Ascott’s journey began with a bold step in 1984, introducing Asia Pacific’s first-ever serviced residence in Singapore. Over the past four decades, the group has embarked on a remarkable journey of growth and transformation, evolving from a pioneer of serviced residences into a global leader in hospitality.

With an extensive portfolio of 14 brands spanning over 970 properties across 230 cities, Ascott promises stays tailored for every need. Through the years, its brands such as Ascott, Citadines, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, and The Unlimited Collection have undergone brand refreshes, offering distinct guest experiences and stories geared at various travel segments, underscored by its unique flex-hybrid hotel-in-residence approach.  

A traveller’s home, wherever they may roam

La Clef Champs-Elysées Paris by The Crest Collection sits in the heart of Paris’ 8th arrondissement.

Ascott’s innovative “hotel-in-residence” model seamlessly merges the comforts of a fully serviced apartment with the luxuries of a hotel stay. From fully-equipped rooms and studios to larger apartments with multiple bedrooms, each property is well-appointed with varying configurations to meet the diverse needs of different markets and travel segments.

Whether you're travelling solo or in a group, properties such as the Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo, Citadines Bay City Manila, and Somerset Baitang Suzhou have all you need to make you feel at home, be it for a short sojourn or a longer term stay. Beyond the city's confines, travellers can also enjoy this hotel-in-residence concept in resort destinations such as the Ascott Dadonghai Bay Sanya, Somerset Pattaya, Oakwood Suites Chongli, and Oakwood Ha Long. 

Staying adaptive in the new era of blended travel

Today's travellers crave flexibility, and Ascott is at the forefront of this trend. The rise of “bleisure” travel – where business trips morph into leisure experiences – has opened new doors for Ascott’s Oakwood and Citadines brands. From convertible furniture to ensure efficient use of space at Citadines, to dedicated in-room workspace that fosters a conducive environment for heightened productivity at Oakwood properties, alongside programmes to enable ease of exploring the city, business travellers eager to extend their trips can now have the best of both worlds.

Citadines Science Park Singapore, located in the dynamic hub of Singapore’s Science Park, offers a unique blend of work and relaxation.

A harmonious blend of work and relaxation, the Citadines Science Park Singapore is conveniently located for business travellers working in the Singapore’s research and development area. Guests can unwind amidst the soothing green spaces and lifestyle amenities in its vicinity, or explore the city’s vibrant sights with easy public transportation options nearby. 

Oak Lounge, an exclusive rendition of the signature Oakbar featuring locally sourced wines and spirits at Oakwood Premier Melbourne.

Another example of how Ascott is primed for the ‘bleisure’ market is the Oakwood Premier Melbourne in Southbank, close to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Fancy a cocktail after a long work day? Visit the Oak Lounge, conveniently located at the property, for a cocktail tipple or enjoy a taste of locally sourced wines and spirits. Alternatively, take a stroll down the promenade along the Yarra River for a drink or two or wander through the South Melbourne Market nearby, well-loved by locals for its delectable culinary finds. 

Oakwood's "All You Knead is Comfort" campaign offers home-inspired culinary experiences, including cooking classes, chef collaborations, and special dining, until 31 March 2025.

For guests seeking the comforting familiarity of home, Oakwood also recently launched a campaign – All You Knead is Comfort, to invite guests to experience the comforts of home through food-inspired activations, including cooking classes, celebrity chef collaborations and limited-time offerings at on-property restaurants, available through 31 March 2025. A digital cookbook Comfort, Curated, featuring recipes of comfort food dishes by Oakwood chefs from all 12 countries that Oakwood currently operates in, is also available for free download on the brand campaign webpage.

Where every stay is a cultural adventure 

With travellers increasingly seeking authentic local experiences, Ascott also aims to connect guests with the true essence of their destination through stays at their collection brands such as The Crest Collection that integrates heritage stories with curated hospitality experiences, as well as The Unlimited Collection.

KēSa House by The Unlimited Collection is a charming retreat nestled within a row of conserved shophouses in Singapore’s Chinatown.

Nestled within charming neighbourhoods abounding with stories to tell, The Unlimited Collection offers immersive stays that go beyond typical tourist experiences. KēSa House by The Unlimited Collection and Wanderlust by The Unlimited Collection stand proud as two beautifully restored properties housed in Singapore’s heritage buildings, having won accolades from Forbes as the Best Boutique Hotel and Best Hotel for Couples. 

The Unlimited Collection continues to expand its footprint. Anmira Resort & Spa Hoi An in Vietnam beckons with its stunning Indochine-inspired design, providing a serene retreat nestled between the vibrant Hoi An Old Town and the tranquil shores of Cua Dai Beach. Its latest opening, the Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh, sits on an unrivalled location on the renowned Princes Street, a stone’s throw away from historic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Slated to open this year, Temple Bar Hotel Dublin by The Unlimited Collection will mark the brand’s first outpost in Dublin, Ireland, as a cultural icon celebrating the best of local Irish music.

Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection boasts an unmatched location in the heart of Scotland’s vibrant capital.

Another way that Ascott connects guests to the pulse of the city is through its #lyfgoesLOCAL programme helmed by its experience-led social living brand – lyf. This initiative helps guests explore their surroundings with handy neighbourhood guides incorporating culture, attractions, design and art, as well as F&B and lifestyle privileges in its locality. 

Embracing wellness, sustainability, and inclusivity

Travelling can impact one’s wellbeing, as well as the environment, which is why Ascott is committed to prioritising guests’ holistic wellness for a diverse range of travellers and integrating sustainability practices at its properties. 

Located adjacent to the Baitang Ecological Botanic Garden, Somerset Baitang Suzhou is ideal for travellers who value balanced living with easy access to the comforts of home. Among its 194-rooms is also a selection of suites including Forest-themed and Tatami-themed suites, well-tailored for families.

A champion of sustainability and inclusivity, Ascott’s Somerset brand offers an array of sustainability and wellness-focused initiatives, ensuring that every stay is both meaningful and rejuvenating. From wooden keycards to eco-friendly in-room stationery and amenities, guests are encouraged to practise the sustainable way-of-life upon checking in, in line with the Ascott CARES programme.

At Somerset Baitang Suzhou in China, guests are greeted by the sight of a signature nature-inspired lobby wall adorned with bookshelves that serve as trellises for plants. While over at Somerset Pattaya, an Eco Gym which houses gym equipment and technology that are either energy-saving or power-generating, allows guests to be mindful of the energy they consume and at the same time generate electricity while exercising.

Click here to embark on the next adventure with Ascott and discover a world where flexibility, comfort, and authenticity come together to create unforgettable memories.

The article is brought to you by The Ascott Limited