George Sell

Collaboration and innovation at Serviced Apartment Summit MEA

UAE: More than 100 hospitality and real estate professionals gathered at the Rove Dubai Marina this week for Serviced Apartment Summit MEA 2019.

Cycas makes Scottish debut with dual-branded Dundee project

UK: Cycas Hospitality has signed a management agreement with Percor Capital to operate a dual-branded IHG development in Dundee.

GBI to build SMARTments project in Vienna

Austria: STRABAG Real Estate (SRE) and project developer GBI have announced plans to build 313 micro-apartments in the Heiligenstadt district of Vienna.

Executive Serviced Apartments (ESA) rebranded as Flying Butler Apartments

UK: Flying Butler, which bought ESA out of administration in March this year, is integrating operations and combining both businesses under the Flying Butler brand.

OYO enters premium all-suites market in India

India: OYO Hotels & Homes has partnered with Mountania Developers to operate a 64-key all-suites hotel near Ellis Bridge in Ahmedabad.

Cuckooz study shows exchange rate benefits for visitors to UK

UK: Research from London serviced apartment provider Cuckooz, has looked at the benefits of a weak pound for overseas visitors travelling to the UK on business.

Ascott opens first Citadines property in the southern Philippines

Philippines: The Ascott Limited has opened a 180-unit Citadines property in Cebu City.

Staying Cool wins Birmingham business award

UK: Staying Cool at Rotunda has won the Best Hospitality Business award at the 2019 Birmingham Post Business Awards.

“Co-Everything” could be the new remedy for reducing Stress – Part 2

For the second part of this article, HoCoSo's Jonathan Humphries interviews Mariana Palmeiro, an expert on wellness and wellbeing.

Up close and personal with Anett Gregorius, Apartmentservice.de

In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we speak to Anett Gregorius, founder of German consultancy and agents Apartmentservice.de.

Native Manchester to open on September 16

UK: Native Manchester, an aparthotel in the city’s Northern Quarter, will open its doors next week.

Residence Inn to replace Motel 6 property in Michigan

US: A 111-key Residence Inn hotel could replace the Motel 6 on South State Street in Pittsfield Township, Michigan.

Impiana launches Pahang serviced apartments

Malaysia: Impiana Hotels (IHB) has opened a beachfront serviced apartment property in Cherating, in Pahang state.

Singapore serviced apartment block on the market

Singapore: A freehold serviced apartment block, currently operated by Frasers Hospitality, has been put up for sale via tender.

Aviva buys London aparthotel

UK: Aviva Investors’ Lime Property Fund has acquired the freehold interest in a London aparthotel scheme, which it will lease to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.

Strong first half to year for Staycity amid Brexit concerns

Ireland: Dublin-based operator Staycity Group’s like-for-like sales are up 2.4 per cent in the year to July 2019 on the back of an increase in occupancy and a rise in ADR.

Evolution and expansion

Ascott's unprecedented growth spurt on its home patch shows how it is adapting to the evolving hospitality sector and its clients needs.

Oakwood enters luxury sector in Australia with Melbourne deal

Australia: Oakwood has announced its first luxury property in Australia with the signing of Oakwood Premier Melbourne.

Fountain Court invests £1.2million in refurbishments and guest initiatives

UK: Edinburgh serviced apartment company Fountain Court is investing more than £1.2 million in refurbishing of its West End serviced apartments and developing a range of "forward thinking, guest-friendly initiatives".

Blomjous joins Homelike as head of enterprise

Germany: Yolanda Blomjous has joined Homelike as head of enterprise EMEA, based at the company's head office in Cologne.

Manchester serviced apartments to be rebranded as city's first Residence Inn

UK: Operator Cycas Hospitality and owner Ciel Capital have signed an agreement for Marriott’s first extended stay property in the north of England.

Hyatt House to make UK debut in Manchester after Lume rebrand

UK: Two hotels in The Lume building in Manchester, which are currently branded with Marriott flags, will become Hyatt properties from January 10 2020.

Planning blow for Scottish aparthotel

UK: Plans for a £30 million leisure development, including an aparthotel, on the shores of Loch Lomond have been dealt setback.

International company influx boosts Yangon serviced apartment market

Myanmar: Colliers International Myanmar has conducted a survey in to the Yangon ex-pat serviced apartment market.

NSW car yards to make way for serviced apartments

Australia: Three car sales yards at Rockdale. NSW, will make way for an AUD$28.8 million ten-storey aparthotel and residential apartment block.

Kuala Lumpur serviced apartment scheme to get underway in 2020

Malysia: Developer MALTON Bhd will start work on a development at Taman Rimba Kiara in Kuala Lumpur next year.

Reikartz to operate Ukraine aparthotel

Ukraine: Reikartz Hotel Management has signed an agreement to manage the Rishelyevsky aparthotel in Kherson.

Up close and personal with Ben Davis and Adam Lowenthal, Saxbury

In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we speak to Ben Davis and Adam Lowenthal, co-founders of serviced apartment real estate agency Saxbury.

November opening for Yays' first new-build property

Netherlands: Yays Entrepothaven will open in the Eastern Docklands of Amsterdam in November.

Quest to hit 10,000 bed milestone with North Sydney opening

Australia: Quest will expand its offer to 10,000 beds with the opening of the Yuhu-owned 221 Miller Street development in North Sydney.

Australian operator Arise opts for RMS Cloud

Australia: Arise Hotels and Apartments has upgraded its hospitality technology to the RMS Cloud property management system.

Waramaug buys brace of Florida extended stay hotels

US: Waramaug Hospitality has acquired the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tallahassee Center and the Residence Inn by Marriott Port St. Lucie.

Mandarin Oriental launches first branded residences in SE Asia

Thailand: Mandarin oriental has announced the launch of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.

Planners to decide on Scottish tourist attraction and aparthotel this week

UK: Planning officials will this week decide whether controversial plans for a £30million tourism development in Balloch will go ahead.

Apartment platform WWStay adds meetings offer

India: WWStay has added meetings to its portfolio of corporate housing and serviced apartment units available for booking.

Ascott to add five Singapore properties by end of year

Singapore: Ascott will boost its Singapore portfolio to more than 3,100 units with a record 846 units opening in 2019.

Construction starts on Saginaw extended stay hotel

US: Building work is underway on a $7 million Home2 Suites by Hilton in Saginaw County, Michigan.

Cheval focuses on growing inbound Chinese market

UK: Cheval Collection has appointed Chinese marketing consultancy Emerging Communications to drive sales from tourists, students, business executives and expats from China.

Up close and personal with Simon Lehmann, AJL Consulting

In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we speak to Simon Lehmann, co-founder and CEO of AJL Consulting. Lehmann is an online travel specialist, angel investor, and a thought leader in the alternative lodging and vacation rental industry.

The Collective boosts pipeline to 8,000 units with London planning win

UK: Co-living developer The Collective has received planning consent for its Garratt Mills scheme in Earlsfield, taking its pipeline past 8,000 units.

Marriott to phase out single use toiletry bottles by December 2020

US: Marriott says it will swap single-use toiletry bottles for larger pump-top bottles by December 2020 in most of its properties.

Plans lodged for NSW serviced apartments

Australia: A development application has been lodged for a AUD$6.5 million, seven-storey, retail and serviced apartment complex in Maitland's CBD.

WoodSpring Suites set for Jacksonville

US: A planning application has been logged for a four-storey WoodSpring Suites extended stay hotel in Baymeadows, a suburb of Jacksonville, Florida.

Locke partners with tech company Ireckonu

UK: Technology and data company Ireckonu has announced a partnership SACO's aparthotel brand Locke.

Town or Country Ltd in liquidation

UK: Town or Country Ltd, the former parent company of Southampton operator Town or Country, has been liquidated.

Radisson signs second Residences property in Istanbul

Turkey: Radisson Hospitality has signed a deal to manage the 140-key Radisson Residences Avrupa Tem İstanbul.

Brookfield raises green building war chest

US: Brookfield Property Partners has raised US$250 million to develop and refurbish green property projects.

Terra Capital provides seed funding for Flat Monthly

Singapore: Terra Capital has made a seed investment into Singapore-headquartered online property rental marketplace Flat Monthly.

Oakwood to open Bangkok and Yokohama properties by mid-2020

Singapore: Oakwood will open new Oakwood Suites properties in Bangkok and Yokohama by the middle of next year.

A brace of southern extended stay hotels each for Marriott and Hilton

US: Home2 Suites by Hilton and Residence Inn by Marriott have each opened two hotels in the South this month.

Residence Inn opens in Washington State

US: The 146-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in the Seattle suburb of Renton has opened for business.

UK operator sentiment: leisure business dips while corporate travel grows

UK: Overall sentiment in the UK serviced apartment sector has softened slightly since November 2018, according to the latest Savills sand ASAP survey.

Locale adds to Texas portfolio

US: Locale is expanding its footprint in Texas with newly signed leases across five luxury residential buildings in Dallas and Fort Worth.

Bermondsey Locke aparthotel gets planning green light

UK: Galliard Homes and Acorn Property Group have received planning consent to build an £80 million residential and aparthotel scheme in Bermondsey.

The green opportunity

Sustainability is a hot topic in the hotel world, and indeed the wider construction industry, but one which is not mentioned very often in conjunction with serviced apartments.

Handy phones parent Tink Labs wound down

Hong Kong: Tink Labs, which makes and supplies Handy smartphones to serviced apartments and hotel operators, has terminated its services in several markets following the cessation of operations.

Dream Apartments adds Liverpool units

UK: Belfast-based Dream Apartments is adding nine apartments to its Liverpool portfolio.

Berlin start-up Cosi secures €5 million in seed funding

Germany: Cosi, an apartment rental start-up, has secured €5 million in seed funding prior to its launch.

Up close and personal with Wayne Androliakos, Cycas Hospitality

In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we speak to Wayne Androliakos, chief operating officer of Cycas Hospitality.

Aparthotel opens in historic New Hampshire building

US: The Inn Downtown aparthotel has opened in the 1809 Nutter-Rymes House in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The Hamptons Apartments to add St Kilda property

Australia: Serviced apartment brand The Hamptons Apartments will a second Melbourne location in early October.

First Sofitel Serviced Residences to open in Seoul

South Korea: Accor has announced the launch of its first Sofitel Hotel & Serviced Residences, in Songpa, Seoul.

Downtown Tuscon set for first extended stay property

US: Fayth Hospitality Group has started construction of a 76-room Hampton Inn and a 123-room Home2Suites at 141 S. Stone Ave in Tucson.

Birkenhead listed building set for aparthotel conversion

UK: A change of use application to enable the conversion a grade I-listed building in Birkenhead into an aparthotel has been submitted.

OakNorth strengthens team and opens Manchester office

UK: Challenger bank OakNorth has opened a Manchester office at Ship Canal House after hiring a dedicated team focused on SME lending.

City approval for Jacksonville Residence Inn

US: A permit has been granted for the construction of a 155-room, seven-storey Residence Inn by Marriott, at a cost of $21.5 million.

Latest Quest property opens in Melbourne's eastern suburbs

Australia: Local councillors, Quest franchisees and head office delegates attended the opening of Quest Apartment Hotels’ latest location in Burwood East, Melbourne.

Serviced apartments considered for Malaysian mega-development

Malaysia: Eco World Development Group is considering a serviced apartment project at its Eco Grandeur project in Puncak Alam, Selangor.

Cambridge Wilde project to feature green wall and ‘bee hotel’

UK: A planning application has been submitted to redevelop the Park Street car park site in Cambridge in to a Wilde aparthotel.

• Dubai has often been at the forefront of incredibly ambitious schemes in the hospitality and tourism markets, and this week the emirate's nascent but healthy short-term rental space just burst in to life with two landmark deals.

Investment firm to spend US$5 billion on Dubai rental units

UAE: UAE-based IBC Group announced plans to spend $5 billion on acquiring 10,000 properties to furnish and manage as holiday homes in Dubai.

Maison Privee signs $100 million villa portfolio on Palm Jumeirah

UAE: Dubai-based rentals provider Maison Privee has signed a deal to manage a portfolio of luxury villas on Palm Jumeirah.

US extended stay occupancy reaches Q2 record level

US: Extended-stay occupancy rose to 79.9 per cent in Q@ 2019, the highest level ever reported in that quarter, according to The Highland Group.

Swiss-Belhotel to open Vietnam serviced apartments

Vietnam: Swiss-Belhotel International is set to open Swiss-Belhotel Suites & Residences Ha Long Bay in Q4 of this year.

Sydney aparthotel bought by Yeh family

Australia: Sydney's Yeh family has purchased the Seasons Harbour Plaza serviced apartment hotel in Sydney's CBD through the first-ever NSW court-ordered strata renewal collective sale.

New hires and promotion at IHM

Leading hospitality publishing and events company International Hospitality Media, the publisher of Serviced Apartment News, has announced promotions and additions to its UK-based team.

Up close and personal with Max Thorne, MRP Group

In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we speak to Max Thorne, chief executive of MRP Group.

Two US hospitality REITs to merge

US: Park Hotels & Resorts has reached a deal to acquire Chesapeake Lodging Trust in a deal that will bring its market value to $12 billion.

Residence Inn next to Amazon's future HQ sells for $99 million

US: Host Hotels & Resorts has sold The Residence Inn Arlington Pentagon City for US$99.1 million.

September soft opening for Oakwood Residence Hanoi

Vietnam: Oakwood Residence Hanoi will welcome its first guests at the end of September opening, according to the property’s general manager.

UK boutique hotel group to expand apartment offer

UK: Design-led hotel collection Oddfellows Hotels has announced further investment into its apartment offering.

Art-themed serviced apartments under construction in California

US: A four-storey building under construction in Santa Rosa, California, will combine serviced apartments and rental properties.

Oakwood opens latest Chinese apartments

China: Oakwood has opened its eighth property in China, in the Tianya district of Sanya.

Cork Hotel adds serviced apartments

Ireland: Hotel Isaacs in Cork’s Victorian Quarter has launched its first phase of 11 new serviced apartments.

First My Place hotel in Virginia breaks ground

US: My Place Hotels has broken ground on Virginia’s first My Place Hotel in King George.

Belfast aparthotel set for planning green light

UK: A 175-unit aparthotel is set to be built in Belfast city centre after council officials recommended that a downsized version of the project be approved.

Quick Q&A: Mathias Saleborn, BridgeStreet

SAN talks to BridgeStreet’s new managing director for EMEA and APAC Mathias Saleborn.

Hanison looks to buy Hong Kong Citadines building

Hong Kong: Hanison Construction Holdings is set to acquire the 55-key Citadines Mercer aparthotel from CapitaLand.

SMARTments partners with ReviewPro

Germany: GBI’s SMARTments brand has partnered with ReviewPro with the aim of improving the guest experience and securing repeat business from corporate clients.

Up close and personal with Ken Brown, Furnished Quarters

In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we speak to Ken Brown, vice president, global solutions at Furnished Quarters.

ESA boosts pipeline by 18 per cent in Q2

USA: Extended Stay America (ESA) has recorded revenues of $323.7 million in Q2 2019, while boosting its pipeline by nearly a fifth.

Pullman Living and Novotel Living to make Asian debuts in Manila

Philippines: Accor has partnered with PTC Holdings to develop the Pullman Living Manila and Novotel Living Manila apartments.

Dual branded Marriott property opens in Silicon Valley

US: A dual-branded 147-suite Residence Inn and 114-room Fairfield hotel has opened in San Jose, California.

GSAIR 2020/21 calls for industry participation

UK: The Apartment Service is conducting the surveys which will form the basis of the research for the 2020/21 Global Serviced Apartment Industry Report (GSAIR).

thesqua.re shortlisted for the 2019 APAC EMMAs

UK: London-based provider thesqua.re has been shortlisted in the Most Innovative Use of Technology in Global Mobility - Bespoke Solutions for the 2019 APAC EMMAs.

Swanson takes EMEA role at INTELITY

US: Guest experience and management software provider INTELITY has appointed Jeff Swanson as managing director for EMEA.

Airbnb acquires Urbandoor as part of business travel push

US: In a move designed to strengthen its business travel offer, Airbnb has acquired extended stay accommodation platform Urbandoor, for an undisclosed sum.

NexGen breaks ground on Illinois TownePlace Suites

US: NexGen Hotels has broken ground on a 96-key TownePlace Suites in Waukegan, Illinois.

US pension fund buys Hong Kong serviced apartments

Hong Kong: Crane Capital has bought a serviced apartment block at 111 High Street in Hong Kong for HK$420 million ($54 million).

thesqua.re adds latest London locations

UK: London provider Thesqua.re has added managed units in four buildings across the UK capital.

PREM Group aims to boost brand recognition with launch of PREM Hospitality

Ireland: In a bid to gain better brand recognition with customers, guests and employees all PREM Group properties will now be promoted under the new PREM Hospitality brand.

Up close and personal with Larry Korman, AKA Hotel Residences

In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we speak to Larry Korman, co-CEO of Korman Communities and president of AKA Hotel Residences.

Adagio appoints van Pelt as UK and Ireland development manager

UK: Aparthotels Adagio has appointed Alex van Pelt to focus on expanding its UK and Ireland portfolio.

Quest extends Pellicano partnership with Melbourne mixed use project

Australia: Quest Apartment Hotels is partnering with developer Pellicano to build a mixed-use property in Preston, part of Melbourne's northern suburbs.

Urban Rest expands into Melbourne and eyes further new markets

Australia: Sydney-based corporate accommodation startup Urban Rest has expanded into Melbourne.

TAS Global teams up with with Hickory Global Partners

US: TAS Global, part of booking agency The Apartment Service, has partnered with Hickory Global Partners, a leading travel management services company.

Quest Liverpool offers charge back service for business travellers

UK: Quest Apartment Hotel Liverpool is set to introduce a restaurant charge back scheme for guests.

Plans submitted for Gateshead hotel and serviced apartments

UK: Developer Elliot Group has submitted a planning application for a hotel and serviced apartments on the Gateshead waterfront.

Saleborn takes MD role at BridgeStreet

US: BridgeStreet has appointed Mathias Saleborn as managing director of EMEA and APAC.

Quest chairman calls for self-regulation of Australian franchise businesses

Australia: Paul Constantinou, the founder and chairman of Quest Apartment Hotels, is calling on franchisors to back independent reporting of their businesses.

Adagio strengthens team ahead of UK portfolio growth

UK: Aparthotels Adagio has announced plans to quadruple its UK portfolio over the next four years.

YOO and Kempinski team up for KL branded residences

Malaysia: Residential design brand YOO and hospitality brand Kempinski have teamed up for the YOO8 Serviced by Kempinski development in Kuala Lumpur.

Comfort Suites approved for Marietta

US: The city council in Marietta, Georgia, has approved plans for the city's first Comfort Suites extended stay hotel.

Higher occupancy and shorter stays for German market

Germany: Apartmentservice has released its latest report in to the German serviced apartment sector.

Locale opens first West Coast aparthotel

Austin-based aparthotel company Locale has launched its first West Coast property in Dogpatch, San Francisco.

Hyatt House planned for Huntsville

US: A planning application for an extended-stay Hyatt hotel in downtown Huntsville, Alabama, is due to be considered by the local council.

Topping out at Sydney serviced apartment project

Australia: A topping out ceremony has taken place at the Crest apartment building, part of the Sharks development in Woolooware, Sydney.

Up close and personal with Ngoc Thach, My Place Hotels of America

In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we spoke to Ngoc Thach, director of public relations at My Place Hotels of America.

Hmlet raises $40 million in a Series B round

Singapore: Co-living company Hmlet has raised US$40 million in a Series B round, which will allow it to continue growing across gateway cities in Asia.

Corporate Stays adds Calgary apartments

Canada: Corporate Stays has opened its newest Signature Collection building, The Underwood, in Calgary.

