A recent trip to Singapore put into stark contrast the differences between Singapore and Japan, in terms of the development of the lifestyle hotel segment.
Having last visited Singapore pre-pandemic, it was incredible to see the diversity of lifestyle properties in the island state in 2025.
Singapore prides itself on its famed kiasu spirit and being one step (at least) of the curve. In the case of Lifestyle properties it is in an entirely different league to Japan. From the Artyzen near Tanglin to the soon-to-open Mama Shelter next to Somerset and everywhere in between, there is a Lifestyle brand.
The Pent House at the Artyzen Hotel Singapore
There are also fantastic local lifestyle properties, such as Ann Siang House, part of Ascott's soft brand 'Unlimited Collection'. In all cases stepping into these properties brings a heightened sense of place and design. The properties are distinct. They are memorable. They are connected to their locality.
Lifestyle properties have grown four fold in terms of room number since 2014. Growth is project to be at 37% through to 2027. It not just the growth in rooms but the revenue premium they generate which catches the eye of investors. Price premiums in APAC can be up to 11% higher on lifestyle properties than a comparable non-Lifestyle or legacy property.
It is the F&B offering which is usually the big differentiator. Time, effort, design and thought goes into the F&B outlets. They are designed to pull guests in and keep them there. The sound system is clean, the music well curated, the mixologist a TikTok star and the Barista will help you get over the jet lag with a single shot espresso. Simple put, great a great F&B space will drive your reviews and ratings. Your review and ratings will be a key driver of your rates.
This should be of little surprise, but what remains surprising is how many legacy hotels still leave money on the table. They follow tried and tested formats which are all well and good unto you step into the new world of a lifestyle property. Then your eyes are opened to the way a hotel F&B outlet should be. Vibrant. Incremental revenue generating. A reason to return.
Japan's lifestyle market has plenty of potential upside to come. The hotel landscape has certainly changed in the last 10 years but more so on the legacy side of the hotel world. Steady, stable, reliable.
The double whammy of high construction costs and a brutally restricted labour market may well encourage investments towards the more 'traditional' hotel product.
However increasing demand from guests for a more dynamic and culturally engaging hotel property may well swing the balance towards more lifestyle focussed properties.
Infinitude Hospitality offers offers third party and white label hotel management services to create mutually beneficial hotel management agreements (HMAs) for owners of luxury hotels and hospitality ventures in Asia Pacific and Middle East. In addition, we utilise our in-depth field expertise to advise hotel owners in any related area to maximise their assets.
infinitudehospitality.com
All data points in this article are taken from JLL's excellent 'Lifestyle Hotels in Asia Pacific' report July 2025.
