2028, Thailand | EVT signs LyLo Bangkok, the brand’s first property outside Australia and New Zealand
EVT Hotels & Resorts will bring LyLo, its affordable lifestyle brand, to Bangkok in 2028. The group has signed a management agreement for a 387-bed property in the Sukhumvit district. It marks LyLo's first move outside Australia and New Zealand, and the Australian group's third brand to enter South-East Asia as part of its asset-light growth strategy.
EVT Hotels & Resorts has announced that LyLo will arrive in Bangkok in 2028. The group has signed a management agreement for a 387-bed property on Sukhumvit Soi 15. It will be the first time EVT’s affordable lifestyle brand has operated outside Australia and New Zealand.
Following QT, LyLo is the group’s third brand to establish itself in South-East Asia. QT Singapore opened in 2024, and Rydges Bangkok was recently announced, with an opening scheduled for 2028. According to EVT, the three signings reflect the regional roll-out of its asset-light growth strategy.
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354 pods, 33 private rooms and a rooftop
The property will feature 354 signature pods and 33 private rooms. Several shared social spaces are planned, including a rooftop wellness area, a pool and a bar. LyLo’s pods are aimed at experience-seeking travellers, offering a quality private stay at an affordable price.
The group presents the model as a balance between innovative design and operational efficiency, designed to give guests a distinctive experience and owners higher returns. The concept joins a segment already established in the European market, led by players such as CityHub, where Remco Gerritsen has taken the helm as CEO.
EVT is also opening an office in Bangkok to support its international ambitions and strengthen its presence in South-East Asia. It will be led by Harry Thaliwal, appointed in June 2026, who reports to Chief Development Officer Brett Forer. The office is intended to provide owners with local expertise and enable the group to accelerate development opportunities across the region.
LyLo currently operates four properties, in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Brisbane. A flagship will open on the Gold Coast in 2028. EVT says it is in active discussions with investors across Asia-Pacific to expand the concept.
Jane Hastings @ credit LinkedIn
Jane Hastings, CEO of EVT, described LyLo Bangkok as an important milestone in EVT’s growth strategy in South-East Asia. Alongside QT Singapore and the recently announced Rydges Bangkok, she said, the signing strengthens the presence of the group’s brands in the region and reflects its confidence in the growth prospects ahead. According to her, the group built the LyLo concept over five years, drawing on expertise from across EVT, and turned it into an award-winning brand. She added that EVT now has a platform to support its development through asset-light management agreements, with Bangkok marking the first step on that journey.
Tim Alpe @ credit LinkedIn
For Tim Alpe, Managing Director of LyLo, Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world and exactly the kind of market LyLo was designed for, with large volumes of budget-conscious, style-savvy travellers who want more than a generic budget stay. He sees the signing as strong proof of the concept’s ability to travel.
Thai development partners
The project was led by Hospitality Capital Advisers (HCA), Capstone Asset and Silver Bullet (SBS), acting as Development Partners on behalf of the Boontanonda family, Matalay and KS Hotels. Naphat Boontanonda, Jutipun Boonsoong and their partners welcomed the partnership with EVT and expressed confidence in the arrival of the LyLo brand in Bangkok’s hotel landscape.
Our view | Sukhumvit, an increasingly contested territory
The Sukhumvit district has attracted a number of international brands in recent months. Fairmont has opened its first Thai property there. In the “compact and connected” budget segment, YOTEL is making its Bangkok debut within the Cloud 11 complex in South Sukhumvit. LyLo will therefore enter a market where budget hotels with a strong identity face increasingly stiff competition. Its point of difference will rest on the pod model and the prominence given to social spaces.
EVT signs LyLo Bangkok, the brand’s first property outside Australia and New Zealand
387-bed property on Sukhumvit Soi 15: 354 pods, 33 private rooms, rooftop wellness area, pool and bar
Management agreement, opening targeted for 2028
Third EVT brand in South-East Asia after QT Singapore (2024) and Rydges Bangkok (2028)
New EVT Bangkok office led by Harry Thaliwal, reporting to CDO Brett Forer
Owners: Boontanonda Family, Matalay and KS Hotels, via HCA, Capstone Asset and Silver Bullet (SBS)