Lanson Place to open serviced apartments in the Philippines

Philippines: SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) and Lanson Place Hospitality Management have signed a management agreement for the opening of the first Lanson Place in the Philippines.

Serviced apartments opened on Atlantic City waterfront

US:Developer Bart Blatstein has opened extended stay apartments at the Showboat Atlantic City hotel.

NexPoint buys Condor Hospitality Trust

US: Canada-listed REIT NexPoint Hospitality Trust (NHT) has agreed to buy Condor Hospitality Trust, an owner of extended stay and select service hotels.

Lumiere launches Phnom Penh serviced apartments

Cambodia: Singapore-based Lumiere Hospitality has launched Lumiere Residence, a serviced apartment complex in Phnom Penh.

Aparthotel plan for Wakefield post office building

UK: Plans have been lodged for the conversion of the upper floors of a former post office building in Wakefield city centre into an aparthotel.

Meriton Suites set for Canberra debut

Australia: Developer Harry Triguboff has a acquired a AUD$23 million Canberra site for his Meriton Suites aparthotel brand.

Furnished Quarters adds to Northern California portfolio

US: Furnished Quarters has added luxury apartments at Avery 450, to its San Francisco inventory.

Up close and personal with Charlie McCrow, The Apartment Service

In the latest of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. This time, we spoke to Charlie McCrow, CEO of The Apartment Service.

Waldorf plots growth and announces new brand name

Australia: Serviced apartment group Waldorf aims to more than triple its size to 5000 keys by 2024 through its new Nesuto brand.

Tetrarch sells former Dublin aparthotel to social housing organisation

Ireland: Investment group Tetrarch Capital has agreed to sell 84 apartments to Clúid, Ireland's largest approved housing body.

GBI appoints Ünver as MD of SMARTments business

Germany: Burak Ünver has been appointed managing director of the SMARTments business operating arm of property developer GBI.

Cheval Collection opts for RMS property management system

UK: London operator Cheval Collection has partnered with RMS Cloud to upgrade its property management system.

The real opportunity for co-living

The term co-living is a misunderstood one - although there are operators out there with an international product aimed at high income global nomads, this demographic is unlikely to be big enough to support a fast-growing industry.

Quest appoints Mansfield as COO

Australia: David Mansfield has been appointed chief operations officer at Quest Apartment Hotels.

Durham apartments open after multi-million pound refurb

UK: Daniel Craig Residential has launched serviced apartments in the Grade II listed 52 Old Elvet building in Durham.

Bartra to redraw plans for Dublin co-living projects

Ireland: Developer Bartra Capital Property Group will cut up to 20 beds from a proposed co-living development in Dun Laoghaire to meet guidelines proposed by An Bord Pleanala in relation to a similar project in west Dublin.

Radisson to open serviced apartments in Larnaca

Cyprus: Radisson Hotel Group is set to open the Radisson Blu Serviced Apartments in Larnaca.

Ascott signs 26 properties across 11 countries

Singapore: Ascott has announced the signing of 26 properties with more than 6,000 units across 22 cities and 11 countries.

YOTEL extended stay units to form part of Underground Atlanta redevelopment

US: YOTEL will open a 351-key property, including 117 extended stay YOTELPADS, in downtown Atlanta.

US developer and management company form extended stay partnership

US: Mountain Shore Properties (MSP), recently named Developer of the Year by Hyatt, has teamed up with Olympia Hotel Management (OHM).

National Corporate Housing completes acquisition of West London Apartments

UK: National Corporate Housing has completed the purchase of West London Apartments for an undisclosed sum.

Up close and personal with: Jason Delany, Staycity Group

In the first of a regular series, we find out what makes some of the leading figures in the serviced apartment and aparthotel sectors tick. To kick us off, we spoke to Jason Delany, director of brand, product & marketing at Staycity Group.

Furnished Quarters' Rogers named Revenue Management Executive of the Year

US: Selena Rogers, senior director of corporate accounts at Furnished Quarters, has been named Revenue Management Executive of the Year by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Greater New York Chapter.

Frasers UK arm posts £90 million loss

UK: Frasers Hospitality UK Holdings has posted a £90.8 million pre-tax loss for the year to September 2018.

Quest makes key hires for first UK aparthotel

UK: Quest Apartment Hotels has appointed Paris D’Allessandro as its first UK GM and Kerry Smith as its Liverpool-based business development manager.

MCR buys Albuquerque extended stay hotel

US: Hotel owner-operator MCR has acquired the 110-room Residence Inn by Marriott Albuquerque Airport.

Mart takes GM role at Ascott Riyadh property

KSA: Ascott has appointed Bartlomiej Mart as general manager for Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh.

Work on Leicester dual-branded property to complete by year end

UK: A dual branded Adagio and Novotel development in Leicester is set to be complete by the end of the year.

Dubai introduces partial title deeds for serviced apartments

UAE: Dubai has introduced partial title deeds, allowing investor pools to share ownership of real estate.

Choice Hotels increases focus on corporate travel

US: Choice Hotels has announced a new focus on the corporate travel market.

Cheng opens first HK serviced apartments

Hong Kong: Businessman Adrian Cheng has opened his first hospitality project, a serviced apartment building called K11 Artus.

SAN hosts ENGAGE travel buyer event in London

UK: Serviced Apartment News brought together over 20 of the most influential corporate travel buyers to take part in the inaugural ENGAGE event this week.

10-storey serviced apartment tower under construction in Cebu

Philippines: Developer Riza Roble Hu is building 88th Avenue, a 10-storey high-end serviced apartment and hotel close to the Cebu IT Park.

SACO to open Locke aparthotel at Tower Bridge

UK: A Locke aparthotel will open at London’s Tower Bridge in early summer 2020, following the completion of a lease agreement with Acorn Property Group and Galliard Homes.

Oakwood opens Beijing office

China: Oakwood has opened an office in Beijing, to better serve companies expanding their reach to China.

Maslow launches dedicated lending service for developers

UK: Maslow Capital, a specialist provider of real estate development finance, has launched a lending service for the hotel, aparthotel and serviced apartment sectors.

Staybridge Suites to feature in triple-branded Texas development

US: Developer Civitas Capital Group is planning a triple-branded hotel project near Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Homewood caps length of hotel stays

US: The city council in Homewood, Alabama, has voted to cap the length of hotel stays within the city limits.

Ronan seeks €250 million for Dublin project with aparthotel potential

Ireland: Developer Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) and its funding partners Colony Capital are seeking in excess of €250 million in forward funding for a mixed-use scheme in the Dublin docklands.

Serviced apartment growth outpacing Europe’s hotels

UK: Growth in the serviced apartment sector across Europe continues to outpace that of traditional hotels according to a report from hotel consultancy HVS.

Planning green light for dual branded Newcastle scheme

UK: Newcastle City Council has approved plans for a dual branded Marriott project which will include a 96-key Residence Inn.

Ascott appoints MEA marketing director

UAE: The Ascott Limited has appointed Sophia Berriane as director of marketing for the Middle East, Africa and Turkey.

A third of UK business travellers turn to apartments for longer stays

UK: Research from apartment booking platform Homelike says a third of UK travellers prefer to stay in a furnished apartment over a hotel for stays of over 30 days.

Catalyst and Hero JV to develop serviced apartments in UK and Ireland

UK: Catalyst Capital has formed a £500 million joint venture with Hero Enterprise of India to develop a range of hospitality assets, including serviced apartments.

Fraser Suites Edinburgh celebrates 10th anniversary with refurb

UK: Fraser Suites Edinburgh has undergone a full refurbishment to mark its 10th year of trading.

The circle of life

• Although it has been described as London's ugliest hotel, there is something slightly poignant about the fate of the Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum.

Multi-million dollar refurb for InterContinental Residence Suites

UAE: The InterContinental Residence Suites in Dubai’s Festival City has completed multi-million dollar refurbishment which includes the addition of 52 units.

Furnished Quarters wins partner award from Plus Relocation

US: Furnished Quarters has received a Plus Partner Award, in recognition of its collaboration with Plus Relocation to deliver global mobility solutions.

Mansley Group partners with Criton for guest apps across portfolio

UK: The Mansley Group has partnered with Criton and Inspire Loyalty to enhance guest engagement and loyalty with a guest app for all its properties.

Co-living operator buys Hong Kong serviced apartment block

Hong Kong: Weave co-living is buying the 23-storey Largos Residences serviced apartment development in the Sheung Wan neighbourhood.

My Place makes a stand against human trafficking

US: My Place Hotels has partnered with Businesses Ending Slavery & Trafficking (BEST).

Yays to host first recruitment event in Amsterdam

Netherlands: Serviced apartment operator Yays is hosting its first recruitment event in Amsterdam, ahead of the opening of the Yays Entrepothaven property.

Operator search imminent for London aparthotel

UK: The MRP Group and Saxbury will jointly conduct an operator search for a 93-unit aparthotel in London's Whitechapel.

Major west London development to include 340 serviced apartments

UK: Queensgate Investments and Rockwell has received the backing of London mayor Sadiq Khan for its redevelopment of the Kensington Forum Hotel.

Birchover Residences opens two Nottingham properties

UK: Birchover Residences has continued its expansion in the East Midlands with the opening of two properties in Nottingham within weeks of each other.

Ruparelia Group opens Kampala serviced apartments

Uganda: Ruparelia Group has opened the Speke Apartments Kitante in Kampala.

Staycity to create 200 jobs to support growth

Ireland: Staycity is set to recruit around 200 new staff over the next few months as it prepares for four property openings in the second half of 2019.

Accor opens first Sebel aparthotel in Canberra

Australia: Accor has partnered with local developer Zapari to open The Sebel Canberra Civic.

My Place makes Wisconsin debut

US: My Place Hotels of America has opened in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, marking the first My Place Hotel in state and the brand’s 22nd state entry.

Superior Court boost for AKA West Hollywood

US: A Superior Court judge has denied the City of West Hollywood’s request to dismiss several parts of a lawsuit brought against it by the owner of AKA West Hollywood.

ESA tops out at Florida property

US: Extended Stay America has topped out at its latest extended stay hotel, in Gibsonton-Riverview, Florida.

Rebranding for Liverpool aparthotel operator

UK: The Know Group, operator of the Richmond aparthotel in Liverpool, has been rebranded as Savvy Hotels.

Betting billionaire's Manchester aparthotel plans scrapped for resi option

UK: Billionaire bookmaker Fred Done's plans for an aparthotel in Manchester's Shudehill have been replaced by a proposed residential apartment block.

Duffel secures $21.5m Series A funding

UK: London-based travel startup Duffel has raised $21.5 million in Series A funding from Benchmark.

First aparthotel for Falmouth brought to market

UK: MRP Group has announced the launch of Project Eden, an aparthotel development site in Falmouth, Cornwall.

York Wilde aparthotel to feature 'modern medieval' design

UK: Plans for a Wile by Staycity aparthotel in York have been completely redesigned in response to local feedback.

Maslow Capital funds CitySuites2 development in Salford

UK: Maslow Capital has completed on a £26.4 million loan to Select Property Group to fund the development of the CitySuites 2 project in Salford, Manchester.

NGD Homesharing launches Natiivo brand with Miami and Austin properties

US: Developer Harvey Hernandez has unveiled his latest Airbnb-endorsed apartment product, Natiivo.

Living Rooms to open Weymouth Mews apartments

UK: Living Rooms will open its fifth property in London later this month, in Marylebone.

Ascott to develop Saudi graduate scheme

KSA: The Ascott Limited is developing its Saudi Graduate Programme across the group’s Jeddah cluster of properties.

Be Mate adds Madrid apartments

Spain: Be Mate, Room Mate Group’s serviced apartment brand, is adding two new full management buildings in Madrid to its portfolio.

Cuckooz partners with the Modern Nursery to launch family travel apartment

Cuckooz partners with the Modern Nursery to launch family travel apartment

Building synergies

You won't see many clearer examples of the synergistic relationship between the extended stay and serviced apartment sector and corporate business than two of the US stories we have covered this week.

ESA goes "asset-right"

Extended Stay America is now just over half way through its five year ESA 2.0 plan to transform the business through the selling, building and franchising of assets.

WoodSpring Suites opens a dozen hotels across the US

US: WoodSpring Suites has started 2019 as one of Choice Hotels’ fastest-growing brands.

Chicago Hyatt House opens to cater for "Hamburger University" clients

US: A Hyatt House extended stay hotel has opened to cater for business from McDonald’s global headquarters in Chicago’s West Loop neighbourhood.

WaterWalk to open aparthotel nextdoor to Dell HQ

US: WaterWalk is planning to open a 153-unit aparthotel next-door to the Dell headquarters in Round Rock, a suburb of Austin, Texas.

Dream Apartments to launch Belfast pods

UK: Belfast-based Dream Apartments is to launch a £1.7 million project featuring 19 "Dream Pods" in the city centre.

My Place partners with AHLA

US: My Place Hotels has partnered with the American Hotel and Lodging Association, with membership covering all locations as the brand nears the opening of its 50th property.

Hilton records milestones for All Suites brands

US: Hilton's All Suites brands have had a strong start to 2019, opening 21 properties in the first quarter and remaining on pace to open 130 by the end of the year.

Work starts on Staying Cool Manchester aparthotel

UK: Building work has started on site at Staying Cool's Cotton Yard aparthotel in Manchester.

Quest appoints Cycas to manage first UK property

UK: Quest Apartment Hotels has appointed Cycas Hospitality to operate its Liverpool aparthotel when it opens in September.

Fortino Capital Partners takes majority stake in Maxxton

Netherlands: Fortino Capital Partners has invested software provider Maxxton, becoming the majority shareholder in the company.

Layton launches CAP Worldwide in London

UK: CAP Worldwide Serviced Apartments, a booking agency for the corporate market led by former Apartment Service director Jo Layton, launched last night in London.

Berkshire Rooms launches new website and adds Bracknell apartments

UK: Thames Valley provider Berkshire Rooms has relaunched its website and added apartments at Royal Winchester House in Bracknell to its offer.

Planning refused for Rathcoole aparthotel

Ireland: An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for an aparthotel in Rathcoole, Co Dublin.

TownePlace Suites property planned for Sarasota

US: A 117-key TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel is planned for a site in Sarasota, Florida.

Nine prizes for Frasers at World Travel Awards

Frasers Hospitality won nine awards at the World Travel Awards for Africa and Europe, including its first for an African property.

SilverDoor hosts Edinburgh networking event

UK: SilverDoor Apartments has hosted the first in a programme of SilverDoor Social regional events at Tigerlily in Edinburgh.v

Historic Merseyside site set for aparthotel conversion

UK: Plans to convert a historic site in Southport into an aparthotel have been revealed.

Historic Merseyside site set for aparthotel conversion

UK: Plans to convert a historic site in Southport into an aparthotel have been revealed.

Wohlfert leaves RESIDE to start own venture

US: RESIDE Worldwide co-founder and co-CEO Jon Wohlfert is leaving the company to create The AltAccom Group, LLC.

Oakwood Residence Kapil Hyderabad wins at India Travel Awards

India: Oakwood Residence Kapil Hyderabad has been named Best Serviced Apartments by India Travel Awards South.

Foster + Partners wins competition to design Saudi hotel and serviced apartments

KSA: Architects Foster + Partners’ will design a new luxury hotel and serviced apartments in the heart of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Oakwood Residence Kapil Hyderabad wins at India Travel Awards

India: Oakwood Residence Kapil Hyderabad has been named Best Serviced Apartments by India Travel Awards South.

Wohlfert leaves RESIDE to start own venture

US: RESIDE Worldwide co-founder and co-CEO Jon Wohlfert is leaving the company to create The AltAccom Group, LLC.

Adagio to double portfolio by 2023

France: Aparthotels Adagio plans to double its portfolio to 220 properties worldwide by 2023.

CWS Corporate Housing is highly commended at the EMMAs

US: CWS Corporate Housing has been highly commended in the Best Vendor Partnership: Corporate Organization & Specialist Provider category at the EMMAs.

Serviced apartment operator buys Cardiff hotel

UK: Serviced apartment group The Spires has bought No. 10 Cardiff hotel off a guide price of £2.15 million.

The Halston joins forces with local youth charity

UK: The Halston, an aparthotel in Carlisle, has chosen Carlisle Youth Zone as its charity of the year.

Serviced apartment operator buys Cardiff hotel

UK: Serviced apartment group The Spires has bought No. 10 Cardiff hotel off a guide price of £2.15 million.

The Halston joins forces with local youth charity

UK: The Halston, an aparthotel in Carlisle, has chosen Carlisle Youth Zone as its charity of the year.

Oaks gains TripAdvisor and Spice News awards

Australia: Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites is celebrating a string of awards received over the past week.

ESA to sell up to 50 hotels by 2020

US: Extended Stay America is aiming to sell between 30 and 50 hotels by the end of 2019.

My Place launches rewards program

US: My Place Hotels of America has launched its Stay Rewarded program.

Serviced apartments: the case for value

Austen Chen of 2nd Address looks at how serviced apartments in the US offer travellers excellent value when compared with hotels.

Shaner Hotels opens Connecticut Residence Inn

US: Shaner Hotels has officially opened its 102-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Norwalk in Connecticut.

Rebrand for Brunei serviced apartments

Brunei: The Ong Sum Ping (OSP) Puni Indah Residences has rebranded as Rimbun Suites and Residences.

Azur Suites aparthotel to open in Athens

Greece: Azur Suites, an aparthotel in the Athens suburb of Glyfada is set to open this summer.

Tierney takes development role at Hyatt’s extended stay brand

US: Hyatt has appointed Jim Tierney to serve as senior vice president of development and owner relations for the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands in North America.

Adagio makes North African debut in Casablanca

Morocco: Aparthotels Adagio has opened a 96-key aparthotel in Casablanca, its first property in North Africa.

Bruce appointed GM at Rotana flagship property

UAE: Rotana has appointed Craig Bruce as general manager at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi.

Minhinnett appointed managing director of Lamington Group

UK: Lamington Group, the creators of the room2 brand, has appointed Chris Minhinnett as managing director.

Green light for Lancashire aparthotel

UK: The conversion and extension of Ormskirk’s grade two-listed former Magistrates’ Court into an aparthotel has been given the go-ahead by West Lancashire Council.

Latest Frasers property features 24/7 social hub

Singapore: Frasers Hospitality has opened Capri by Fraser, China Square/Singapore.

Furnished Quarters wins EMMA for GE partnership

US: Furnished Quarters has received an Expatriate Management and Mobility Award (EMMA) in the category of Best Vendor Partnership for its work with GE.

Co Dublin site with aparthotel consent up for sale

Ireland: A County Dublin site with full planning permission for a 58-key aparthotel and nine retail units, has been brought to market.

Donaldsonville extended stay hotel wins Ring of Honor award

US: Choice Hotels International has awarded the 2019 Ring of Honor award to The Suburban Extended Stay Hotel in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.

Marlin gets the go ahead for 20 Dublin apartments

Ireland: Marlin has been granted permission to open 20 serviced apartments in Dublin city centre, overturning a decision by council planners.

Vinhomes looks to expand its serviced apartment business

Vietnam: Developer Vinhomes is aiming to achieve a 40 per cent increase in 2019 profits by expanding to cities outside Hanoi and HCMC.

Newton Lodge back on the market for S$44 million

Singapore: Newton Lodge, an apartment development near Novena MRT station, is making a second attempt at a collective sale.

Hampshire County gets its first extended stay hotel

US: A Homewood Suites by Hilton property has opened in Hampshire County, Massachusetts.

Westmont buys Amsterdam aparthotel as part of mixed-use deal

Netherlands: Westmont Hospitality has acquired the VEN Amsterdam, a business and entertainment complex in Amsterdam's Sloterdijk area.

Rivière project to include 80-unit serviced apartment tower

Singapore: Frasers Property's Rivière development will include a new-build four-storey block of 80 serviced apartments

WhyHotel launches Hospitality Living arm

US: WhyHotel, a service that operates pop-up hotels in new-build apartment buildings, has opened a second office, in San Francisco and launched a new business arm.

