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Lyf Somerset Vienna -
Lyf Somerset Vienna -
Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna
Ascott debuts two brands in Austria in November 2023
Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna and lyf Schönbrunn Vienna will welcome their first guests this month. This launch will see two more brands from the global portfolio of The Ascott Limited (Ascott), one of the leading lodging operators, find their way to Vienna. Both openings mark Ascott’s debut in Austria for two different target group concepts: The co-living brand, lyf (live your freedom), for experience-led social-living, and Somerset for cross-generational family stays.
Right in the hot-spot: a lively scene, lots of culture and recreation on the doorstep
The properties are located in the heart of the 12th district of Meidling, nestled between the UNESCO World Heritage Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna Zoo, the Wienerberg recreation area and the Europlaza Business Center. The Wien-Meidling train station is within walking distance and the city centre is only a few minutes away by public transport.
Frédéric Carré, Regional General Manager UK, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Georgia at Ascott, summarises the location advantages: “The possibilities that families, business travellers, digital nomads and groups find here at the hub between business hotspots, cultural sites and recreational areas are as diverse as the brand concepts.”
lyf Schönbrunn Vienna: The new home for community spirit
The lyf Schönbrunn Vienna is designed for the next generation of travellers: digital nomads, creatives and self-employed people who want to work flexibly from different locations and seek interaction with like-minded people. “Ascott developed lyf as a solution to combine the best of serviced residences, hotels and social-living”, explains Carré.
The 162 apartments are divided into three categories ranging in size from 22 to 34 square metres. The “Level-Up” and “Level-Up Plus” rooms are furnished in maisonette style on two levels with bathroom, living and cooking area on the lower floor and a bedroom on the upper floor. The spacious “One of A Kind Plus” apartments offer space for kitchen, bathroom, living area and bedroom on one level.
The names of the public communal areas already reveal what the co-living idea is all about: the co-working lounge “Connect” is home to areas for working, workshops and social gatherings including a meeting room “Collab”; the terrace “Skyward” is a place to relax; the laundromat “Wash & Hang” invites you to gather in the lobby next door while the laundry is working. In the “Bond” kitchen, guests cook and exchange ideas about international eating habits. Finally, the fitness area “Burn” is the place to work off excess pounds and the game room “Play” offers chance for children to get creative. “Wherever our guests spend time outside their rooms, they enter places that promote a sociable, constructive sense of community,” says Carré.
Family travel for several generations with Somerset
The opening of the first Somerset property in Vienna is Ascott’s response to the rapidly growing desire for intergenerational family travel. “After times of seclusion, more and more families, friends and groups are expressing a desire to spend time together in a cosy, harmoniously designed environment,” says Carré.
Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna offers plenty of space for this target group: the apartments, ranging from 40 to 72 square metres, are divided into four categories, with one or two bedrooms, as a family loft or family penthouse, depending on requirements. A lot of wood as well as natural tones and textiles provide a cosy living atmosphere. Regardless of the category, all rooms have fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms with showers and separate living, dining and sleeping areas. A continuously staffed reception, a children’s play area, a fresh breakfast offer, a restaurant and bar as well as weekly cleaning of all apartments are part of the services.
Another focus in the Somerset concept is on sustainability, which plays a central role in all properties: From specialist equipment to eco-friendly accessories, guests are encouraged to adopt a responsible lifestyle from the moment they arrive, such as getting around by bike thanks to free on-site hire. Accordingly, Somerset caters to groups seeking shared experiences in a sustainable, inclusive environment.
Vienna: Strategic growth market for Ascott
The lyf and the Somerset Schönbrunn Vienna were developed by Vie Trust Real Estate Group, a specialist in residential and serviced residences. Albert Hwang, CEO of Vie Trust Real Estate Group explains: “The primary goal in designing both properties was to create cosy, comfortable retreats for travellers in line with the concepts, allowing privacy on the one hand and space for socialising on the other, while setting standards in sustainability.” Carré adds: “Austria, and Vienna in particular, is a very strategic growth market for Ascott. We are delighted to be able to introduce two exciting and very different concepts in Vienna, lyf and Somerset”.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
