The Ascott Group has opened four new serviced residences in four countries across three regions in the first two weeks of June. The four new properties are each located in Australia, Vietnam, Thailand and Qatar.

Ascott has added a new city, Perth, to its global footprint with the opening of Somerset St Georges Terrace. The other three new serviced residences are Somerset Hoa Binh in Hanoi, Citadines Sukhumvit 8 in Bangkok and Somerset West Bay in Doha.

The opening of these properties adds to the two properties Ascott opened early this year, bringing the total to six opened in the first half of 2008. The two serviced residences which Ascott opened in China early this year were Ascott Guangzhou and Somerset Emerald City, Suzhou.

Ms Jennie Chua, Ascott's President & CEO said: "Ascott continues to grow our presence globally. In the first half of the year, we opened six serviced residences. We have five additional properties scheduled to open in Bangkok, Chennai and Singapore by the end of the year. The new properties will further consolidate Ascott's position as the world's largest international serviced residence owner-operator. We are now in 56 cities and 22 countries with about 5,000 employees who work with 80 languages across our global network."

Mr Gerald Lee, Ascott's Deputy CEO (Operations) added: "It has been an exciting high-adrenalin period having to open four properties successfully in just two weeks. Our serviced residences are in prime locations with various business, shopping, dining or entertainment facilities nearby. They also offer a range of services to suit our residents' lifestyle. Whether travellers are on relocation, business trip or leisure travel, they will find an ideal home at our properties."

Australia - Somerset St Georges Terrace, Perth.

The 84-unit Somerset St Georges Terrace is in the heart of Perth's business district. It is within walking distance to a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and quality boutiques. The property is a street away from the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre.

Vietnam - Somerset Hoa Binh, Hanoi.

The 206-unit Somerset Hoa Binh, Hanoi is part of a mixed development comprising an office tower and a retail podium. The property is strategically located at Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Cau Giay District. It is a 10 minutes' drive from the key commercial and civic districts. It is close to the Hoa Lac high technology development zone and Thang Long Industrial Park. The property is also easily accessible to the Noi Bai International Airport, prime dining and shopping areas and popular tourist attractions.

Thailand - Citadines Bangkok Sukhumvit 8.

The 130-unit Citadines Sukhumvit 8 is located in one of Bangkok's central and tranquil residential areas. The property is a five minutes' walk to Nana Skytrain station. It is also close to major offices, business centres, shopping malls, restaurants, parks and schools.

Qatar - Somerset West Bay, Doha.

The 200-unit Somerset West Bay is in the heart of Doha's Diplomatic Area where several Ministry headquarters, embassies and consulates are located. The property is next to the Qatar Financial Centre and adjacent to the City Centre Shopping Mall, one of the country's best known shopping destinations. The Doha International Airport is a 15 minutes' drive from the property. Somerset West Bay, Doha is located at the north end of the picturesque Corniche, offering a scenic view of the Arabian Gulf.