SACO and Cheyne Capital close fourth partnership

UK: Cheyne Capital and Saco Property Group have closed their fourth partnership, taking the total provided by Cheyne to SACO over the past year to circa €250 million.

Operator search for Dundee aparthotel

UK: MRP Group is marketing Project Tay, a 35-unit aparthotel on Whitehall Crescent in Dundee.

IHG is latest GTMC industry partner

UK: The Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) has announced that IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is its latest industry partner.

Quest New Zealand apartments to be completed ahead of schedule

New Zealand: A Quest Apartment Hotels development on Devonport Road in Tauranga's CBD is due to be completed on August 15, two weeks ahead of schedule.

Forenom to open Malmo apartments in November

Sweden: Forenom will open a new aparthotel in Malmö’s Western Harbour in November 2019.

Work starts on Texas Hyatt House

US: Developer The Sam Moon Group has begun construction on a Hyatt House hotel as part of the 69-acre Metropark Square mixed-use development in Shenandoah, Texas.

Marriott launches marketing campaign for extended stay brands

US: Marriott International has announced its first-ever marketing campaign for its extended stay brands.

Dur strengthens serviced apartment hand with Shada purchase

KSA: Dur Hospitality has purchase a majority stake in Shada Homes Company to boost its presence in the aparthotel sector.

IHG reveals design prototypes for extended stay brands

US: Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) has released new design prototypes for its Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites brands.

Public consultation for Cambridge Wilde plans

UK: A consultation event showcasing proposals to redevelop a Cambridge car park into a Wilde by Staycity aparthotel took place last week.

Marlin to open Dublin hotel in July

Ireland: London serviced apartment group Marlin is set to open a €55 million 300-key hotel in Dublin this summer.

2nd Address reaches 6,500 listing milestone

US: 2nd Address, an online marketplace connecting business travellers with furnished properties, announced the 6,500th listing available through its platform.

Maidenhead serviced apartment project on the market

UK: MRP Group has announced the release of Maiden House in Maidenhead to the market.

Quick Q&A: Steve Lowy, The Residence Apartments

Steve Lowy, CEO of Anglo Educational Services, talks to SAN about the company's new serviced apartment brand The Residence.

Radisson opens serviced apartments in Istanbul

Turkey: The 169-apartment Radisson Residences Vadistanbul has welcomed its first guests.

Daniel Johansson joins Cheval Collection as director of development and acquisitions

UK: London-based serviced apartment specialist Cheval Collection has appointed Daniel Johansson as director of development and acquisitions.

IHG launches Atwell Suites extended stay brand

US: IHG has unveiled Atwell Suites, its third extended stay brand, during its Americas Investors & Leadership Conference currently underway in Las Vegas.

Your Apartment plans UK expansion

UK: Design-led apartment provider Your Apartment has announced plans to expand across the UK, with a primary focus on London, Birmingham and Cardiff.

Neibauer takes client services role at Dwellworks

US: Dwellworks has appointed Genna Neibauer as director of global client services for corporate housing.

Citadines Connect Sydney Airport opens for business

Australia: Ascott has opened Citadines Connect Sydney Airport, which is described as "a chic business hotel perfect for frequent travellers passing through the city".

Marriott Executive Apartments debuts in Madinah

KSA: Marriott International has opened Marriott Executive Apartments Madinah, marking the brand’s debut in the city.

Aparthotel plan for former Blackpool dance studio

UK: Blackpool hotelier Tony Banks has lodged plans to transform an empty building on Coronation Street into an aparthotel.

Uptown Suites expands same-day delivery partnership

US: Uptown Suites has expanded its partnership with Shipt to offer same-day delivery of groceries and households essentials to extended stay guests.

Ascott aims to be Malaysia's largest hospitality management company

Malaysia: Ascott has set itself the goal of becoming the largest hospitality management company in Malaysia – one of its key markets in Asia.

Liverpool aparthotel plans submitted

UK: A warehouse in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle could be transformed into an aparthotel with a rooftop terrace.

AvenueWest expands in Colorado

US: AvenueWest Global Franchise, the largest provider of managed corporate housing in the US, has announced the expansion of AvenueWest Northern Colorado.

Fraser Suites opens in Hamburg

Germany: Frasers Hospitality has opened Fraser Suites Hamburg, in the historic Oberfinanzdirektion, a listed building dating back to 1907.

Lyric to operate New York Q&A aparthotel

US: Furnished Quarters has announced today it will no longer operate Q&A Residential Hotel in Manhattan, with Lyric taking over.

Premier Suites to hold open day across Europe

Ireland: The PREM Group is holding an open day on Thursday 16th of May across all 15 of its Premier Suites properties across Europe.

Dublin developer secures site for aparthotel

Ireland: The Dublin Loft Company has bought a prime 0.5 acre development site on James Street, Dublin 8, where it is likely to develop an aparthotel.

Oakwood rebrand for Phuket hotel

Thailand: Journey Hub Hotel Phuket, a property owned by Boutique Corporation, has been rebranded as the Oakwood Hotel Journeyhub Phuket.

Hilton's extended stay brands target Canada

Canada: Canada’s strong, stable economy and booming tourism sector has prompted Hilton to expand its extended stay offering there.

Oakwood and WaterWalk form partnership

US: Oakwood has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership agreement with WaterWalk International to create a new brand, Oakwood WaterWalk.

Cuckooz crowdfunding round oversubscribed

UK: London serviced apartment operator Cuckooz has seen its Seedrs funding round oversubscribed.

Leeds listed building to get aparthotel makeover

UK: Plans have been submitted to convert a a Grade II-listed hotel in Leeds in to an aparthotel.

My Place opens Michigan extended stay hotel

US: My Place Hotels of America has opened a 64-key hotel in Wixom, Michigan.

Uptown Suites opens eighth property

US: Uptown Suites has announced the official opening of its eighth extended stay property, Uptown Suites Denver Tech Center CO – Centennial.

Dream Apartments strengthens Newcastle portfolio

UK: Dream Apartments has added 15 serviced apartments to its portfolio in the Jesmond area of Newcastle.

Oakwood expands Australian footprint

Australia: Oakwood has announced the signing of Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Dandenong in Melbourne.

Edinburgh aparthotel on the market for £8 million

Edinburgh aparthotel on the market for £8 million

Cheval Collection to operate Dubai mixed-use project

UAE: Developer Ithra Dubai has entered into an agreement with Cheval Collection to manage its newest mixed-use project, located in Barsha Heights, Dubai.

Rotana to operate Damac KSA serviced apartment project

KSA: Rotana has signed an agreement with Damac Hotels & Resorts to operate Damac Towers in Riyadh, as an Arjaan by Rotana property.

Ascott announces KSA expansion plans

KSA: Ascott announced its MEA expansion plans at the Arabian Travel Market, with Saudi Arabia its top pipeline destination in the region over the next two years.

Former Goldman Sachs partner launches building wellness certification program

US: Delos, a NYC-based start-up, is backed by Bill Gates and valued at $800 million.

MoveCenter names CWS Corporate Housing as supplier of the year

US: Relocation management company MoveCenter has named CWS Corporate Housing as one of its Supplier of the Year winners.

StayTony allows clients to finance corporate housing stays

US: StayTony says it is the first short-term housing company to launch a technology-enabled affordability platform that allows tenants to finance their rent.

SilverDoor hosts first US industry event

US: SilverDoor Apartments has hosted its first US industry networking event at the company's office in Denver, Colorado.

AvenueWest celebrates 20th anniversary

US: AvenueWest Corporate Housing is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its foundation this year.

Radisson to open serviced apartments in Madagascar

Madagascar: Radisson Hotel Group has signed a portfolio deal for two hotels and a serviced apartment development in Antananarivo, with a total of 254 keys.

ASAP members nominated for industry awards

UK: The Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) has announced that four of its members have been shortlisted for industry awards this month.

Zoku secures funding for European expansion

Netherlands: Zoku has secured additional growth financing from Rabobank to fund at least five new properties in Europe as part of its international growth strategy.

Red Roof unveils new-build prototype for HomeTowne Studios

US: Red Roof has unveiled the first prototype of the new build concept of its extended stay brand HomeTowne Studios.

Accor launches Pullman Living premium extended stay brand

France: Accor will debut Pullman Living, its latest extended stay brand, in Accra, Ghana.

Time Hotels to add five properties by year end

UAE: Time Hotels is set to open five new properties across the Middle East this year with a target of 35 properties by 2025.

Residence Inn to open in Corpus Christi

US: A 110-key Residence Inn is set to open in Corpus Christi, Texas, in August of this year.

Birchover Residences opens first aparthotel in Lincoln

UK: Lincoln’s first aparthotel opened its doors to guests on Good Friday.

Ascott launches Star Rewards loyalty program

Singapore: Ascott has launched Ascott Star Rewards, which it describes as the first serviced residence loyalty programme to offer full flexibility to earn and redeem points.

£30 million Scottish resort project to feature aparthotel

UK: Plans for a £30 million resort development in Balloch, near Loch Lomond, include an aparthotel.

Hanton appointed president of Synergy's international division

UK: Synergy Global Housing has appointed Stephen Hanton as president of its international division, based in London.

Ascott parent launches real estate fund

Singapore: CapitaLand Limited has set up its first discretionary real estate equity fund – CapitaLand Asia Partners I (CAP I).

Radisson to open Park Inn serviced apartments in Tashkent

Uzbekistan: The Park Inn by Radisson Tashkent City Hotel & Apartments will open in 2021.

House of Fisher takes control of former JV with ESA

UK House of Fisher has taken full ownership of the joint venture company previously operated in association with ESA following the latters recent administration

Extended stay hotels included in latest Arbor Lodging portfolio acquisition

US: Chicago-based Arbor Lodging Partners has acquired a $135 million hotel portfolio, which includes three extended stay/serviced apartment properties.

Airbnb leads Lyric funding round

US: San Francisco-based apartment provider Lyric has raised $160 million in a Series B financing and debt financing led by Airbnb.

Union Hanover buys 100 London serviced apartments for Urban Villa brand

UK: Union Hanover Securities has acquired 100 apartments from house builder Barratt London at its Great West Quarter (GWQ) scheme in Brentford.

Good Hospitality Services breaks ground on Naples extended stay property

US: Developer Good Hospitality Services has started work on a Home2 Suites by Hilton property in North Naples, Florida.

Locale raises $2.5 million in seed funding

US: Locale, an Austin-based aparthotel brand has secured $2.5 million in seed round funding led by Amplo and Susa Ventures.

Optimand partners with big data startup Gyana

UK: Hospitality analytics provider Optimand has partnered with Gyana in a bid to enhance marketing capabilities for its hotel and serviced apartment clients.

Change is in the air: Serviced Apartment Summit Americas 2019

US: More than 130 hospitality leaders gathered in New York last week for a vibrant and thought-provoking Serviced Apartnent Summit Americas.

Frasers debuts latest Singapore property

Singapore: Frasers Hospitality has officially opened Fraser Residence Orchard, Singapore.

WoodSpring Suites opens in Portland

US: WoodSpring Suites has opened a 122-key extended stay hotel in Portland's Gresham neighbourhood.

Green light expected for Cambridge Locke aparthotel

UK: Plans for a Locke aparthotel at the Eddington development in Cambridge have been recommended for approval.

Mandarin Oriental to add serviced apartments at Istanbul project

Turkey: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will manage a second hotel in Istanbul, which will feature serviced apartments and branded residences.

IHG signs two Staybridge Suites properties in Dubai

UAE: IHG has signed franchise agreements with developer SRG Holding.

Quick Q&A: Charles Davies, Hyperoptic

Charles Davies, managing director ISP at Hyperopic, talks to SAN about the latest in WiFi technology.

BBF opens latest Brussels apartments BBF opens latest Brussels apartments

Belgium: Brussels-based operator BBF has opened its B-Square apartments in the Brussels Canal district.

Advani takes CEO role at BridgeStreet as Worker departs

US: BridgeStreet has appointed Kamal Advani as CEO to succeed Sean Worker, who will be leaving to pursue other interests.

Ascott signs 14 properties with more than 2,000 units

Singapore: The Ascott Limited has signed contracts to manage 14 properties with more than 2,000 units across eight countries.

My Place partners with Iowa motor sports venue

US: My Place Hotels has announced a partnership between its Des Moines area hotels and Knoxville Raceway, known as the Sprint Car Capital of the World.

Ascott launches first The Residence property in Germany

Germany: Ascott The Residence is set to make its German debut in 2022 within the RIVERPARK Tower, Frankfurt.

Hmlet signs Singapore CBD co-living project

Singapore: Co-living operator Hmlet has signed a property in the Tanjong Pagar/ Cantonment Downtown CBD precinct.

Priestley plans aparthotel in Warrington town centre

UK: Leeds-based developer Priestley is planning an aparthotel in a former post office at Palmyra Square, one of two schemes it is proposing for Warrington town centre.

SilverDoor hosts APAC serviced apartment event

Singapore: SilverDoor Apartments has hosted its second annual APAC property partner networking event.

RMS Cloud becomes exclusive PMS provider for Ascott

Australia: RMS Cloud has won a tender to become the sole property management system for The Ascott Limited.

Work starts on Dublin aparthotel

Ireland: Developer Marlet has started work on a €110 million hotel and aparthotel development close to the Ha’penny Bridge in central Dublin.

200-key aparthotel set for Liverpool's Duke Street

UK: Henry Space Developments is set to build an aparthotel which will include the conversion of four terraced houses and a new-build extension on Liverpool’s Duke Street.

Staycity signs Frankfurt airport aparthotel

Germany: Staycity Group has signed a deal for an aparthotel at Germany’s largest airport.

Destiny Scotland opens Glasgow serviced apartments

UK: An A-listed building in Glasgow city centre has undergone a £750,000 conversion into serviced apartments.

TownePlace Suites set for Rochester

US: A six-storey extended stay hotel has been proposed for downtown Rochester, Minnesota.

Office conversion proposals could boost Singapore's serviced apartment sector

Singapore: A government urban draft plan for Singapore's CBD could be good news for serviced apartments and the wider hospitality sector.

Sycamore to start work on Florida extended stay hotel

US: Sycamore Investment Group is about to begin construction on a Home2 Suites by Hilton in Viera, Florida.

The Edinburgh Collection buys Princes Street Suites

UK: The Edinburgh Collection has acquired Princes Street Suites, a 37-key aparthotel in Edinburgh city centre.

CHD Developers launches first Y Suites development in Gurugram

India: CHD Developers has launched its Y Suites project, described as a brand targeting guests aged 25 to 40.

Official opening for Fraser Suites Muscat

Oman: Frasers Hospitality has held an official opening event for its 120-key Fraser Suites Muscat property.

Parkes to step down from GTMC role

UK: Adrian Parkes, chief executive of the Guild of Travel Management Companies, has announced his retirement and will step down from his role this summer.

Staycity acquires Whitechapel site for second London Wilde Aparthotel

Ireland: Staycity has announced the acquisition of a new site on London’s Commercial Road which will open as a Wilde Aparthotel by Staycity at the end of 2020.

Extended Stay America opens Houston property

US: Extended Stay America has announced the first franchise conversion in the brand’s history with the opening of the Extended Stay America Houston IAH Airport.

KeyNest expands in to Italy

Italy: KeyNest is expanding its key exchange service to Italy, in a move that will allow 80,000 operators and hosts to grant property access to guests remotely.

World's largest Residence Inn opens in Calgary

Canada: Marriott has opened a 390-key Residence Inn, the brand's largest to date, in Calgary’s Beltline district.

Adagio officially launches first London property

UK: Aparthotels Adagio officially launched its first London property by hosting a party at the 100-key Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford.

Flying Butler parent company buys Executive Serviced Apartments from administration

UK: Orchard Apartments Limited, the owner and operator of Flying Butler Apartments, has acquired the business and assets of Executive Serviced Apartments (ESA).

Acomodeo releases DACH serviced apartment price radar

Germany: Research from Acomodeo shows that booking a serviced apartment can save guests to 54 per cent in comparison to a hotel stay, depending on the DACH-destination.

Japanese hotel company appoints president ahead of Indonesia serviced apartment launch

Japan: Fujita Kanko Inc. has announced the appointment of Yoshihiro Ise as its new president, effective immediately.

Acomodeo releases DACH serviced apartment price radar

Germany: Research from Acomodeo shows that booking a serviced apartment can save guests to 54 per cent in comparison to a hotel stay, depending on the DACH-destination.

Marriott and Dur Hospitality open Saudi apartments

KSA: Marriott International and Dur Hospitality have opened Marriott Executive Apartments Riyadh, Diplomatic Quarter.

Ohio extended stay hotel changes hands

US: A Home2Suites by Hilton extended stay property in the Cincinnati suburb of Liberty Township has been sold for $7.2 million.

Ascott launches Citadines Connect sub-brand for business travel hotels

Singapore: Ascott has launched the Citadines Connect brand of business hotels to expand its short-stay offering.

Oakwood opens Mapletree-developed serviced apartments in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam: Mapletree Investments has officially opened Oakwood Residence Saigon in District 7 of Ho Chi Minh City.

KanAm and Pantera team up for Frankfurt serviced apartment project

German fund manager KanAm has formed a second joint venture with develop Pantera for its German development fund.

My Place Hotels announces three Midwest locations

US: My Place Hotels of America is set to open properties in Wisconsin, Kansas and Montana by the end of this year.

Architect Post takes on redesign of AKA Tribeca

US: Architect and designer Jennifer Post is creating new interiors for AKA Tribeca in Manhattan, her first hotel project.

Flying Butler Apartments partners with Centrepoint

UK: As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, London provider Flying Butler Apartments has partnered with homelessness charity Centrepoint.

Zeus raises $24 million to fund expansion

US: Furnished housing for business provider Zeus has raised $24 million to fund its expansion in to the corporate housing market.

Plans submitted for Kilkenny aparthotel

Ireland: Developer Menesiah Limited has applied to Kilkenny County Council to build a three-storey aparthotel.

London local authority set to lease Aldgate aparthotel

UK: The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham will enter an innovative intermediate lease deal for a property currently under construction in east London.

Co-living concept for families launched in NYC

US: Kin, a collaboration between Common and Tishman Speyer, is a colliding concept aimed at providing family-friendly urban living.

Homelike opens Barcelona office

Spain: Serviced apartment marketplace Homelike has entered the Spanish market and open an office in Barcelona.

Crown Group to open Skye Suites apartments in Sydney’s Green Square

Australia: Skye Suites Green Square is set to open mid-year as part of the Crown Group's AUD$575 million development Infinity by Crown Group.

GBI wins immobilienmanager-Award 2019 for SMARTments brand

Germany: Developer GBI Group has received the immobilienmanager-Award 2019 in Cologne.

Staycity to open first resort-style property in Paris

France: Staycity Group is set to open a resort-style property close to Disneyland Paris.

Homelike opens Barcelona office

Spain: Serviced apartment marketplace Homelike has entered the Spanish market and open an office in Barcelona.

Trinity Street provides construction loan for Michigan Staybridge Suites project

US: Trinity Street Capital Partners has announced the origination of a $10 million loan for the development of a 109-key Staybridge Suites in Grandville, MI.

CLI announces further Philippines collaboration with Ascott

Philippines: Developer Cebu Landmasters Inc (CLI) has announced it will partner with The Ascott Ltd on projects in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Trinity Street provides construction loan for Michigan Staybridge Suites project

US: Trinity Street Capital Partners has announced the origination of a $10 million loan for the development of a 109-key Staybridge Suites in Grandville, MI.

Dual-branded Newcastle Marriott project to feature first north of England Residence Inn

UK: Marriott is set to open a Residence Inn aparthotel and a Moxy hotel in the former offices of the Newcastle Chronicle and Journal in Groat Market.

