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.
The brand currently operates three properties in Amsterdam and one in Barcelona, with new openings confirmed in Amsterdam, Paris and Antwerp in 2019. Yays apartments feature designer furnishing, high-quality amenities and are found in unique urban locations.
The company has experience in renovating heritage buildings, redeveloping offices as well as constructing new buildings on greenfield sites. Yays is focusing its expansion on Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Spain and Switzerland with the ability to acquire real estate and operate on a lease basis.
Peter Heule, CEO of Yays, said: “Our concept is based on the slogan ‘unlock the neighbourhood’. The development team aims to secure urban locations outside the touristic city centre, but within easy reach of key businesses and leisure attractions.”
Yays positions itself as a premium serviced apartment operator, offering both business and leisure travellers the choice of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. All properties are staffed 24/7 with concierges recruited from the local neighbourhoods.
Heule added: “Yays is a ‘travel and stay’ concept that stands out within the serviced apartment segment. It offers its temporary residents the opportunity to experience the city as a local. With our ‘unlock the neighbourhood’ concept we keep in mind the fast-paced development of the city and the environment. With our restaurant around the corner and bar down the street, Yays supports local businesses.”
To spearhead its European expansion, Yays has established an Amsterdam-based development team. Chalana Perera and Joris Tensen were recruited to bring Yays to the continent’s key gateway cities. Chalana and Joris worked in real estate development for citizenM Hotels and Zoku, respectively.
