ASCOTT CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY EXCELLENCE

Enters Myanmar and secures management contract in Wuhan

Opens new properties in Frankfurt, Suzhou and Kuala Lumpur

(Singapore, 13 March 2014) CapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residence unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), continues to extend its global footprint as it kicks off its 30th anniversary celebrations with special promotions for its customers that include discounted rates and free nights.

Ascott, which pioneered Asia-Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence in 1984, has secured a contract to manage its first property in Myanmar, Somerset Kabar Aye Yangon, and its third property in Wuhan, Somerset Zhuankou Wuhan. In addition, Ascott has opened its first property in Frankfurt, Citadines City Centre Frankfurt and will open Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur on 21 March 2014 and Ascott Midtown Suzhou in April 2014.

Starting from one property each in Singapore (The Ascott Singapore on Scotts Road) and France (Citadines La Défense Paris), Ascott has grown to become the world’s largest international owner-operator of serviced residences, with more than 34,000 apartment units in 231 properties. Voted the ‘World’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2013, Ascott’s three award-winning brands of serviced residences – Ascott The Residence, Citadines Apart’hotel and Somerset Serviced Residence, provide a home away from home for expatriates and travellers in 83 cities across 23 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region.

Mr Lee Chee Koon, Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “As Ascott celebrates 30 years of successful business, we would like to thank all our customers for their unwavering support. In 2013 alone, we had over 1 million stays, of which a significant percentage was from repeat guests. To enable our guests to enjoy the comforts of home in more destinations, we plan to open 58 properties across 12 countries by 2018, of which about 20 properties are scheduled to open this year.”

He said: “Our focus this year is to seek investment opportunities in key markets where we have presence like Singapore, China, India, capital cities in Southeast Asia, Paris, London and key cities in Germany. We will also expand through management contracts and strategic alliances to achieve our target of 40,000 apartment units globally by 2015 and to strengthen Ascott’s position as the global serviced residence leader.”

Mr Lee added: “At Ascott, we are committed to continuous innovation and going the extra mile to provide our customers the best experience. Since our refurbishment programme started in 2010, we have invested close to S$100 million to renovate 20 properties. Ascott will spend another S$200 million to enhance 29 more properties by 2016. To celebrate Ascott’s 30th anniversary, we would like to reward our customers, thank our employees for their dedication and continue to give back to the communities as we look forward to the next 30 years and more.”

About Somerset Kabar Aye Yangon

Slated to open in early 2018, the 153-unit Somerset Kabar Aye Yangon is part of a mixed-use development that also comprises a luxury condominium. It is strategically located at the junction of the prime Kabar Aye Pagoda Road and the food and beverage belt of Sayar San Road that is popular with expatriates given its wide selection of international restaurants.

The serviced residence is a 15-minute drive from downtown Yangon and a 30-minute drive from Yangon International Airport. It is close to the diplomatic quarters around the scenic Inya Lake and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, a famous landmark in Yangon and one of the most venerated pagodas in Southeast Asia. Somerset Kabar Aye Yangon is surrounded by amenities including the International SOS clinic, Yankin shopping centre and educational establishments such as Yangon International School and Myanmar International School.

Ideal for executives travelling with families, guests can choose from a mix of spacious studios, one-, two or three-bedroom apartments to suit their lifestyle needs. Each apartment is stylishly furnished with contemporary décor and modern fittings, including a fully-equipped kitchen and separate living and dining areas. Somerset Kabar Aye Yangon offers a wide range of recreational facilities including residents’ lounge, gymnasium, swimming pool, children’s wading pool and children’s playground.

About Somerset Zhuankou Wuhan

Centrally located along Dongfeng Avenue, Somerset Zhuankou Wuhan has a prime location in the Wuhan Economic and Development Zone where more than 30 Fortune 500 companies such as PSA Peugeot Citro?n, Honda, Nissan Motor, Johnson Controls and Coca-Cola are based. Slated to open in 2018, the property is part of the Jianlong Zhuankou Guolinggongyuan mixed-use development, which comprises office, retail and residential components. It is close to the Wanda Plaza shopping mall, banks, convenience stores, restaurants, schools and a hospital. The Sports Center South subway station, which will be completed in 2015, is within a five-minute walk from the serviced residence.

The 245-unit Somerset Zhuankou Wuhan will offer studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments that come with a fully-equipped kitchen, separate work and living areas, as well as modern amenities. Residents can enjoy comprehensive facilities including meeting rooms, a business centre, clubhouse, residents’ lounge and swimming pool.