Dublin aparthotel developer in dispute with council over planning levy

Ireland: The developer of an aparthotel near Trinity College Dublin has brought a High Court challenge over a council demand for an additional planning levy of €219,000.

Cuckooz opens Bloomsbury apartments

UK: London serviced apartment provider Cuckooz has opened its eighth property, in the Bloomsbury neighbourhood.

The industry celebrates at Serviced Apartment Awards 2019

UK: The winners of the fourth annual Serviced Apartment Awards celebrated in London last night, at a gala dinner presentation at the Park Plaza Riverbank.

Hilton’s All Suites brands celebrate year of growth

US: Hilton says its All Suites enjoyed a 2018 marked by growth domestically and abroad.

Belfast developer unveils aparthotel plans at MIPIM

UK: A Belfast property firm has submitted plans for a 14-storey aparthotel in the city centre.

thesqua.re and Taylor Made form NYC partnership

US: London-based thesqua.re and Taylor Made Furnished Apartments have formed a strategic partnership in New York City.

Corporate Housing Factory launches mobile app

Netherlands: Corporate Housing Factory (CHF) has teamed up with app builder Criton to launch a newly redesigned app for iOS and Android mobile devices.

Dream Apartments to open pod development in Liverpool

UK: Belfast-based operator Dream Apartments will open a project with 33 "dream Pods" at Colonial Chambers in Liverpool.

Corporate Housing Factory launches mobile app

Netherlands: Corporate Housing Factory (CHF) has teamed up with app builder Criton to launch a newly redesigned app for iOS and Android mobile devices.

Quest starts work on first Gold Coast Aparthotel

Australia: Quest Apartment Hotels has begun construction of its first Gold Coast property, Quest Robina, with long-term development partner Pellicano.

My Place opens second Nebraska property

US: My Place Hotels of America has opened in Hastings, Nebraska, marking the brand’s second location in the state.

Akara Partners completes construction of Chicago Home2 Suites property

US: Akara Partners, a real estate investment, development, and operations firm based in Chicago, has completed the Home2 Suites by Hilton Chicago River North.

Greenland Hotels to manage Thai serviced apartments

Thailand: Greenland Hotel and Tourism Group has reached agreement with developer Siamese Asset to manage 10 of the company’s hotel and serviced apartments projects in Bangkok.

Dallas dual-branded property to open in June

US:Developer and management company NewcrestImage will open a 150-key Residence Inn and 150-key AC Hotel in Dallas in June.

Staybridge Suites Newcastle makes TripAdvisor's Top 25 UK hotels

UK: Staybridge Suites Newcastle, which is owned and managed by Cycas Hospitality, has been voted one of the UK’s top 25 hotels.

GDS bookings drive Q4 2018 US RevPAR performance in hospitality

US: TravelClick says that global distribution system (GDS) hotel bookings experienced a record year in 2018, generating more than 75 million annual reservations globally.

GDS bookings drive Q4 2018 US RevPAR performance in hospitality

US: TravelClick says that global distribution system (GDS) hotel bookings experienced a record year in 2018, generating more than 75 million annual reservations globally.

Oakwood signs partnership with Boutique Corporation for Thai expansion

Thailand: Oakwood and Boutique Corporation have formed a strategic partnership to launch Oakwood Hotels and Apartments in Thailand.

EPIC looks to expand after refinancing deal

UK: Liverpool-based Aparthotel operator EPIC is looking to expand to other UK cities after securing a multi-million pound refinance package from Allied Irish Bank.

Edinburgh Marina hotel to feature serviced apartments

UK: A contractor has been appointed to the Edinburgh marina development which will feature 98 serviced apartments at the Hyatt Regency Spa & Conference Hotel.

Cheval Three Quays celebrates five years at number one in TripAdvisor rankings

UK: Cheval Three Quays, near London's Tower Bridge, celebrating five years in the #1 position for speciality lodging on TripAdvisor.

Prime Position

The prime central London residential market has had a well-documented tough time of it recently - Spring review figures from Knight Frank show that there is still no growth in terms of sales and prices, while sales were down by 15 per cent year-on-year in 2018 and prices down 4.4 per cent.

Developing value

Staycity's acquisition of a development company is an interesting twist on the Opco Propco equation.

YOTEL to take extended stay brand to Europe with Swiss openings

Switzerland: YOTEL is set to bring its YOTELPAD extended stay brand to Europe when it opens three properties in the Lake Geneva region from 2020 onwards.

Quest opens Melbourne property in time for Australian Grand Prix

Australia: Quest Apartment Hotels has opened its latest property, Quest St Kilda Road, weeks before the start of the Australian Grand Prix which takes place in Melbourne.

Ayala Land to open Makati serviced apartments in Q2

Philippines: Ayala Land is set to open serviced apartments under the Seda brand in Makati's central business district by the second quarter of 2019.

Locke announces Lisbon and Berlin sites

UK: SACO’s design-focused Aparthotel brand Locke Hotels has announced two new properties set to open by 2022.

Staybridge Suites planned for Milwaukee metro area

US: A 135-room Staybridge Suites hotel is being proposed for a vacant site on N. Mayfair Road in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

West London serviced apartment building sold for £25 million

UK: A serviced apartment building in Notting Hill has sold for £665,000 per key - a claimed record for the capital.

WoodSpring Suites opens in Naples

US: Choice Hotels and developer Gold Coast Premier Properties have opened the WoodSpring Suites Naples in Florida.

Quick Q&A: Bozhidar Zahariev, Cleves

Bozhidar Zahariev, general manager of Cleves, talks to SAN about his company's plans and the Bulgarian serviced apartment market.

Dubai Citadines property receives environmental award

UAE: Citadines Metro Central Dubai has been awarded the Green Key global standard of environmental excellence within the hospitality sector.

New venue for Serviced Apartment Summit Europe

UK: International Hospitality Media has confirmed the dates for the 2019 Serviced Apartment Summit Europe, which will take place on July 1 and 2.

Overseas investors back Cambridge aparthotel

UK: A group of overseas investors are funding a 57-key aparthotel near the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

RMS Cloud bookings reach AUD$1 billion annually

Australia: Accommodation technology company RMS Cloud has revealed the value of bookings via its cloud-based PMS is running at an annualised rate of more than AUS$1 million.

Publisher plans Newcastle aparthotel

UK: The former home of the Newcastle Chronicle is set to be demolished to make way for two new hotels, in multimillion-pound plans from publisher Reach Plc.

Uptown Suites opens first Colorado property

US: Uptown Suites has announced the official opening of its sixth extended stay property, in Westminster, Colorado.

RMS Cloud bookings reach AUD$1 billion annually

Australia: Accommodation technology company RMS Cloud has revealed the value of bookings via its cloud-based PMS is running at an annualised rate of more than AUS$1 million.

Ascott to manage Citadines property in Gurugram

India: Ascott has signed a 90-unit project with Paras Buildtech, in the northern city of Gurugram.

Extended stay visionary DeBoer wins Pioneer Award at ALIS

US: The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) and the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) has recognised Jack DeBoer with the Pioneer Award.

Serviced Apartment Awards 2019 shortlist revealed

UK: The shortlisted entries for the 2019 Serviced Apartment Awards have been announced in advance of the awards ceremony on March 14th in London.

Time Hotels to manage Dunes aparthotel portfolio in Dubai

UAE: Time Hotels Management has signed an agreement to operate Dunes Hotel Apartments’ three properties in Dubai.

Suite Home promotes Matthew Tobel to director role

US: Chicago-based corporate housing provider Suite Home has promoted Matthew Tobel to director of business development.

Meenan joins Furnished Quarters as VP of sales

US: Furnished Quarters has announced the appointment of Catherine Meenan as vice president of sales.

Onyx launches Shama Hub co-living concept for serviced apartments

Thailand: Onyx Hospitality Group has launched its Shama Hub brand, a serviced apartments and co-living concept for the ‘informal generation’.

Staycity diversifies with development company acquisition

Ireland: Staycity has acquired a development company as part of plans to develop up to 20 per cent of its properties in-house.

YOO Worldwide opens regional HQ in Bangkok

Thailand: YOO Worldwide has announced that Bangkok will be the base for its regional HQ and has already confirmed the appointment of key executives and creative directors.

Choice and ServiceStar sign agreement for 14 new WoodSpring properties

US: Choice Hotels International has awarded an agreement to ServiceStar Hospitality to develop 14 new WoodSpring Suites hotels throughout Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada.

Dream Apartments to expand in the north-east

UK: Belfast-based operator Dream Apartments has announced further investment in the city of Newcastle.

Devon aparthotel conversion refused planning

UK: Planning permission to convert three barns into nine one-bedroom aparthotel units in Ottery St Mary has been refused.

County Kildare aparthotel planning appeal withdrawn

Ireland: An appeal against a 55-key aparthotel at the Waterways complex in Sallins has been withdrawn.

Boston area Residence Inn changes hands

US: Sawyer Realty Holdings has acquired the Residence Inn Boston Tewksbury/Andover in Tewksbury, Massachussetts, for $12 million.

Brace of awards for Clarendon at CHPA conference

US: London serviced apartment provider Clarendon has won two partner awards at the 2019 Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA) conference.

Quest to manage 100 apartments in The Miller development

Australia: Developer Yuhu Group has confirmed The Miller project in North Sydney has topped out, and will include 100 serviced apartments managed by Quest Apartment Hotels.

Planning application submitted for Wilde aparthotel in York

UK: Staycity has submitted plans for a £35 million 152-key scheme in York city centre.

Staybridge Suites makes Doha debut

Qatar: IHG, in partnership with Al Sraiya Hotels & Hospitality Group has opened the 119-key Staybridge Suites Doha Lusail.

Jamaican capital gets first aparthotel

Caribbean: The 48-key R Hotel has opened in Kingston, Jamaica.

Mansley appoints Feeney to new quality manager role

UK: Serviced apartment owner/operator Mansley has appointed Lorraine Feeney as its first quality manager.

April opening for Scunthorpe aparthotel

UK: A 30-key aparthotel is set to open in the centre of Scunthorpe after a £400,000 redevelopment of the town’s former Conservative Club.

RedAwning integrates with AllTheRooms

US: Vacation property network RedAwning.com has integrated with AllTheRooms, an accommodations aggregator that pulls data from more than travel sites.

Singapore apartment block for sale at reduced price

Singapore: The Margate Point development in Singapore is aback on the market at a reduced price of S$36.5 million (£21 million).

WoodSpring Suites opens its first Oregon extended stay property

US: Choice Hotels, in collaboration with Brookwood Hotels, has announced the opening of the WoodSpring Suites Portland North Gresham.

RedAwning integrates with AllTheRooms

US: Vacation property network RedAwning.com has integrated with AllTheRooms, an accommodations aggregator that pulls data from more than travel sites.

Serviced apartments outperform hotels in Nairobi market

Kenya: A report by realtor Vaal Real Estate says serviced apartments in Nairobi saw a three-year average occupancy of 72 per cent compared to a 52 per cent average for hotels.

TownePlace Suites opens in downtown Salt Lake City

US: A 95-key TownePlace Suites by Marriott has opened in downtown Salt Lake City.

McAleer & Rushe awarded contract for Paddington development

UK: Northern Ireland-based developer and contractor McAleer & Rushe will deliver a hotel and hybrid aparthotel development in Paddington, London.

Cycas appoints Luscombe to new CEO role

Netherlands: Former IHG CCO Matt Luscombe has joined Cycas Hospitality as the company’s first ever CEO.

McAleer & Rushe awarded contract for Paddington development

UK: Northern Ireland-based developer and contractor McAleer & Rushe will deliver a hotel and hybrid aparthotel development in Paddington, London.

Voting for the 2019 Rising Star and Industry Inspiration categories is now open

UK: Two of the prizes in the 2019 Serviced Apartment Awards will once again be decided by you, the Serviced Apartment News readers.

Travelers Haven launches Havn rental platform

US: Corporate housing company Travelers Haven has launched Havn, an online booking platform for furnished lets of 30 nights and more.

Travelers Haven launches Havn rental platform

US: Corporate housing company Travelers Haven has launched Havn, an online booking platform for furnished lets of 30 nights and more.

Ghana set for first Residence Inn in 2023

Ghana: The signing of the Residence Inn by Marriott Accra Kotoka Airport marks the debut of the extended-stay brand in the country.

OYO Rooms in talks to take over US-owned Indian serviced apartments and hotels

India: India’s largest budget hotel chain OYO Rooms is in talks with a Los Angeles based firm to take over its Indian operations.

First Scottish Staybridge Suites property opens in Dundee

UK: Percor Capital has opened the first Staybridge Suites in Scotland, a sister development to its Hotel Indigo Dundee project.

Sino Group launches Hong Kong serviced apartment brand

China: Developer Sino Group has launched Sino Suites, a portfolio of long-stay apartments in prime Hong Kong locations.

Residence Inn to open Maryland extended stay hotel

US: A 103-key Residence Inn by Marriott in Fulton, Maryland is scheduled to open next week.

Rosewood Apartment Hotels plans expansion in north India

India: Rosewood Apartment Hotels is aiming to grow its portfolio to more than 200 units by the end of 2019.

Ananda to spend Bt8 billion on development land

Thailand: Bangkok-based developer Ananda Development Plc plans to spend up to Bt8 billion (£200 million) to buy land for the development of 10 projects.

ESA breaks ground on Virginia franchise property

US: Extended Stay America has started construction on its first franchised new-build hotel in Colonial Heights, Virginia.

Cheval rounds off charitable year with donation to Royal British Legion

UK: Cheval Three Quays has made a donation to the Royal British Legion to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.

SACO teams up with ASSA ABLOY and KeezApp

UK: ASSA ABLOY has announced the implementation by SACO of its Mobile Access solution, via integration with app provider KeezApp.

SACO teams up with ASSA ABLOY and KeezApp

UK: ASSA ABLOY has announced the implementation by SACO of its Mobile Access solution, via integration with app provider KeezApp.

Work due to start on Minnesota Hyatt House

US: California-based EKN Development Group is due to start work on a 175-key Hyatt House in Rochester, Minnesota.

Quest opens largest property to date in Melbourne’s Docklands

Australia: Quest Apartment Hotels has opened Quest NewQuay in Melbourne’s Docklands, the company’s largest property to date.

Ascott signs franchise for first Amsterdam property

Netherlands: Ascott has signed a franchise agreement for the first Citadines property in the Netherlands.

Oakwood partners with TravelClick

US: Oakwood has announced a strategic partnership with TravelClick to boost its reservation platform.

Uptown Suites opens in Texas

US: Uptown Suites has announced the official opening of its fifth extended stay property, in Round Rock, Texas.

Oakwood partners with TravelClick

US: Oakwood has announced a strategic partnership with TravelClick to boost its reservation platform.

Larry Korman: making places from spaces

Larry Korman, co-CEO of Korman Communities and president of AKA, talks to SAN about luxury serviced residences, Airbnb and mixed-use development.

Entry period for 2019 Serviced Apartment Awards extended until February 7th

UK: The entry period for the fourth annual Serviced Apartment Awards - complete with two new categories - has been extended until February 7th 2019.

Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore launches one-night stays

Singapore: Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore in the heart of Singapore’s CBD, is taking reservations for daily stays.

Serviced Apartment Summit arrives in Asia

Thailand: The first Serviced Apartment Summit Asia takes place next month, with the inaugural event attracting high-level hospitality delegates to Bangkok.

Independent extended stay hotel opens in home of Yale University

US: The Blake, a 108-key extended stay hotel in New Haven, Connecticut, has opened its doors.

Cycas strengthens management team as it opens first property outside the UK

Netherlands: Cycas Hospitality has opened its first property in continental Europe and strengthens its acquisition and development team with three appointments.

InTown Suites partners with Sceptre Hospitality Resources

US: InTown Suites has teamed up with Sceptre Hospitality Resources (SHR), to design, deploy, and support its new central reservation system.

Quick Q&A: Stephen McCall, SACO

SACO's new CEO Stephen McCall talks to SAN about rolling out the Locke brand to capitalise on the Airbnb-effect that has boosted consumer awareness of apartments.

OYO invests $100 million in Indonesian market

Indonesia: Indian hospitality chain OYO has strengthened its presence in Indonesia by investing $100 million to boost its operations.

Ascott REIT records positive performance for Q4 2018

Singapore: Ascott Residence Trust’s distribution per unit (DPU) increased five per cent year-on-year to 2.15 cents in 4Q 2018.

Business Bay mixed-use tower to include serviced apartments

UAE: A 29-storey tower in Dubai will be developed by DAMAC.

Event review: RECHARGE 2019, Berlin

Around 130 professionals from the serviced apartment and broader hospitality sectors converged on Berlin last week for the second annual RECHARGE event. George Sell reports.

Oakwood signs partnership with LIXIL

Singapore: LIXIL,a manufacturer of bathroom and kitchen products, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Oakwood in the Asia Pacific region.

South Carolina hotel marks developer’s first Home2 Suites

US: Developer Daly Seven, Inc. has opened its first Home2 by Hilton property in Duncan, South Carolina.

Choice signs deal with developer CHECO for 27 WoodSpring properties

UK: Choice Hotels has signed an agreement with CHECO Purchase Company, to develop 27 new WoodSpring Suites hotels.

Ascott opens third Crest Collection property in Paris

France: The Ascott Limited is launching its third The Crest Collection property, La Clef Champs-Elysées Paris, which opened today after two years in development.

Cambridge Locke aparthotel plans move a step forward

UK: Plans for an aparthotel in a new Cambridge district have taken a step forward following concerns over parking and traffic.

Flying Butler Apartments names Kalsi as head of brand

UK: London-based apartment provider Flying Butler Apartments has appointed Marie Kalsi to the newly created position of head of brand.

Staycity to open Wilde aparthotel in Paddington dual-branded project

UK: A 620-key hotel and aparthotel complex with Staycity and Premier Inn as tenants will open in London’s Paddington in 2021.

Citystay’s donations to Aquaid charity exceed £100,000

UK: Cambridge serviced apartment operator Citystay has donated more than £100,000 to the Aquaid Lifeline Fund.

TCS to start work on Leeds aparthotel

UK: Developer Town Centre Securities is planning to start work on a Leeds aparthotel later this year.

Oaks renews partnership with Soap Aid

Australia: Oaks Hotels & Resorts has been named as an Australian and New Zealand Hotel Champion for not-for-profit organisation Soap Aid.

Staybridge Suites opens near London’s Heathrow airport

UK: Staybridge Suites has opened a 190-key property near Heathrow Airport.

Element extended stay brand comes to Detroit

US: Element Detroit has opened in the converted Neo-Gothic Metropolitan Building.

Mapletree buys Oakwood-branded Arlington apartments

US: Mapletree Investments has acquired a 184-key Oakwood-branded property at 1550 Clarendon Blvd in Arlington, Virgina.

esa adds Portsmouth apartments

UK: esa has boosted its inventory with the addition of apartments close to Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.

Quick Q&A: Ken Moore, Oakwood

Ken Moore, managing director for EMEA at Oakwood, talks to SAN about the growth of the serviced apartment sector and regional variation in customer behaviour.

Cheval launches private chef offer

UK: Cheval Collection has partnered with La Belle Assiette to offer guests the opportunity to book a private chef in their apartment.

Dream Apartments to add Liverpool penthouses

UK: Belfast-based operator Dream Apartments is to invest £2.6million in nine new luxury penthouse properties in Liverpool.

Dublin aparthotel site up for sale

Ireland: A site with planning consent for a 149-unit aparthotel development in Dublin 8 is on the market for €5.75 million.

SilverDoor opens US office

US: London-based serviced apartment agent SilverDoor has opened its US headquarters in Denver, Colorado.

Lindsay Goldberg buys US extended stay chain

US: Investment firm Lindsay Goldberg has acquired Affordable Suites of America.

