Ascott Secures First Franchise Agreements

Ascott has secured its first franchise agreements in Vientiane, the capital city of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Bali, Indonesia.

The agreements are for an operating serviced residence in Vientiane that will be rebranded as a 116-unit Somerset Vientiane in Q4 2014, and a 194-unit Citadines Kuta Beach Bali that is scheduled to open in August of this year.

Mr Lee Chee Koon, Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “These franchise agreements mark a new milestone for Ascott. Since opening our first property in Singapore 30 years ago, Ascott has grown to be the world’s largest international serviced residence owner-operator. We have built sound hospitality management systems, an extensive sales and distribution network, strong brand recognition and loyalty globally. Franchise will be one of Ascott’s growth drivers for the future. It will allow us to build our scale rapidly in our existing markets and expand into new markets. Through the franchise agreements, we have added two more cities to our portfolio to reach 85 cities worldwide. Together with investments, management contracts and strategic alliances, franchise will bring us closer to achieving our target of 40,000 apartment units globally by 2015.”

Ascott awarded the franchise for Somerset Vientiane to a subsidiary of LCD Global Investments Ltd, a real estate and hospitality group listed on the Singapore stock exchange. Under the agreement, the serviced residence will be managed by Ascott for the first two years to ensure that it is refurbished to Somerset brand standards before transitioning to a franchise arrangement.

The franchise for Citadines Kuta Beach Bali was awarded to PT Menara Permata Propertindo. Ascott is also managing Somerset Kencana Jakarta for the company and the property is slated to open in 2015.

Somerset Vientiane

Somerset Vientiane is located at the junction of Rue Samsenthai and Rue Setthathilah, where the prominent statue of King Fa Ngum, the first king of the Laotian Kingdom of Lan Xang, stands. It is a five-minute drive from the river-fronting Chanthabouli Business District and a 15-minute drive from Wattay International Airport.

Ideal for both business and leisure, the serviced residence is conveniently situated within major commercial, diplomatic and shopping areas in the new business and residential Sikhottabong district.

Somerset Vientiane will also be well suited for families, being close to educational establishments such as the Vientiane International School, Australian International School and the Kittisack International School.

The serviced residence was conferred four-star status by the Ministry of Information and Tourism of Laos in 2012. With 116 units ranging from spacious studios to two-bedroom apartments with ensuite kitchen and bathroom, Somerset Vientiane will cater to business travellers and their families with a myriad of modern business and recreational facilities such as a business centre, meeting room, tennis court, lap pool, gymnasium, sauna, jacuzzi, children’s playground, residents’ lounge and outdoor breakfast area.

Citadines Kuta Beach Bali

Citadines Kuta Beach Bali offers a prime beachfront location in vibrant Kuta, famous for its long beach that connects the nearby districts of Legian and Seminyak.

The property is within walking distance to the retail, dining, and entertainment hub of Beachwalk shopping complex and the bustling nightlife of Kuta. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is also a 10-minute drive away.

Citadines Kuta Beach Bali offers panoramic views of the sea as it is steps away from the beach. Guests can choose from studios and two-bedroom apartments, with some of the apartments providing a kitchenette and washing machine. Each apartment is also designed to reflect a local touch, with fabrics influenced by traditional Ikat designs.

Guests on business will be able to make use of the serviced residence’s meeting room and business corner.

For leisure, guests can enjoy the rooftop swimming pool and bar while overlooking the breathtaking Kuta beach or work out at the gymnasium. A restaurant serving delectable Indonesian and international cuisine, launderette and complimentary wireless internet access are also available in the property.

“We are excited to bring our Somerset brand to Laos, which has been attracting foreign direct investments in its natural resources and hydropower sectors. As the Laos government pushes for more economic reforms and creates more special economic zones across the country, the number of expatriates and corporate travellers in the economic hub of Vientiane will increase. This will generate significant demand for our serviced residence, especially since there is a lack of international-class serviced residences in Vientiane,” said Mr Lee. “While most of our guests are expatriates and business travellers on extended stay, more leisure travellers are also choosing to stay in Ascott’s serviced residences. Bali is a popular destination for holiday, meetings and conferences. With Citadines Kuta Beach Bali, our guests can enjoy the familiar homely environment that Ascott provides in another renowned destination. It will also further reinforce Ascott’s position as the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in Indonesia with over 2,400 apartment units across 11 properties in Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali.”