About Citadines City Centre Frankfurt (newly opened)

Citadines City Centre Frankfurt, which was a turnkey property that Ascott had acquired for €28 million in 2011, is Ascott’s first property in Frankfurt and its third to open in Germany, after Citadines Kurfürstendamm Berlin and Citadines Arnulfpark Munich.

The 165-unit Citadines City Centre Frankfurt is strategically located at the heart of Frankfurt’s new European Quarter (Europaviertel), a district across the renowned Frankfurt Messe Trade Fair area. The property is a short walking distance to the central station, congress centre, concert hall as well as a wide range of entertainment, dining, spa and shopping facilities. The Frankfurt Stock Exchange and main business district are just five minutes away by metro.

The serviced residence offers studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments with contemporary-chic design, comfortable furnishings, elegant artefacts and a fully-equipped kitchen. In addition, each of the one- and two-bedroom apartments has a spacious living area with a work station. The property provides complimentary WiFi access, a business centre, meeting room, private parking, hi-tech fitness zone, breakfast lounge and grocery corner. Catered to independent travellers who like the flexibility to choose the services they require, a menu of optional services, ranging from daily cleaning to shopping and booking a restaurant, are available on request.

About Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur (opening 21 March 2014)

The 157-unit Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur is strategically located in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, the largest commercial development in Kuala Lumpur and an exclusive urban centre that offers connectivity, business convenience and an international lifestyle.

The serviced residence is well-served by an excellent transportation network as Kuala Lumpur Sentral houses Malaysia’s largest transit hub with six rail networks that connect to all over the country. It only takes 28 minutes to reach the Kuala Lumpur International Airport via KLIA Express Rail. Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur is also surrounded by many retail, recreational and entertainment facilities. Attractions near the property include Lake Gardens, Bird Park, Chinatown and National Museum.

Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur offers a range of elegantly-designed studios to two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom penthouses. Its facilities include a swimming pool, children’s wading pool, gymnasium and function rooms.

About Ascott Midtown Suzhou (opening April 2014)

Ascott Midtown Suzhou is the first premier Ascott-branded serviced residence in Suzhou that offers business executives luxurious living in an exclusive environment. The 169-unit property is centrally located at the intersection of Zhongxin West Avenue and East Ring Road within the Suzhou Industrial Park which is home to major projects such as the Suzhou International Expo Centre and International Science and Technology Park.

The serviced residence is part of a mixed-use development that includes restaurants, recreational and retail amenities. Overlooking Jinji Lake, Ascott Midtown Suzhou is a five-minute drive to well-known commercial landmarks such as the Gate of the Orient and Global 188. The nearest subway Line 1 station is also within walking distance, providing easy access to the city centre.

Ascott Midtown Suzhou offers studio, one- to three- bedroom apartments that come with separate living and dining areas and a fully-equipped kitchen. The property’s facilities include an indoor-heated swimming pool, steam and sauna rooms, a 24-hour gymnasium, yoga room, children’s playroom, multi-purpose room, meeting rooms, wine bar, barbeque area and garden terrace.

Ascott’s 30th anniversary offers for customers

To commemorate the milestone occasion and show appreciation to its customers, Ascott is offering the following special promotions for stays from 1 April till 31 December 2014:

?  For Ascott’s online members, enjoy at least 30% off Best Flexible Rates in over 30 cities

Ascott’s online members will enjoy at least 30% off Best Flexible Rates at participating properties in over 30 cities worldwide. Simply log in or sign up for the complimentary Ascott online membership at www.the-ascott.com/en/myascott/signup.html to enjoy the special rates.

?  For guests on long stays, enjoy one free night for every 30 consecutive nights’ stay

Guests who make bookings of 30 consecutive nights or more will receive a complimentary night for every 30 consecutive nights of stay. Guests can redeem their free nights at any Ascott property worldwide.

?  Refer friends and associates and be rewarded

In-house guests who refer their friends or business associates to stay at Ascott’s serviced residences for a minimum of 30 nights will be rewarded with cash vouchers redeemable for complimentary stays at any Ascott serviced residence worldwide.

?  Ascott’s The Link Club members enjoy 30% off redemption points

Corporate clients who are members of Ascott’s rewards programme, The Link Club, can get 30% off redemption points between 1 April and 30 September 2014, where they will enjoy privileges such as dining, shopping and travel.

For more information on Ascott's 30th anniversary initiatives, please visit www.the-ascott.com/30year.