Uptown Suites opens Florida property

US: Uptown Suites has opened its fourth extended stay property, in Riverview, Florida.

Staying Cool hosts writer in residence at the Rotunda

UK: Birmingham’s Poet Laureate Richard O’Brien has spent a week as writer in residence at Staying Cool’s apartments in the city.

Hilton property in Yangon to feature serviced apartments

Myanmar: Hilton has announced the signing of a management agreement with Myanmar partners Crown Advanced Construction to operate a 308-key hotel near downtown Yangon.

Dwel launches apartments in DC's District Wharf

US: Dwel Serviced Residences has partnered with PN Hoffman to create a boutique furnished apartment leasing program at The Banks building in Washington DC.

Northern Ireland aparthotel benefits from public funds

UK: A new aparthotel in Portrush is one of the beneficiaries of almost £1m in public funds as part of efforts to prepare the resort for the 148th Open Championship golf.

Oakwood buys Chicago apartment building

US: Oakwood has acquired Jones Chicago by Mapletree, a 25-storey residential property at 220 West Illinois Street, in Chicago's River North neighbourhood.

Noble appoints Emily Feeney as manager of capital markets and investments

US: Atlanta-based Noble Investment Group has announced the appointment of Emily Feeney as manager of capital markets and investments.

Denver Residence Inn changes hands

US: Orlando-based Xenia Hotels & Resorts Inc. has sold the Residence Inn by Marriott Denver City Center for $92 million.

A third of European travel buyers have bigger budgets for 2019

UK: One third of buyers will have bigger corporate travel budgets in 2019, according to research by the Business Travel Show.

Work starts on Ohio TownePlace Suites

US: Construction has begun on a TownePlace Suites by Marriott extended stay hotel in Fairfield, Ohio.

Avignon Capital buys Staybridge Suites The Hague-Parliament

Netherlands: Avignon Capital, a European property investment and asset management firm, has acquired Staybridge Suites The Hague-Parliament for €16.2 million.

Cycas enters German market with Element Frankfurt Airport deal

Germany: Cycas Hospitality has signed its inaugural property in Germany, adding a new extended stay brand to its roster.

Ascott REIT sells Ascott Raffles Place Singapore

Singapore: Ascott Residence Trust has entered into an agreement to sell Ascott Raffles Place Singapore for S$353.3 million to an unrelated third party.

ZSL Capital to move in to serviced apartment sector

UK: Real estate lender ZSL Capital is aiming to grow its loan book to more than £100 million by the end of 2020.

Property entrepreneur takes five per cent stake in Staycity

Ireland: Property entrepreneur Stephen Vernon’s John Pollard Foundation has acquired a five per cent shareholding in Dublin-based operator Staycity.

Prague developer to launch fractional ownership apartment business

Czech Republic: Prague property developer Starter Homes s.r.o. has announced plans to bring fractional real estate ownership to the apartment rental sector.

Uptown Suites chooses Blueprint RF for guest connectivity

US: Starwood Capital’s extended stay brand Uptown Suites has partnered with technology provider Blueprint RF.

Quest to open first UK property in the summer

UK: Quest Apartment Hotels will open its first UK property in Liverpool, July or August 2019.

AKA to donate furnishings to Habitat for Humanity

US: AKA Rittenhouse Square will be donating furnishings to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s ReStore as it undergoes a refurbishment.

Dream Apartments appoints commercial director

UK: Belfast-based operator Dream Apartments has announced the appointment of Mark Docherty as commercial director.

Extended stay hotel planned for Ann Arbor

US: A 115-key Home2 Suites by Hilton property is planned for a site near Briarwood Mall on Ann Arbor’s south side.

Tharaldson opens Home2 Suites property in Texas

US: Illinois-based hotel developer Tharaldson Hospitality Management LLC has opened its first hotel in San Antonio under Hilton's Home2 Suites brand.

Sandpiper forms extended stay REIT

US: Sandpiper Cos, a developer and operator of extended stay hotels, has formed Sandpiper Lodging Trust, a privately held lodging REIT.

Dream Apartments boss makes Christmas charity donation

UK: Dream Apartments MD Tom Smyth has donated more than £1,000 worth of toys to the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast.

Doing the business

It's hugely encouraging to see increased use of serviced apartments by corporate travel buyers again this year. According to a Business Travel Show survey, just under a third of buyers booked more serviced apartments in 2018 compared to 2017, and serviced apartments was was the only accommodation category to see an increase in use over the last 12 months.

A growing attraction

It's great to see top talent from hospitality and other industries looking to contribute their knowledge and expertise to our sector - in recent weeks we've covered the moves of senior hotel industry figures across to prominent roles at SACO and Ascott, and this week there is another clear indication that serviced apartments have well and truly entered the mainstream.

BridgeStreet hires John Hile as CRO

US: BridgeStreet has named Jon Hile as the company's chief revenue officer.

Ascott sees changing guest profile in KSA

KSA: Ascott has put together a report into the changing dynamics of guest profiles in Saudi Arabia.

Brera strengthens revenue and sales teams

Germany: Brera Serviced Apartments has appointed Bastian Daeullary as revenue manager and Camilla Dell´Aversano as sales manager.

Adina to open Munich property in 2020

Germany: TFE Hotels will add to its European portfolio of 11 properties in 2020 when the Adina Apartment Hotel in Munich opens its doors.

Event review: 2018 ASAP convention

SAN editor George Sell reports from the 2018 ASAP convention in London.

KeyNest adds automated lockers to its key exchange service

UK: Key exchange service provider KeyNest has expanded its network to 1500 stores across the UK.

Multimillion dollar renovation for Residence Inn Miami airport

US: The Residence Inn Miami Airport will undergo a major renovation during 2019.

WoodSpring Suites makes Nevada debut

US: Choice Hotels has teamed up with Brookwood Hotels to open WoodSpring Suites Reno Sparks, the brand's first hotel in Nevada.

Medici Living raises €1 billion for European co-living push

Germany: Berlin-based co-living company Medici Living has raised €1 billion and intends to become “the WeWork of co-living”.

Homelike continues expansion with Netherlands launch

Netherlands: Homelike, a B2B booking platform for furnished apartments, is launching in Amsterdam this month initially with 1,000 units in Amsterdam.

Oakwood appoints Moore to lead EMEA region

UK: Oakwood has appointed industry veteran Ken Moore as managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Cuckooz teams up with Simba for sleep-themed London serviced apartments

UK: London serviced apartment operator Cuckooz has launched The Zed Rooms - apartments designed to give guests the best night’s sleep possible.

ESA plans latest Florida project

US: Extended Stay America (ESA) is planning to open a 124-key property on Interchange Boulevard in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Cheval’s Greenwood takes chairman role as ASAP reveals new look advisory board

UK: Doug Greenwood, director of sales and marketing at Cheval, has taken the chairman’s role at the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP).

Former police station to get aparthotel conversion

UK: A former police station in Gateshead is to be transformed into an 18-room aparthotel under plans that have been recommended for approval.

Planning application lodged for Belfast aparthotel

UK: Developer Gareth Graham is applying for planning permission to demolish the Lyndon Court building on Queen Street and build an aparthotel.

Pan Pacific signs first Parkroyal serviced apartments in Bangkok

Thailand: Pan Pacific Hotels Group has signed its first PARKROYAL Serviced Suites in Bangkok, with developer Phachara Suites Co. Ltd.

Accor to open first internationally branded aparthotel in Kiev

Ukraine: Colliers International is in talks with AccorHotels to manage the first premium aparthotel in Kiev, which is set to open in 2020.

ASAP and CHPA to launch global trade body alliance

UK/US: The Association of Serviced Apartment Providers and the Corporate Housing Providers Association are joining forces to create an alliance of like-minded trade bodies.

Staycity appoints Wayne Arthur as CFO

Ireland: Staycity Group has former Prezzo CFO Wayne Arthur as chief financial officer.

Forenom converts 18th century building in to Stockholm serviced apartments

Sweden: Forenom has continued its expansion in Sweden with the opening of a new apartment building in Norrmalm, Stockholm.

Cheval announces brand expansion

UK: Luxury serviced apartment operator Cheval has announced the launch of Cheval Collection.

Mainsail extends franchise agreement with Oakwood

US: Mainsail Lodging & Development is expanding its franchise agreement with Oakwood to exclusively manage the Georgia and Tennessee markets.

MCR acquires Philadelphia Residence Inn property

US: MCR, the sixth-largest hotel owner-operator in the United States has acquired the 100-suite Residence Inn by Marriott Philadelphia Langhorne.

Cycas strengthens team with six senior hires

Netherlands: Cycas Hospitality has strengthened its teams in London, Amsterdam and France with six senior appointments, including the creation of two new job roles.

Travel buyers report increased serviced apartment use

UK: Nearly a third of corporate travel buyers increased their use of serviced apartment suppliers in 2018, up from the 20 per cent recorded this time last year.

Yays reveals European expansion plans

Netherlands: Amsterdam-based serviced apartment investor and operator Yays has announced an ambitious European growth plan, with a mission to grow to 2000 units by 2023.

Developer planning gin-themed serviced apartments for Cardiff

UK: Developer David Bellis is planning to open gin-themed serviced apartments above a new restaurant and bar on the High Street in the Welsh capital.

Excel Group buys Wilmington extended stay hotel

US: Washington DC-based real estate investment firm Excel Group has acquired the 96-key Residence Inn Wilmington Downtown.

Changing of the guard

The changing of the guard at SACO is yet another sign that the UK serviced apartment sector is continuing its upward curve.

Here to stay

Congratulations to Hilton on opening its 1,000th All Suites property, a Homewood Suites hotel in Pleasant Hill, California.

Staycity’s fourth Dublin aparthotel to open next week

Ireland: Staycity will open a 50-unit building in Chancery Lane, Dublin 8, on December 3.

Cardiff Staybridge Suites granted planning consent

UK: Plans to refurbish a Holiday Inn property and add a 75-key Staybridge Suites hotel have been approved by Cardiff council.

Olive Serviced Apartments passes 500 unit milestone

India: Olive Serviced Apartments has boosted its portfolio across major Indian cities to more than 500 units.

Hyatt House to open at Illinois dual-branded project

US: A dual branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotel is set to open next month in Moline, Illinois.

Zoku to open Copenhagen and Vienna properties in 2020

Netherlands: Zoku has announced the signing of new properties in Copenhagen and Vienna, both of which will open in 2020.

Meriton changes Sussex St plans to focus on serviced apartments

Australia: Developer Meriton has changed plans for its Sussex Street mixed-use project in the Sydney CBD for a second time, this time from hotels to serviced apartments.

ESA continues asset sale to franchise partners with Singerman deal

US: Extended Stay America and ESH Hospitality have sold 14 branded Extended Stay America hotels to a a subsidiary of Singerman Real Estate.

Native appoints Alexandra Brunner as COO

UK: Aparthotel brand Native has appointed Alexandra Brunner as chief operating officer.

Cycas to manage Belgium’s first Residence Inn

Belgium: Cycas Hospitality will operate the first internationally-branded extended stay hotel in Belgium, when a 127-key residence Inn opens in Brussels, in 2020.

GBI sells Mannheim SMARTments development

Germany: HanseMerkur Grundvermögen AG has acquired 113 serviced apartments in Mannheim from project developer GBI AG.

ASAP to launch Belgian chapter

Belgium: The Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP) has announced plans to launch a second overseas chapter, this time in Belgium.

Ascott appoints Hughes as UK area manager

UK: The Ascott Limited has appointed Billy Hughes as UK area manager to drive company growth, enhance guest experience and increase operational efficiency.

Gainford Group opens Newcastle aparthotel

UK: Developer Gainford Group has opened the County Aparthotel in a Grade II-listed building in Newcastle.

IHG brings Staybridge Suites brand to the Netherlands

Netherlands: IHG has opened the Staybridge Suites The Hague-Parliament, the brand's first property in the Netherlands.

Supercity to open refurbished Manchester aparthotel

UK: Supercity Aparthotels is set to open the refurbished former Light Aparthotel in Manchester, its first property outside of London.

Official opening for Alpha Suites in Makati City

Philippines: The 250-key Alpha Suites serviced residences, a sister property to the Balesin Island Club, has opened in Makati City.

Oakwood signs sponsorship deal across IHM portfolio

Leading serviced apartment operator Oakwood has signed a major sponsorship deal across a range of International Hospitality Media events.

Radisson to open two serviced apartment properties in Oman

Oman: Radisson Hospitality AB has signed two properties in Oman: Radisson Hotel Apartments, Muscat Hills and Park Inn by Radisson Hotel Apartments, Salalah.

Cotels appoints Diane Mason as guest experience manager

UK: Milton Keynes-based serviced apartment operator Cotels has appointed Diane Mason to the newly created role of guest experience manager.

So! Apart award winners honoured in Leipzig

Germany: The winners of the 2018 So! Apart awards were announced at a ceremony held as part of this year’s So! Apart conference in Leipzig.

South African investors make US extended stay play

US: South African property investment and development company Stonewood Alchemy Real Estate has acquired 16 extended stay hotels in Texas and Oklahoma.

Ascott forms alliance with major Indonesian developer

Indonesia: Ascott has formed a strategic alliance with Ciputra Development Group (Ciputra).

SACO opens Locke aparthotel in Manchester

UK: SACO has opened its 160-key Locke aparthotel on Manchester's Whitworth Street.

ESA breaks ground on first new property in more than 10 years

US: Extended Stay America has broken ground on a four-storey, 124-key hotel in Gibsonton, Florida.

Extended stay properties form part of $648 million refinancing deal

US: A Bank of America-led consortium has provided funding to refinance a 53-property, 5,958-key collection of properties operating under Marriott and Hilton brands.

Onefinestay boss Cedillo-Espin leaves to head up Sweet Inn

France: Onefinestay CEO Javier Cedillo-Espin has left the homesharing platform to join serviced apartment platform Sweet Inn as its new CEO.

SilverDoor launches online booking platform for relocation sector

UK: SilverDoor Apartments has launched the OrbiRelo online booking platform, aimed specifically at the global mobility industry.

Hanton to leave SACO at end of November

UK: SACO CEO Stephen Hanton will be leaving the business at the end of November, to be replaced by former IHG COO Stephen McCall.

Newcastle aparthotel to get go ahead despite objections

UK: Plans for an aparthotel in the Ouseburn Valley could be given the green light this week despite more than 11,000 people signing a petition against the development.

Meertens takes European COO role for NCH

UK: Tom Meertens has joined National Corporate Housing as COO for the UK and EMEA regions.

Analysts predict slower quarterly sales for ESA

US: Wall Street brokerages expect Extended Stay America (ESA) to post sales of $288.41 million for the current quarter.

WoodSpring strengthens DC presence

US: Choice Hotels, in collaboration with Sandpiper Hospitality, has opened the WoodSpring Suites Washington, D.C. East Arena Drive.

Accor opens Dubai aparthotel

UAE: AccorHotels has opened an aparthotel in Downtown Dubai under its Mövenpick brand.

North Carolina extended stay hotels change hands

US: Mission Capital Advisors Debt and Equity Finance Group have arranged financing for the acquisition of two hotels in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

IHG to bring Staybridge Suites brand to Kuwait

Kuwait: IHG has signed a management agreement with the Al Arabiya Real Estate Company to bring the Staybridge Suites brand to Kuwait.

BBF launches its first apartments in Antwerp

Belgium: BBF has announced the launch of 50 serviced apartments in Antwerp’s Park Tower.

My Place opens Washington State hotel

US: My Place Hotels of America has opened a 64-key extended stay property in Yakima, WA.

M&E works complete at Edinburgh Mode aparthotel project

UK: ARC-Tech (Scotland) has completed a turn-key mechanical and electrical solution for the refurbishment and fit-out of Edinburgh’s Kintore House.

ONYX Hospitality Group welcomes 50th property with the opening of Shama Hongqiao Shanghai

China: Shama Hongqiao Shanghai, a 132-key serviced apartment development, has opened, marking the 50th property under operation for ONYX Hospitality Group.

Extended Stay America sells 32 properties to franchise partners

US: Extended Stay America and ESH Hospitality have completed the sale of two portfolios totalling 32 branded Extended Stay America hotels.

Serviced apartments to form part of Malaysian mixed-use development

Malaysia: Sunsuria Bhd will develop a serviced apartment block as part of Phase 2 of Sunsuria Forum @ 7th Avenue in Setia Alam.

Supercity opens latest London property

UK: Supercity Aparthotels is set to open the Chronicle aparthotel on Norwich Street in the City of London.

Hilton All Suites brands hits 1,000 property milestone

US: The All Suites brands has opened its 1,000th property, Homewood Suites by Hilton Pleasant Hill Concord in California.

AKA West Hollywood completes final design stage

US: AKA has announced the completion of AKA West Hollywood’s amenity spaces, completing the long-stay property at 8500 Sunset Boulevard.

Accor aparthotel selected for Liverpool’s £1 billion Knowledge Quarter

UK: Accor Hotels will bring a joint Novotel hotel and aparthotel to Liverpool city council’s £1 billion Paddington Village scheme in the city’s Knowledge Quarter.

Choice and Brookwood sign deal for 20+ WoodSpring Suites properties

US: Choice Hotels has signed an agreement with Brookwood Hotels to develop more than 20 new WoodSpring Suites hotels over the next few years.

Accor to open Sebel aparthotel in Melbourne

Australia: Accor Hotels and owner Dalmeera Group have announced a new-build Sebel aparthotel in Melbourne's inner-east suburb of Malvern.

Major sponsorship deal for Maxxton across IHM portfolio

UK: Leading hospitality software provider Maxxton has signed a major sponsorship deal across a range of International Hospitality Media initiatives.

Residence Inn forms part of dual-branded Marriott site in Dallas

US: Pacific Hospitality Group Ventures is launching a dual-branded AC Hotel and Residence Inn property in Dallas.

Investor consortium to develop Dublin aparthotel

Ireland: A consortium of investors has paid €1.5 million for a site in Dublin where it will develop a €12.5 million aparthotel.

November opening for Newport’s first aparthotel

UK: Quay Apartments will open the first aparthotel in Newport, Wales, next month.

Aparthotel on former Newcastle TV studio site opens for business

UK: Aeriel House, a luxury aparthotel overlooking Newcastle Quayside, has opened on the site of the former Tyne Tees TV studios.

Brera signs second Frankfurt property

Germany: Brera Serviced Apartments has expanded its portfolio with the signing of 150 serviced apartments in Frankfurt.

IHM partners with HOFTEL for GIOHIS and SASMEA 2019

International Hospitality Media, the publisher of SAN, has teamed up with HOFTEL to present a content stream at the Gulf and Indian Ocean Hotel Investors’ Summit 2019.

December opening for SACO’s latest London aparthotel

UK: SACO will open The Moorgate, a 27-unit aparthotel in the City of London, in early December.

Thon Hotels refurbishes Brussels serviced apartments

Belgium: Thon Hotels has refurbished both of its serviced apartment properties in brussels, Thon Residence Florence and Thon Residence Parnasse.

Q&A adds F&B and recreation options

US: Q&A Residential Hotel in Manhattan has added grocery delivery, a new dining option and recreational facilities to its amenities.

London aparthotel rebranded by Adagio

UK: The former Urban Villa aparthotel in west London, has reopened as Aparthotels Adagio London Brentford.

Corporate Housing Factory celebrates fifth anniversary

Netherlands: Corporate Housing Factory is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the of the successful management buyout of Vesteda in 2013.

Cheval Residences adds to finance and marketing teams

UK: London-based serviced apartment operator Cheval Residences has appointed Carole Walker as director of finance and Alexandra Wilson as assistant marketing manager.

Entries are open for the 2019 Serviced Apartment Awards!

UK: The entry period for the fourth annual Serviced Apartment Awards - complete with two new categories - is open until January 31st 2019.

