the Ball sports bar.
Coming next, The Grand Hotel Leicester by The Unlimited Collection is scheduled to reopen before end-2025 with 104 individually designed rooms following a transformation that honours the historic property’s Art Deco grandeur and theatrical legacy. As the only hotel built in the 1900s remaining in Leicester, the property features the city’s largest historic ballroom.
Ascott Continues European Portfolio Rejuvenation
In parallel with new openings, Ascott is actively upgrading its existing properties to ensure long-term competitiveness across key European markets.
Following renovations of Citadines Les Halles Paris, Citadines Holborn-Covent Garden London, Citadines Kurfürstendamm Berlin and La Clef Tour Eiffel Paris by The Crest Collection in 2024, Citadines République Paris will complete its transformation in 4Q 2025. Renovations of Citadines Part-Dieu Lyon and Citadines Bastille Gare de Lyon Paris will commence in 4Q 2025.