Elina PMS launches commission-free booking engine for serviced apartments

UK: Elina PMS has launched a booking engine designed to help serviced apartments get more direct bookings from leisure and corporate bookers.

Georgia Home2 Suites opens its doors

US: A Home2 Suites by Hilton has opened in LaGrange, Georgia.

Native’s Manchester aparthotel details revealed

UK: Native will operate a refurbished aparthotel on Manchester’s Ducie Street, which will reopen in spring 2019.

Soft opening for Swiss-Belhotel aparthotel in Bahrain

Bahrain: Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the soft opening of Swiss-Belresidences Juffair, which welcomed its first guest on October 1.

Best Western to open aparthotel in Cyprus

Cyprus: Best Western will open an Executive Residency hotel in Larnaca in March 2020.

Cardiff Bay extended stay hotel set get go ahead

UK: Plans to redevelop a Cardiff Bay hotel with 72 extended stay suites are poised for approval after receiving a recommendation from planning officers.

Constructions starts on Montana My Place Hotel

US: My Place Hotels has started construction at an extended stay hotel in Kalispell, which will be the brands fourth in the state of Montana.

BridgeStreet launches Mode aparthotel in Edinburgh

UK: BridgeStreet has opened an 82-key Mode aparthotel on Edinburgh’s Queen Street.

Urban Stay releases value statement

UK: London operator Urban Stay has released a statement outlining the company’s values.

Malhotra Group reveals Newcastle aparthotel plans

UK: Newcastle developer the Malhotra Group has revealed plans for a luxury aparthotel in a prominent Newcastle city centre building.

That’s lyf

The major serviced apartment companies are diversifying in to areas outside of their traditional offerings

Lamington gets green light for Chiswick room2 site

UK: The Lamington Group will begin work on a room2 aparthotel on the site of a former Chiswick office building in Q2 2019.

Starting something

Aviva’s entrance in to the serviced apartment sector in Dublin is a move of big significance even if the sums involved are relatively small.

Adagio launches family friendly initiatives at UK aparthotels

UK: Aparthotels Adagio has introduced “Kids Friendly” guides for some of its UK destinations.

Tennis star Radwanska opens Krakow serviced apartments

Poland: Former tennis world number 2 Agnieszka Radwanska has opened a serviced apartment complex in her home city of Krakow.

Union Investment buys US dual branded property

US: German investor Union Investment has acquired a dual branded Hyatt property in Charleston, South Carolina.

Auckland aparthotel sold to Malaysian investors

New Zealand: The Waldorf Stadium Apartment Hotel in Auckland’s CBD has sold to Malayasian-owned Mulpha Group for NZ$59 million.

Spanish golf club partners with local aparthotel

Spain: One of Spain’s leading golf clubs, Real Club de Golf El Prat, has partnered with Aparthotel Attica21 Vallés, near Barcelona.

Home2 Suites to anchor Des Moines mixed-use development

US: A Home2 Suites extended stay hotel will anchor a mixed-use development proposed for a lot across the street from Drake University's Old Main.

Forenom to open aparthotel at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport

Sweden: Nordic serviced apartment company Forenom is set to open a new aparthotel at Arlanda Airport in Stockholm.

Premier Suites launches wellbeing and fitness initiative

Ireland: Serviced apartment operator Premier Suites has launched an initiative deigned to help guests sustain a healthy lifestyle when travelling away from home.

OMG launches London serviced apartments

UK: Owners Management Group International Ltd has announced the opening of Millharbour Residences at Canary Wharf in London’s Docklands.

Ask prepares planning application for Manchester Staycity aparthotel

UK: Developer Ask Real Estate is preparing to submit plans for a 21-storey Staycity aparthotel in the Deansgate area of Manchester.

Campbell Gray to operate Zurich extended stay hotel

Switzerland: Campbell Gray Hotels will operate Alex, an all-suite extended stay hotel on the shores of Lake Zurich.

Former bank building gets serviced apartment conversion in Essen

Germany: Cayros Capital Partners has completed the refurbishment of a former branch of Commerzbank in Essen, and begun marketing the serviced apartment building as My Moyo.

Hong Kong Citadines development sold for US$93 million

China: Hong Kong developer Hanison Construction has bought Citadines Harbourview Hong Kong from Ascott parent company CapitaLand.

MPC Capital moves in to serviced apartment sector

Germany: MPC Capital AG is expanding from its student housing base with two new apartment schemes in Mainz and Hamburg.

Pioneer Group looks to GCC market for YE’S aparthotel brand

UAE: Moscow-based Pioneer Group, is looking for potential investors or partners to bring its mid-market YE’S aparthotel brand to the UAE and the wider GCC.

Kearney announces plans for Belfast aparthotels

UK: Patrick Kearney, the owner of Belfast's Ten Square boutique hotel, has announced plans to invest more than £40 million in two new aparthotels in the city.

Radisson signs Lagos serviced apartments

Nigeria: Radisson has announced the signing of the Park Inn by Radisson Serviced Apartment Lagos VI.

Ascott opens first Somerset property in Phnom Penh

Cambodia: Ascott has opened the Somerset Norodom, its first Somerset-branded serviced apartments in Phnom Penh.

Singapore investors buy Edinburgh aparthotel

UK: Singapore-based Heeton Holdings has acquired the Stewart Apartments in Edinburgh’s New Town.

SACO appoints Patrick Michaels to London sales role

UK: SACO, The Serviced Apartment Company, has appointed Patrick Michaels as director of sales for London.

Homelike partners with Miles & More rewards programme

Germany: Serviced apartment marketplace Homelike is offering its customers the chance to earn miles through a partnership with Miles & More.

Choice opens dual branded property in Sarasota

US: Choice Hotels has opened its newest dual-branded Sleep Inn and MainStay Suites location in Sarasota, Florida.

Crown Group plans $1bn flotation in 2021

Australia: Sydney developer Crown Group is planning to become a publicly listed company in 2021.

Accor appoints Tisdall to extended stay SVP role

France: AccorHotels has appointed Jeff Tisdall as senior vice president development residential and extended stay.

Prem Group enters Dublin sale and leaseback deal with Aviva

Ireland: Institutional investor Aviva has acquired a Premier Suites Plus aparthotel in Dublin.

Work starts on Newcastle aparthotel

UK: Lugano Property Group has started renovation work on an aparthotel in Newcastle’s Gallowgate.

Cycas secures London Hyatt management contract

UK: Extended stay hotel specialist Cycas Hospitality has signed a deal to operate a Hyatt Place hotel in east London.

CWS Corporate Housing appoints Hotze to sales and marketing role

US: CWS Corporate Housing, a provider of temporary housing services, has named Elizabeth Hotze as vice president of sales and marketing.

The Reverie Saigon adds serviced apartments

Vietnam: The Reverie Saigon, a five-star hotel which opened in 2014, has added 89 serviced apartments to its offer.

Native set for October opening in Glasgow

UK: Native is taking bookings from October 15 for its Glasgow aparthotel.

Corporate Stays adds Ottawa apartments

Canada: Corporate Stays has added the Apogee apartments, part of the Kanata Lakes Condominiums, to its Signature Collection.

IHM appoints Caroline Evans as senior sales manager

UK: International Hospitality Media, the publisher of Serviced Apartment News, has appointed Caroline Evans to the newly created role of senior sales manager.

Management team appointed at Residence Inn by Marriott Stamford Downtown

US: Residence Inn by Marriott Stamford Downtown has appointed three executives to lead the city’s first extended stay hotel.

Ghaya Grand Hotel wins Luxury Serviced Apartment award at Arabian Travel Awards 2018

UAE: The Ghaya Grand Hotel, in Dubai’s International Media Production Zone, won the Arabian Travel Awards 2018 Luxury Serviced Apartment award.

Partin takes sales role at Synergy

US: Synergy Global Housing has named Craig Partin as executive vice president of sales

Clarendon celebrates 30th anniversary

UK: London operator Clarendon Apartments is celebrating 30 years in business.

Residence Inn opens Kentucky property

US: Residence Inn Louisville East/Oxmoor has opened its doors to guests.

Ascott Reit buys site for Singapore lyf property

Singapore: Ascott Reit has acquired a greenfield site for S$62.4 million for its first development project.

Citadines makes US debut with NYC opening

US: Ascott has opened Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue New York, the first Citadines property in the US.

Makati Diamond Residences teams up with Rate Tiger

Philippines: Makati Diamond Residences says it has improved online sales with efficient rate and availability distribution through RateTiger.

Cytonn to acquire Wasini Resorts

Kenya: Investment firm Cytonn has received the go-ahead from the competition watchdog to buy Nairobi’s luxury hotel and serviced apartment company Wasini Resorts.

October opening for Staycity’s latest Liverpool aparthotel

UK: Dublin-based Staycity is set to open its latest aparthotel in Liverpool’s Corn Exchange building on 19 October, creating 23 full and part-time jobs in the city.

Urban Stay adds private chef offer

UK: London serviced apartment operator Urban Stay has launched a partnership with AmoChef.

Ascott expands beyond serviced apartments with majority stake in Indonesian hotel company

Indonesia: Ascott has paid US$26 million for a 70 per cent stake in Indonesian hotel management company TAUZIA Hotel Management.

Domicile raises $5 million in funding round

US: Seattle-based corporate apartment rental startup Domicile has secured $5 million investment.

My Place breaks ground in Hurricane

US: My Place Hotels of America has announced the groundbreaking of Utah’s fourth My Place Hotel.

Shama opens Shanghai apartments

China: Shama Hongqiao Shanghai, situated within the Greater Hongqiao Area in Shanghai, is now welcoming guests.

Residence Inn to make Stamford debut

US: Residence Inn by Marriott is opening its first extended stay hotel in Stamford, Connecticut, in late autumn 2018.

BridgeStreet broadens offer with Six Ways to Stay platform

US: BridgeStreet has expanded its offer to business travellers to include options such as hostels and vacation rentals.

Zahariev appointed GM at Cleves Sofia

Bulgaria: Cleves, an owner and operator of serviced apartments in Sofia, has announced that GM Peter Diakov has left the company, and has been succeeded by Bozhidar Zahariev.

SilverDoor wins corporate housing award at the APAC EMMAs

Singapore: SilverDoor Apartments has won the Corporate Housing Provider of the Year award at the APAC Expatriate and Mobility Management Awards (EMMAs).

Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh boosts Saudisation efforts

KSA: Ascott has welcomed two new Saudi nationals to key roles at Ascott Rafal Olaya Riyadh, in line with the company’s continued Saudisation efforts.

Cycas signs deal for Normandy Hyatt Place

France: Cycas Hospitality will manage a 78-room Hyatt Place hotel in Rouen, the capital of Normandy.

Leeds aparthotel plans recommended for approval

UK: A planning application for an aparthotel and commercial units in Leeds has been recommended for approval.

Crown opens luxury Sydney serviced apartments

Australia: Crown Group Holdings will open SKYE Suites Sydney next month.

Gulf Breeze extended stay hotel ticks first planning box

US: The construction of Home2 Suites by Hilton in Gulf Breeze, Florida, has cleared the first of the city's three-step planning process.

Thorne and Büsser join VISIONAPARTMENTS to aid global growth

Switzerland: VISIONAPARTMENTS has appointed Max Thorne as senior board director and Ralph Büsser as COO.

Dream Apartments teams up with Emaar

UAE: Belfast-based provider Dream Apartments has signed an agreement with Dubai developer Emaar to sell and rent apartments at the Emaar Beach project.

Birmingham aparthotel expected to get planning green light

UK: A 182-unit aparthotel in a converted grade II-listed building is expected to be granted planning consent next week.

Hilton extended stay brands continue strong growth

US: The All Suites Brands by Hilton have opened 34 properties and signed 35 deals in Q2 2018.

Furnished Quarters promotes Yanakos to EVP of sales

US: New York-based provider Furnished Quarters has promoted Victoria Yanakos to executive vice president of sales.

Venue confirmed for 2019 Recharge

Germany: The 2019 Serviced Apartment Summit Recharge event will take place at Silicon Allee in Berlin.

My Place executives hit the road for celebration tour

US: My Place Hotels executives have embarked on a week-long ‘celebration tour’ to mark new properties in four states.

Somerset Maison Asoke Bangkok to open this month

Thailand: Ascott has announced that Somerset Maison Asoke Bangkok will officially welcome its first guest on 28th September 2018.

Ascott and Frasers honoured at World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia

Singapore: The Ascott Limited and Frasers Hospitality are celebrating wins at the World Travel Awards Asia & Australasia.

IHM takes Serviced Apartment Summit to Asia in 2019

International Hospitality Media has announced the launch of Serviced Apartment Summit Asia with ONYX Hospitality Group as patron sponsor and host.

Work starts on dual-branded South Carolina project

US: Frampton Construction has broken ground on the Hilton Garden Inn-Homewood Suites Summerville.

Salford aparthotel plans revealed

UK: Plans for a nine-storey hotel and aparthotel project on Regent Road in Salford have been submitted by Liverpool-based developer NW Build.

PREM Group opens Antwerp apartments

Belgium: Irish operator PREM Group has opened Belgium's first Premier Suites property.

Damac awards construction contract to Chinese state company

UAE: Dubai developer Damac Properties has awarded a Dh512 million (US$139 million) contract to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).

Supplier spotlight: PMS and RMS software

The advent of cloud software has revolutionised the functionality of property management and revenue management systems, and there is now a huge choice available.

Native and First Base team up for aparthotel venture

UK: Aparthotel brand Native has formed a joint venture with mixed-use developer First Base to develop up to £400 million of aparthotel units across the UK.

Former Ascott boss Lee takes top role at parent company CapitaLand

Singapore: CapitaLand has named former Ascott CEO Lee Chee Koon as president and group chief executive officer.

Onyx Hospitality appoints Phan to China role

China: Onyx Hospitality has appointed Phan Ing Pai as vice president operations – Greater China.

thesqua.re introduces green initiatives

UK: London-based serviced apartment provider thesqua.re has introduced a series of eco-friendly initiatives.

Casual Living gets American Bicyclists certification

US: The League of American Bicyclists has awarded Casual Living Extended Stay Hotels its Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Business certification.

Sonder raises $85 million in Series C funding round

US: Boutique apartment rental startup Sonder has closed an $85 million Series C round of funding.

Cheval launches AI-enabled website

UK: London serviced serviced apartment provider Cheval Residences has launched a new website with an integrated AI booking engine.

Extended stay for EU nationals

The hospitality sector has been boosted by the emergence of a leaked government paper.

Come on over

IHG’s recent interim results have prompted a recurring question: why haven’t the major hotel companies introduced more of their extended stay brands to Europe?

Gaining momentum

Encouraging news for serviced apartments and the extended stay sector this month as the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) renamed its hotel committees.

Home2 Suites opens its 250th property

US: Home2 Suites by Hilton has opened its 250th property, in South Park, Orlando.

Extended Stay America launches WORKS business travel program

US: Extended Stay America has launched WORKS, a “comprehensive business travel program composed of products and services".

Homelike raises $14 million in latest funding round

Germany: Homelike has raised US$14 million in a funding round led by Spark Capital, along with existing investors Cherry Ventures, Lürssen and Coparion.

My Place features in Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 listings

US: Extended stay hotel brand My Place Hotels has been ranked 1483 in Inc. Magazine’s its 37th annual Inc. 5000, a ranking of the fastest-growing companies in the US.

Urban Stay awarded Plum Guide certification

UK: London operator Urban Stay has had its apartments listed in the Plum Guide, a listing of “the world's best vacation rentals, holiday homes, short term lets and Airbnbs”.

Cheval Residences adopts latest Criton app functionality

UK: London-based operator Cheval Residences is the first serviced apartment brand to adopt Criton’s new group app functionality across its portfolio.

Green light for amended Wembley aparthotel plans

UK: LHG (London Hotel Group) has received planning consent for its enhanced Wembley aparthotel scheme.

September opening for Manchester dual-branded project

UK: The Lume, a dual-branded Staybridge Suites and Crowne Plaza on Manchester’s Oxford Road will open next month.

Leaked paper reveals EU citizens can stay in UK in event of no deal Brexit

UK: In a boost for the hospitality sector, a leaked paper has revealed that EU citizens resident in the country will have the right to stay in the event of a no deal Brexit.

Red Roof launches extended stay brand

US: Ohio-based hotel operator Red Roof has launched the HomeTowne Studios extended stay brand.

De Jongh joins Avvio as CCO

Ireland: Avvio, has appointed Michael De Jongh as chief commercial officer as it prepares for a new phase of growth and expansion into new territories.

Hilton extended stay property marks flag’s modular construction debut

US: A Home2 Suites by Hilton property in San Francisco will be the brand’s first built using modular construction techniques.

GBTA forecasts seven per cent growth in global business travel

US: The GBTA predicts that global business travel spend will rise 7.1 per cent in 2018 and will reach US$1.7 trillion by 2022.

RESIDE Worldwide and WWStay team up to provide corporate travel booking services

US: RESIDE Worldwide and WWStay have announced a partnership that provides customised solutions to clients procuring and booking vetted accommodations for their travellers.

US extended stay construction reaches near-20 year high

US: The latest report from The Highland Group shows both demand and supply growth for the US extended stay sector.

Home2 Suites property in Atlanta breaks ground

US: Developer Hotel Evolution has held a groundbreaking ceremony for a Home2 Suites by Hilton near the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta.

Nomad signs multi-year sponsorship across IHM serviced apartment portfolio

UK: International Hospitality Media is delighted to have signed a major sponsorship deal with Italian-based operator Nomad Aparthotels.

Oakwood launches mobile app

US: Oakwood has announced the launch of its proprietary Oakwood Mobile App.

Solid performance for IHG extended stay brands

UK: IHG’s interim financial results reveal a healthy picture for its extended stay brands Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

Ascott to manage Ho Chi Minh City apartments

Vietnam: Ascott has signed a management agreement with Alpha King Real Estate Development for a development in HCM City.

Queensgate’s Cromwell Road plans to include 340 serviced apartments

UK: Queensgate Investments is planning to demolish the 906-room Holiday Inn Kensington Forum and replace it with a major mixed use scheme.

LHG submits amended Wembley aparthotel plans

UK: LHG (London Hotel Group) has submitted an enhanced design for its previously consented aparthotel in Elm Road, Wembley, north London.

Home2Suites forms part of Hilton’s first tri-branded property

US: Hilton has opened its first ever tri-branded hotel, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Quest opens 155-key property in Penrith

Australia: Quest Apartment Hotels has opened its latest property, in the Sydney suburb of Penrith.

Staycity relinquishes lease on Manchester property

UK: Dublin-based aparthotel operator Staycity Group has has relinquished the lease on its property in Laystall Street, Manchester, with immediate effect.

SACO acquires London and Dublin sites for Locke aparthotel projects

UK: SACO Property Group has bought sites in Southwark and Dublin’s North Docks to develop two Locke aparthotels.

Quick Q&A: Charlie Marsh, Jetstream

Charlie Marsh, director of global markets at Jetstream, tells SAN why serviced apartment operators should list on Airbnb and how her company is ready to take off in Europe.

GBTA committee adopts name change to reflect growing accommodation market for business travel

US: The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has changed the name of its GBTA Hotel Committee to the GBTA Accommodations Committee.

Stateside JV to acquire extended stay hotels

US: TCOR Hotel Partners and TriGate Capital have formed a $30 million equity joint venture.

Noble buys NJ Residence Inn property

US: Noble Investment Group has acquired the Residence Inn by Marriott Secaucus Meadowlands.

Turning tide

City Apartments’ acquisition of the Atelier House property in London EC1 was accompanied by an admission that the company has struggled to find new inventory in the City.

Eastward bound

The incredible growth in serviced apartment supply in Asia continues at a frantic pace, with China leading the way.

Transatlantic trend

Back in April I wrote a feature about the increasing number of US apartment operators entering the UK and European markets.

What's in a name?

There are some interesting new entrants to the London serviced apartment market, companies which show how definitions can mean different things to different people.

Airbnb's supersubs

Airbnb's partnership with Century 21 is a clever way for the sharing economy giant to access new inventory in cities which have tried to suppress its growth.

Around the world

The results of the seventh GSAIR report in to the global serviced apartment industry provide fascinating, and for the most part, encouraging reading.

Elina PMS and Room Checking partner at Cardiff serviced apartments

UK: Web-based PMS Elina and housekeeping app Room Checking have teamed up to provide a service at Aaron Wise Apartments in Cardiff.

Find your voice

Amazon’s launch of Alexa for Hospitality is a game changer for the use of voice activation technology in hospitality.

Room for all?

The latest Colliers research in to the growth of Airbnb provides some illuminating insights in to its evolution.

Adagio launches The Circle aparthotel concept

France: Aparthotels Adagio has launched The Circle, a new concept to “redefine the aparthotel spaces based on customer desire and usage”.

Planning boost for Liverpool aparthotel

UK: Plans for a nine-storey office and aparthotel development in Liverpool have been recommended for approval.

Select Apartments appoints Jane Hawthorne to business development role

UK: London-based serviced apartment agent Select Apartments has appointed Jane Hawthorne to the role of business development manager.

Cairn Collection adds Newcastle aparthotel

UK: The Cairn Collection, part of Newcastle-based Cairn Hotel Group, has added the 91 Aparthotel in Jesmond to its portfolio.

Cycas sets its sights on Germany

UK: Cycas Hospitality is planning to add 4,000 extended stay units in Germany to its portfolio.

Philipson joins Cheval as operations director

UK: London-based operator Cheval Residences has appointed John Philipson as operations director.

Ascott opens two Citadines properties in Vietnam

Vietnam: Ascott has opened properties in Danang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Frasers partners with Kengo Kuma for Tokyo project

Japan: Frasers Hospitality has teamed up with Japanese architect Kengo Kuma for the development of Capri by Fraser, Ginza/Tokyo.

Interview: Dustin Figge, Homelike

Dustin Figge, co-founder and managing director of Cologne-based Homelike, talks to SAN about the long-stay business travel market and launching in the UK.

Cheval Residences has five properties in the top 10 on TripAdvisor

UK: Cheval Residences has five of its six properties ranked in the top 10 on TripAdvisor in the category of Speciality Lodging for London.

TownePlace Suites opens Montana property

US: TownePlace Suites by Marriott opened its doors last week in Whitefish, Montana.

City Apartments acquires Atelier House

UK: City Apartments Ltd has announced the acquisition of Atelier House in Greville Street, London EC1.

Hyatt House planned for Kansas City’s Garment District

US: Colorado developer Pedersen Development Co. plans to build a 13-storey Hyatt House at Ninth Street and Broadway in Kansas City.

Extended Stay America mulls real estate spin off

US: Extended Stay America CEO Jonathan Halkyard says the company is considering spinning off its real estate unit.

National Corporate Housing acquires stake in West London Apartments

UK: US provider National Corporate Housing has acquired an interest in London operator West London Apartments.

Ascott forms alliance with leading Philippines developer

Philippines: Ascott has formed a strategic alliance with Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), to manage 1,600 units by 2022.

UK sees rate growth but occupancy decline in H1

UK: H1 2018 performance data for the serviced apartment sector showed a 0.6 per cent decline in occupancy and a 1.2 per cent rise in ADR.

Quest to open five Melbourne properties in next seven months

Australia: Quest Apartment Hotels will open five properties in the Melbourne metro area in the next seven months.

Acomodeo boosts inventory to 400,000 units

Germany: Serviced apartment booking portal Acomodeo has increased the number of properties on the platform to 400,000 with more growth to come.

ONYX appoints Barce as GM for brace of Shanghai Shama properties

China: ONYX Hospitality Group has appointed Mariefe Barce as general manager of Shama Changfeng Shanghai and Shama Hongqiao Shanghai.

Palacina Berlin opts for booking technology by SiteMinder

Germany: Palacina Berlin, a selection of boutique extended stay apartments, has reported a boost in direct bookings.

Embassy Suites at Orlando airport completes renovation

US: The 174-suite Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport has completed a major renovation.

Wilson takes sales role at Criton

UK: Criton, the DIY app builder for the hospitality sector, has appointed Jo Wilson as head of sales.

City Apartments MK sponsors local ice hockey team

UK: Serviced apartment provider City Apartments MK has signed a sponsorship deal with EIHL side Milton Keynes Lightning.

Staybridge Suites planned for Florida site

US: A Staybridge Suites extended stay hotel will be built on a 9.5-acre site on State Route 60 in Vero Beach, Florida.

Birmingham city centre aparthotel gets planning consent

UK: Proposals for an aparthotel in Birmingham city centre have been given the green light by planners.

August opening for Native aparthotel in London

UK: Aparthotel operator Native will officially launch Native Bankside on 6th August 2018.

Cycas wins Best Employer award at The Cateys

UK: Extended stay hotel operator Cycas Hospitality has been awarded the title of Best Employer at The Cateys 2018.

90 North buys Quest aparthotel in Brisbane

Australia: London investment firm 90 North Real Estate Partners has made its first move into Australia with the acquisition of a Quest Apartment Hotel in Brisbane.

Mansley buys Edinburgh apartment building

UK: Serviced Apartments by Mansley has purchased Braid Apartments in Thistle Street from Fountain Court Group

Aparthotel to feature in Nottingham mixed-use conversion

UK: A derelict Victorian factory in Nottingham is to be converted into an aparthotel, offices and workshop space.

Brace of extended stay hotels for Eau Claire

US: The Home2 Suites and Candlewood Suites brands are coming to Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Cumbria aparthotel celebrates fourth anniversary

UK: The Halston Aparthotel in Carlisle is marking four years in business following its conversion from a post office building.

Ascott appoints deputy managing director for Europe

Singapore: The Ascott Limited has appointed Ngor Houai Lee as deputy managing director of Ascott Europe.

Hervey Bay aparthotel to get Oaks rebrand

Australia: Oaks Hotels & Resorts is set to make its debut on Queensland’s Fraser Coast.

European serviced apartment sector to grow by 20,000 units in next five years

UK: The European serviced apartment sector has nearly 20,000 units in its five-year pipeline according to recent research from HVS.

An upward curve: Serviced Apartment Summit Europe 2018

UK: Around 300 industry figures from across Europe and beyond gathered in London this week for the 2018 Serviced Apartment Summit Europe.

GuestRevu confirmed as data sponsor for 2019 Serviced Apartment Digital Benchmark Report

UK: International Hospitality Media has teamed up with GuestRevu for the 2019 edition of its Digital Benchmark Report for serviced apartment and aparthotel operators.

Massachusetts Residence Inn applies for 68-room extension

US: Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Logan Airport/Chelsea has petitioned the Zoning Board of Appeals to expand the 128-room hotel by another 68 rooms.

Talking business: Ola Bjørnstad, Forenom

Forenom’s new CEO for Norway, Ola Bjørnstad, talks to SAN about raising awareness of serviced apartments and the company’s growth plans.

Staybridge Suites teams up with TV chef in the UK

UK: Staybridge Suites has teamed up with chef Matt Tebbutt “to offer guests a taste of home while on the road”.

September opening for City of London aparthotel

UK: Rockwell East, a 57-unit aparthotel with an all-day dining café, will open in September.

My Place opens fourth Iowa extended stay property

US: My Place Hotels of America has opened in Davenport, Iowa, the brand’s fourth location in the state.

German market to grow 42 per cent by 2020

Germany: Almost 14,000 units are set to enter the German serviced apartment market by 2020 according to the latest report by Apartmentservice.

Oakwood and Kapil Group sign second Hyderabad property

India: Oakwood Worldwide and the Kapil Group (BVM Energy and Residence) will open a second Oakwood-branded property in Hyderabad in 2020.

Planning refused for Maltese aparthotel

Malta: The Maltese Planning Authority has turned down plans for an 88-room aparthotel in a residential area in Swieqi.

Corestate buys 260 serviced apartments in Munich

Germany: Luxembourg-based Corestate Capital Holding has bought a serviced apartment complex in Munich.

Contemporary aparthotel opens in Florence

Italy: M7 Contemporary Apartments, an 11-unit aparthotel has opened in Florence.

Cotels celebrates 21 years in business

UK: Milton Keynes-based serviced apartment provider Cotels has celebrated the 21st anniversary of its formation.

Ascott takes six prizes at World Travel Awards Europe 2018

UK: Ascott has won six categories at World Travel Awards Europe 2018, including Europe’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand for the third year running.

Daiwa House and Taisei team up for Vietnam serviced apartment project

Vietnam: Japanese conglomerate Daiwa House Industry and Taisei Corporation are to open a 256-unit serviced apartment project in Hanoi.

B-aparthotels sells four properties to Belgian REIT

Belgium: B-aparthotels has sold one its entities, BE REAL ESTATE S.A., which owns the freehold interests in four aparthotel buildings in Brussels.

Second dual-branded Mexican property for Hilton

Mexico: Hilton has announced the opening of the dual-branded Hampton by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca and Homewood Suites by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca.

UK industry sentiment softens but more than a third of operators plan to expand

UK: The June 2018 Operator Sentiment Tracker Survey from ASAP and Savills shows a slight fall in optimism compared with November 2017.

Updated planning application submitted for Manchester aparthotel

UK: Beech Holdings has submitted a planning application for a seven-storey aparthotel off Deansgate in Manchester.

Work starts on Quest’s Liverpool property

UK: Quest Apartment Hotels has started work on its first UK site, in Liverpool city centre.

Roomzzz opens £20 million Stratford aparthotel

UK: Leeds-based aparthotel brand Roomzzz will open its first London property on July 1st.

Interview: Matteo Ghedini, Brera Serviced Apartments

Matteo Ghedini, founder of Brera Serviced Apartments, talks about the pros and cons of being a sector pioneer, and his plans for growing the business.

WoodSpring Suites opens on Florida coast

US: Choice Hotels, in collaboration with Brookwood Hotels and Nationwide Hotel Management Company, have opened WoodSpring Suites Deerfield Beach hotel in Florida.

Global serviced apartment inventory hits one million unit milestone

UK: The number of serviced apartment units globally is up 23 per cent in the last two years to more than a million, according to the latest report from The Apartment Service.

Belfast aparthotel The Flint to open this week

UK: Peter and Ben Ringland of the Ringland Group are opening The Flint in Belfast on Friday.

BridgeStreet opens first Mode aparthotel in Paris

France: BridgeStreet has opened the first aparthotel in its new Mode brand in Paris.

Damac to showcase Dubai serviced apartments to Chinese buyers

UAE: Damac Properties is showcasing a portfolio of properties at the Luxury Property Show (LPS) Beijing 2018.

Aparthotel planned for Polish winter sports resort

Poland: JHM Development has launched its Apartamenty Zakopiańskie development in Zakopane, a winter sports hub in southern Poland.

Cuckooz launches its biggest London property to date

UK: London apartment provider Cuckooz will launch its latest apartments in a former Art Deco cinema in Old Street next month.

Ascott marks 20th year in China with first property in Nantong

China: Ascott has opened two new properties in China, marking the 20th anniversary of its first location in the country.

WoodSpring expands Seattle area footprint

US: Choice Hotels, in collaboration with West77 Partners and Hotel Management & Consulting, has announced the opening of the WoodSpring Suites Seattle Tukwila.

Amazon launches Alexa for Hospitality

US: Amazon has launched the Alexa for Hospitality program, bringing its voice assistant technology to hotels, serviced apartments and vacation rentals.

Major Limerick mixed-use development to include an aparthotel

Ireland: The €180 million Project Opera development in Limerick city centre will include an aparthotel.

Sadler takes hospitality role at Fine Bedding Company

UK: The Fine Bedding Company Hospitality Division has appointed Jeanette Sadler as hospitality business manager.

Cheval Residences featured on What3words location app

UK: London-based Cheval Residences has become the first serviced apartment specialist to be featured on the location app What3words.

My Place opens in Colorado Springs

US: My Place Hotels of America has opened in Colorado Springs, doubling the brand’s footprint in the Centennial State.

Pennsylvania Candlewood Suites to open in August

US: A Candlewood Suites extended stay hotel will open in South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, by the end of August.

2nd Address teams up with Jacob Street Partners

US: 2nd Address, an extended stay marketplace for business travellers has partnered with Jacob Street Partners to provide insurance for guests.

Forenom appoints CEO to lead Norwegian expansion

Finland: Nordic serviced apartment provider Forenom has appointed Ola Bjørnstad as CEO for its Norwegian operations.

Flying Butler announces three new London and SE properties

UK: Flying Butler Apartments will add three new locations to its portfolio this summer.

Brera expands with addition of Ulm apartments

Germany: Brera Serviced Apartment has announced the addition of 111 apartments in the German city of Ulm.

ESA to transfer listing to Nasdaq

US: Extended Stay America and its paired-share REIT, ESH Hospitality will transfer the listing of their shares from the New York Stock Exchange to Nasdaq.

LaRosa joins RESIDE Worldwide

US: Derrick LaRosa has joined RESIDE Worldwide as executive vice president, and will focus on property acquisition and asset management.

CBRE releases extended stay hotel report

US: CBRE has released its latest analysis for the US extended stay hotel segment.

Stumpfhauser takes GM role at Q&A Residential Hotel

US: Furnished Quarters has appointed Derek Stumpfhauser as general manager of its Q&A Residential Hotel in Manhattan.

AKA Rittenhouse Square adds amenities and enhancements

US: AKA Rittenhouse Square has reopened its doors to unveil new leisure, entertainment, business and wellness amenities, as well as upgrades to the hotel residences.

Quest adds 100 keys to Brisbane portfolio

Australia: Quest Cannon Hill has opened at 930 Wynnum Road, increasing the brand’s Brisbane offering by 100 rooms.

Quest adds 100 keys to Brisbane portfolio

Australia: Quest Cannon Hill has opened at 930 Wynnum Road, increasing the brand’s Brisbane offering by 100 rooms.

$26 million Colorado development to feature Staybridge Suites extended stay hotel

US: Spirit Hospitality has revealed its development plans for a 4.37-acre site along the Cache la Poudre River in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Frasers adds second Tianjin property

China: Frasers has held a grand opening for Fraser Place Binhai Tianjin, the company’s second property in the city.

August opening for Oakwood Osaka apartments

Japan: Oakwood Worldwide has announced the opening of Oakwood Hotel & Apartments Shin-Osaka.

Work starts on Manchester Staycity aparthotel

UK: Contractor Bardsley Construction has started building work on a Staycity aparthotel in central Manchester.

Adagio opens first Amsterdam property

Netherlands: Aparthotels Adagio has opened a 151-key aparthotel in Amsterdam.

Planning refused for Dublin aparthotel project

Ireland: Plans for an aparthotel on the site of the former Scruffy Murphy’s pub have been blocked by An Bord Pleanala (ABP).

Aprirose buys Dalston site for Locke aparthotel

UK: SACO will open a Locke aparthotel on a former Tesco Express site in east London.

In the right place

Congratulations to My Place Hotels on reaching its 40th property opening.

Fair City

From time to time, the circumstances are just right for a particular city to find itself at the epicentre of the industry.

Loews boss calls for action on US travel and tourism

US: Loews Hotels & Co chairman and CEO Jonathan Tisch has called for action to reverse a decline in America’s share of the global travel and tourism market.

Construction reaches final stages at Dubai serviced apartments

UAE: Finishing and façade work on the Mina by Azizi serviced apartment project is under way.

Mondal takes GM role at Shama Bangkok apartments

Thailand: ONYX Hospitality Group has appointed Sukamal Mondal as general manager of Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok.

Marriott opens its first serviced apartments in Hangzhou

China: Marriott International has opened its first branded apartment hotel in Hangzhou with the completion of Marriott Executive Apartments Hangzhou.

Live and direct

Q&A’s decision to offer cash back to direct bookers as part of its membership of The Guestbook reward program for independent and boutique hotel brands is an interesting move.

ESA buys Rock Hill property

US: Extended Stay America has bought a property in Rick Hill, South Carolina.

Work starts on Homewood Suites Wilmington

US: Buccini/Pollin Group, PM Hotel Group and BPGS Construction yesterday have held an official groundbreaking ceremony for Homewood Suites Wilmington.

PREM Group launches Glasgow apartments

UK: Dublin-based PREM Group has opened its Premier Suites Plus Glasgow Bath Street property.

My Place reaches 40th property milestone

US: My Place Hotels of America has announced the brand’s 40th property, in St. George, Utah.

MCR acquires Illinois extended stay hotels

US: MCR, the seventh largest hotel owner-operator in the US, has acquired three Hilton-branded hotels in Champaign, Illinois.

Lamson takes development role at Adagio

France: Aparthotels Adagio has appointed Thomas Lamson as director of development and programs.

June opening for Dream Apartments in Liverpool

UK: Belfast-based serviced apartment operator Dream Apartments is to open a 50 unit property on Liverpool’s Water Street next month.

Aparthotel to form part of major mixed-use scheme in Dublin

Ireland: Marlet, a Dublin property group backed by M&G Investments, has revealed plans for a major mixed-use scheme near the Guinness Storehouse in the Irish capital.

Plans submitted for Florida WoodSpring extended stay property

US: Coconut Creek city officials are reviewing plans for a four-storey 122-unit WoodSpring Suites hotel.

My Place announces 2019 convention details

US: My Place Hotels of America will host its 2019 convention in California next April.

Staying Cool launches penthouse dining competition

UK: Birmingham’s Staying Cool at the Rotunda is launching a competition for ten people to be wined and dined in a penthouse apartment.

PM Hotel Group completes renovation of Virginia extended stay property

US: PM Hotel Group has completed the renovation of the Homewood Suites by Hilton Dulles-North/Loudoun.

Rebrand and new website for Supercity

UK: Aparthotel operator Supercity has unveiled new company branding and a redesigned website.

Urban Villa teams up with The Know

UK: The Urban Villa aparthotel in Brentford, west London, has teamed up with The Know mystery guest service.

Building work starts on Canberra aparthotel

Australia: Construction has started on an 84-room Quest apartment hotel in Canberra's city centre.

Q&A launches cash back incentive for direct bookers

US: Q&A, Furnished Quarters’ aparthotel brand, has launched a five per cent cash back incentive for guests who book direct at the Manhattan property.

JR Hospitality to build a Hyatt House in Minnesota

US: JR Hospitality has revealed plans to build a 150-unit extended stay hotel on a vacant plot near the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota.

SilverDoor launches Orbi booking platform

UK: Serviced apartment agency SilverDoor has launched an online booking platform called Orbi.

Bélanger appointed COO at Corporate Stays

Canada: Montreal-based Corporate Stays has appointed Bryan Bélanger as chief operating officer.

Michigan Hotel adds extended stay suites

US: The Monogram Inn & Suites will reopen in Bridgman next month after a comprehensive refurbishment.

Frasers turns focus on smaller Chinese cities

China: Frasers Hospitality is expanding its footprint in smaller cities in China, driven by the presence of more international companies and demand from domestic travellers.

My Place breaks ground on second Nebraska property

US: My Place Hotels of America has broken ground on Nebraska’s second My Place hotel, located in Hastings.

Songy Highroads tops out at Hyatt House Nashville

US: Atlanta-based developer Songy Highroads (SHR) has topped out at the 201-key Hyatt House Nashville.

Adagio aparthotel to open in Kraków in 2021

Poland: Orbis Hotel Group has signed a 20-year management contract for the first Adagio aparthotel in Kraków.

Expedia report reveals rise in bleisure travel

US: New research from Expedia has revealed 60 per cent of corporate travellers extend their trips to add some leisure activities.

Planners refuse Dublin aparthotel proposal

Ireland: Dublin City Council has refused planning consent for an eight-story aparthotel on the site of the Ashling Hotel.

Dekle to take general counsel role at ESA

US: Extended Stay America has announced that Christopher N. Dekle has been appointed to serve as the next general Counsel and corporate secretary, effective from June 1.

Airangel appoints Taylor as chairman

UK: Wifi provider Airangel has appointed Roger Taylor as chairman.

Native submits planning application for Birmingham aparthotel

UK: Native has submitted plans for a 173-room aparthotel in Birmingham, designed by Archer Humphreys Architects.

Tampa Residence Inn property changes ownership

US: Noble Investment Group has acquired the Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Downtown for an undisclosed sum.

Bournemouth hotel set for serviced apartment conversion

UK: The Eurostay Beach Hotel in Bournemouth has been given consent for a change of use to serviced apartments.

Choice Hotels boosted by extended stay performance

US: Choice Hotels performance has been boosted by its recent acquisition of the WoodSpring extended stay brand.

Frasers takes majority stake in Vietnamese developer

Vietnam: Frasers Property has entered into a conditional share purchase agreement with Tran Thai Land to acquire 24 million ordinary shares of developer Phu An Khang.

US extended stay occupancy up despite supply growth

US: The latest report from the Highland Group shows US extended stay occupancy rising in Q1 2018 despite 26,500 new rooms coming to market in the last year.

Hilton opens 23 extended stay properties in Q1 2018

US: The All Suites brands by Hilton have opened 23 extended stay hotels in the first quarter of this year.

Brookfield buys Stuttgart aparthotel as part of mixed-use deal

Germany: Christie & Co has announced the sale of the SI Centrum mixed-use development and the adjacent 192-key SI Suites aparthotel.

Job cuts and restructure at Tripping.com

US: Vacation rental metasearch site Tripping.com has restructured and laid off 15 employees in its San Francisco office.

Oakwood appoints Singh as COO

US: Oakwood Worldwide has appointed Mandeep Singh as chief operating officer.

Oaks to make Wellington debut in 2019

New Zealand: Oaks Hotels & Resorts will open its first extended stay hotel in Wellington, on New Zealand’s North Island, next year.

Talking development: Jan Winterhoff, GBI AG

Jan Winterhoff, director of hotel development at GBI AG, talks to SAN about the German serviced apartment sector and the company's international expansion plans.

Andaz Delhi opens 129 serviced apartments

India: The Andaz Delhi at the Aerocity in New Delhi has launched 129 Andaz Delhi Residences.

Furnished Quarters revamps online client and guest portal

US: Furnished Quarters has launched MyFQ 2.0, described as “a complete evolution of its previous guest and client portal”.

Ascott signs JV with Huazhu to roll out Citadines brand in China

China: Ascott is stepping up the expansion of its Citadines brand in China through a joint venture with Huazhu Hotels Group and its subsidiary CJIA Apartments Group (CJIA).

Serviced apartment charter adds 35 signatories from around the world

UK: The industry definitions charter created by Serviced Apartment News and HVS has welcomed 35 new signatories over the last 12 months.

Hypnos launches BoutiqueBase

UK: Bed manufacturer Hypnos has launched its BoutiqueBase, a one-piece bedstead featuirng a solid base with an integrated headboard.

Planning permission given for Hamilton hotel and serviced apartments

New Zealand: Hamilton City Council has approved a mixed-use development on the site of a former gym on Hamilton’s Victoria Street.

Trio of aparthotels planned for Gibraltar

Gibraltar: Three new-build aparthotel properties are planned for Gibraltar.

Talking business: Fran Milsom and Mark Hudson, Air Agents

SAN talks to Fran Milsom and Mark Hudson, co-founders of disruptive London property management company Air Agents.

Avvio bolsters sales team

Ireland: Hospitality technology company Avvio has expanded its sales team.

June 1st opening for Edinburgh serviced apartments and bar

UK: The Edinburgh Grand serviced apartments and Register Club bar on St Andrew Square will open to guests on 1 June 2018.

Four Seasons launches serviced residences at Ten Trinity Square

UK: Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square has announced the launch of its serviced residences, which will be available for short to longer-term stays from June 1.

Ronan submits Dublin aparthotel plans

Ireland: Developer Johnny Ronan has submitted plans for the latest aparthotel project to be unveiled in Dublin.

The Stay Company to operate apartments in former fireworks factory

UK: The Stay Company will operate new serviced apartments in a converted fireworks factory on Mill Street in Derby.

Staying Cool marks anniversary with Creative Heights cultural programme

UK: Birmingham serviced apartment operator Staying Cool at the Rotunda is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a programme of cultural events.

Oakwood scoops 28 Booking.com awards

US: Oakwood Worldwide has been recognised with a total of 28 Booking.com Guest Review Awards for 2017.

Nicholson takes CFO role at ESA

US: Extended Stay America has appointed Brian T. Nicholson as chief financial officer.

Occupancy down but ADR up for UK in Q1 2018

UK: STR’s Q1 results for UK serviced apartments show occupancy for the UK down 1.5 per cent and ADR up 1.9 per cent.

Minor appoints COO for Oaks and AVANI brands

Australia: Minor Hotels has appointed Craig Hooley as chief operating officer of its Oaks and AVANI extended stay brands.

From across the pond

As the serviced apartment and corporate housing sector in the UK and Europe matures, it's no surprise to see an increasing number of players from the US establishing a presence here. George Sell reports.

No Vacancy podcast: Piers Brown on how consumers are looking to stay differently when travelling

Listen to the podcast here. Alternatively, read the full transcript below:-

Tetrarch gets green light for Dublin aparthotel

Ireland: Tetrarch Capital has received planning consent for a mixed-use development in Dublin city centre.

Dwel announces partnership with DC development owner

US: Dwel Serviced Residences has announced a partnership with the ownership group of Legacy West End, a new development in Washington D.C.’s West End neighbourhood.

Brace of sales appointments at Furnished Quarters

US: Furnished Quarters has hired Terri Davis as corporate sales manager for Northern California market and promoted Dana Pagliei to corporate sales manager in Massachusetts.

Brand refresh for Forenom

Finland: The Nordic region’s biggest corporate housing provider Forenom has refreshed its brand identity.

Dream Apartments adds 30 units in Belfast

UK: Dream Apartments has completed a deal which sees it adding a further 30 one- and two-bedroom apartments to its Belfast portfolio.

Cheval Residences ranked 18th in The Caterer’s 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality for 2018 Awards

UK: London serviced apartment owner/operator Cheval Residences has been listed number 18 in The Caterer’s 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality for 2018 Awards.

BridgeStreet appoints Claire Barrie to EMEA sales role

UK: Claire Barrie has been appointed to oversee sales in the EMEA region for BridgeStreet.

Brera adds Leipzig apartments

Germany: Brera Serviced Apartments has added 49 units in Leipzig to its portfolio.

Frasers Hospitality partners with Duetto

Singapore: Frasers Hospitality has partnered with Duetto to adopt its revenue strategy approach and cloud-based technology.

Oscar Wilde’s grandson cuts the ribbon at Staycity’s first Wilde aparthotel

UK: Merlin Holland, grandson of Irish playwright and poet Oscar Wilde, was the guest of honour at the opening of Staycity’s Wilde Aparthotels London, The Strand, yesterday.

Serviced apartment booking platform launches to market

China: Hong Kong-based startup YourNewBase has launched and aims to be “the singular platform for finding and booking serviced apartments”.

Record year expected for German serviced apartment market

Germany: The German serviced apartment market is set for a record year, with a transaction volume of €235 million in 2018.

Irish National Trust opposes Dublin aparthotel plans

Ireland: Plans for an eight-storey aparthotel in an extension to the Ashling Hotel in Dublin are being opposed by An Taisce - Ireland's National Trust - and others.

Embassy Suites opens in Noblesville

US: Embassy Suites by Hilton has opened a 198-key property in the Greater Indianapolis area.

LHG secures planning consent for Tooting aparthotel

UK: London Hotel Group (LHG) has secured planning permission to turn a previously consented residential scheme into a 221-key aparthotel in Tooting, south London.

UK and Ireland serviced apartments join HotelREZ

UK: Properties in the UK and Ireland have joined HotelREZ for GDS representation.

Oakwood launches new website ahead of tech restructure

US: Oakwood Worldwide has announced “a significant realignment in its technological infrastructure over the next several years”.

2018 Serviced Apartment News Digital Benchmark Report launched

Worldwide: International Hospitality Media has published its latest Digital Benchmark Report for serviced apartment and aparthotel operators.

Homewood Suites to pick up momentum in Latin America

Mexico: Hilton’s Homewood Suites extended-stay brand has launched its new prototype for Latin American hotels and expects to pick up momentum in the region.

Schoell takes GM role at Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista Bangkok

Thailand: Marriott International has appointed Alexander Schoell as GM of Marriott Executive Apartments Sathorn Vista Bangkok.

Dwellworks adds Dublin apartments to portfolio

Ireland: Dwellworks, a global mobility support services company, has added to its corporate housing property options in Dublin.

Bennett Peter appointed GM of Malaysian Hyatt House property

Malaysia: Hyatt Hotels Corporation has appointed Bennett Peter as general manager of Hyatt House Kuala Lumpur Mont’Kiara.

Extended stay properties in hotel portfolio sale

US: Hospitality Ventures Management Group and Investra Capital have completed the joint-venture acquisition of a 12-hotel portfolio totalling 1,465 rooms.

Northern Ireland aparthotel gets green light from planners

UK: Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s planning committee has approved plans for a 70-key aparthotel in Lisburn city centre.

My Place opens first Nevada property

US: Extended stay hotel brand My Place has opened a 63-key property in North Las began, marking its debut in Nevada.

CHPA award for Nomad’s James

US: Gavan James, president and CEO of Nomad Temporary Housing has won CHPA’s Individual of the Year Award.

Talking business: Tom Smyth, Dream Apartments

SAN talks to Tom Smyth, managing director of Dream Apartments, about the company's formation and its growth plans.

Management restructure for Clarendon

UK: London serviced apartment operator Clarendon has promoted Joanna Cross to managing director, while Scott Hamilton moves to the position of executive chairman.

Topping out ceremony at Singapore Capri development

Singapore: Frasers Hospitality has topped out at its Capri by Fraser China Square project, which is set to open in 2019.

Planning application submitted for Tooting aparthotel

UK: London Hotel Group (LHG) has submitted a planning application for a 221-key aparthotel in Tooting, south London.

Urban Stay launches Fitzrovia apartments

UK: Urban Stay has unveiled its latest serviced apartments, in London’s Fitzrovia.

Meeting of minds in Manhattan

US: More than 150 industry professionals gathered in New York City this week for the 2018 Serviced Apartment Summit Americas.

BridgeStreet teams up with Worldpay

US: BridgeStreet has selected Worldpay as its online payments provider for EMEA.

Cycas makes French debut with dual-branded Hyatt deal

France: Cycas Hospitality has signed a deal to manage the first dual-branded Hyatt property in Europe.

Major boost for Ascott’s Asian pipeline

Singapore: Ascott has signed strategic partnerships with developers in in China, Japan and Thailand, and has added more than 5,000 units to its pipeline in Q1 2018.

room2 appoints GM for Southampton property

UK: room2 has appointed James Nichols as general manager of its Southampton “hometel” property.

Auckland aparthotel up for sale

New Zealand: The Waldorf Stadium Apartment Hotel in the Auckland CBD has been put on the market.

Construction starts on Paramount Residences in Bahrain

Bahrain: Hollywood-themed serviced apartments will form part of a major real estate project which will open in Q2 2019.

Elina PMS to distribute Outperform RMS in the UK

UK: Elina PMS has teamed up with Outperform RMS, an algorithm-powered revenue management system with a price optimiser.

Naples to get two WoodSpring properties

US: WoodSpring Suites is to open two extended stay hotels in Naples, Florida.

Proctor takes COO role at BridgeStreet

US: BridgeStreet has named Brian Proctor as chief operating officer.

Quest bids to build eight-storey Parramatta aparthotel

Australia: Quest Apartment Hotels has lodged an application for the construction of an eight-storey development in the Sydney suburb of Parramatta.

Genesis Property opens Bucharest aparthotel

Romania: Local developer Genesis Property, owned by Romanian investor Liviu Tudor, has opened an aparthotel in its West Gate office complex in Western Bucharest.

V-Suites appoints Ciabotti as VP

US: Corporate housing provider V-Suites has appointed Gary Ciabotti as the company’s new vice president.

Sydney serviced apartment building up for sale

Australia: A block of 79 serviced apartments in Sydney’s Castle Hill, currently leased to Quest, is on the market for the first time since its construction 12 years ago.

Synergy opens Manhattan office

US: Synergy Global Housing has opened an office in New York City’s Chelsea neighbourhood.

Hyatt House to open at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

US: A Hyatt House extended-stay hotel is being added to the mix of on-airport lodging at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Studio 6 opens in Nevada

US: Developer and operator CCM Hospitality has opened a Studio 6 extended stay hotel in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center.

Extended stay hotel opens in Utah

US: Embassy Suites by Hilton has opened a property in South Jordan, near Salt Lake City.

Oakwood Residence Saigon to open in April

Vietnam: Oakwood Worldwide has revealed plans for a second property in Ho Chi Minh City, District 7.

Edinburgh apartments make GQ’s top hotels list

UK: The Chester Residence in Edinburgh has been featured in GQ magazine’s top 33 hotels for 2018.

Frasers launches 20th anniversary celebrations

Singapore: Frasers Hospitality is launching its 20th anniversary celebrations with a promotional campaign to mark the occasion.

Home from hometel

A new product definition has just entered the serviced apartment industry lexicon.

Staybridge Suites to open South Carolina property

US: Raldex Hospitality is a Staybridge Suites extended stay hotel in Florence, South Carolina.

Embassy Suites opens in Downtown Seattle

US: Embassy Suites by Hilton has opened its latest extended stay hotel in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s old neighbourhood.

Elina PMS and IT Foundations provide door access automation for Destiny Scotland

UK: Elina PMS and IT Foundations have supplied an automated door access system for Destiny Scotland serviced apartments in Edinburgh.

Big in Berlin

There was a curious phenomenon at the recent International Hotel Investment Forum in Berlin.

Newcastle aparthotel conversion plans revealed

UK: Developer Gainford Group will transform a Grade II listed building into a luxury aparthotel in Newcastle.

Holyrood ApartHOTEL adds Handy smartphones

UK: The Edinburgh Collection has rolled out its Handy smartphone technology to the second venue in its portfolio, Holyrood ApartHOTEL.

Vanke launches Hong Kong serviced apartments

China: Vanke, China’s third-largest developer by sales, has launched its first project in Hong Kong, a 29-storey serviced residence.

Furnished Quarters opens San Francisco office

Furnished Quarters has opened an office in San Francisco and hired Tyler Smittle in the role of general manager.

Extended Stay America co-founder Huizenga dies

US: Wayne Huizenga, one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs, has died at the age of 80.

Supercity appoints Opuku to marketing role

UK: Supercity Aparthotels has appointed Ernest Opoku to the newly created role of group head of marketing.

AVANI to open third Dubai property

UAE: Minor Hotel Group has signed a deal for AVANI Hotel Suites & Branded Residences which is being developed in Dubai by ALFAHIM, one of the UAE’s largest conglomerates.

Accor to bring Novotel Suites brand to India

India: AccorHotels is in advanced talks with a real estate developer in Gurugram to launch its first Novotel Suites property in India.

Construction work starts on Cambridge aparthotel

UK: Developer TLC Group has broken ground on a 162-room aparthotel on Milton Road in Cambridge.

Thiergart takes the helm at Choice extended stay division

US: Choice Hotels has promoted Ralph Thiergart to vice president and general manager of extended stay brands.

My Place to open first South Carolina property in April

US: My Place will open its first South Carolina property in early April, in Greenville.

Lamington Group launches “hometel” concept with Southampton property

UK: Lamington Group has launched room2, a new brand of “hometel” properties, with the first to open in Southampton this spring.

Furnished Quarters adds six San Francisco properties

US: Operator Furnished Quarters has added six new properties to its San Francisco Bay Area portfolio.

Criton appoints Roz Hewitson as product manager

UK: Criton has appointed Roz Hewitson to the new role of product manager as the company continues to expand.

Citystay launches latest Cambridge apartments

UK: Citystay has added the Midsummer Mews development in Cambridge to its portfolio in the city.

OYO buys Chennai serviced apartment company

India: Hotel booking platform OYO has acquired Chennai-based service apartment company Novascotia Boutique Homes.

Serviced Apartment Awards 2018 winners honoured in London

UK: The winners of the third annual Serviced Apartment Awards celebrated in London last night, at a gala dinner presentation at the Grange Hotel Tower Bridge.

Devaney takes sales role at Supercity

UK: Supercity Aparthotels has appointed Liz Devaney to the newly created role of group head of national sales.

Onyx signs deal for Shama property in Haikou

China: ONYX Hospitality Group has signed a management agreement for Shama Hub Haikou Hainan, introducing the Shama brand to the capital of Hainan.

Oaks completes China Ready program launch

Australia: Oaks Hotels & Resorts has officially initiated its ‘guì bīn’ program – a dedicated Chinese VIP service that caters to the growing international travel market.

Select Apartments raises funds for breast cancer charity

UK: Serviced apartment agent Select Apartments has partnered with breast cancer charity, the Pink Ribbon Foundation.

Yays opens Barcelona property

Spain: Amsterdam-based operator Yays has opened its latest property, in Barcelona’s La Sagrera neighbourhood.

Hegan joins Flexi-lets as interim CEO

UK: Serviced apartment provider Flexi-lets has appointed Everyport Consulting’s Patrick Hegan as interim CEO.

Major Liverpool regen project to include serviced apartments

UK: A 250-key hotel and serviced apartment scheme will form the next phase of development at Liverpool’s Paddington Village.

Maryland developer plans Hagerstown extended stay hotel

US: A subsidiary of the Bowman Group is proposing a Home2 Suites by Hilton property on Pullman Lane in Hagerstown, Maryland.

CWS wins MoveCenter Supplier of the Year award for second year running

US: Relocation management company MoveCenter has named CWS Corporate Housing its Supplier of the Year award for the second year running.

Base Aparthotels opens second Swiss property

Switzerland: Base Aparthotels has opened its second property, the 35-unit Base Vevey.

Ascott parent sells stake in India project

Singapore: CapitaLand, the parent company of The Ascott Ltd, has divested its stake in India's Citadines Ahmedabad Aparthotel (CAA) for about S$10.8 million ($8.22 million).

Aberdeen serviced apartments reopen after renovation

UK: Apartment operator Skene House has relaunched its Skene House Whitehall property in Aberdeen after a £320,000 refurbishment programme.

Siegel Group buys four extended stay properties

US: The Siegel Group has acquired a 500-unit portfolio of four extended-stay properties previously operated under the Crossland Economy Studios brand.

Quest opens 82-unit Brisbane property

Australia: Quest Springfield Central, the second Quest property in the greater Brisbane area, has opened for business.

Staying Cool opts for Criton app builder

UK: Serviced apartment operator Staying Cool has teamed up with Criton Apps to launch phase one of its digital concierge service for guests.

Alley takes COO role at Roomzzz

UK: Aparthotel brand Roomzzz has appointed Robert Alley as chief operations officer to assist with the company’s growth plans.

Oaks on Market completes renovation

Australia: Central Melbourne extended stay hotel Oaks on Market has completed its multi-million dollar refurbishment.

SITU launches live availability booking

UK: Serviced apartment booking agent SITU has launched a live availability booking solution for travel managers and TMCs.

Renteria promoted to VP of business development at Blvd Suites

US: Blvd Suites Corporate Housing has promoted Angie Renteria to vice president of business development.

TripActions raises $51 million in funding round

US: Silicon Valley business travel tech start-up TripActions has raised $51 million in series B funding.