In 2009, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the world's largest serviced residence owner-operator, celebrated 25 successful years in providing business and leisure travellers international-class accommodation that combines the space and privacy of an apartment with the services of a top-rated hotel.

(TRAVPR.COM) SINGAPORE   - ^18th June 2010 - To commemorate the milestone, Ascott launched a series of rewards to thank customers for their support. These included the unprecedented "25 Years with Ascott" grand draw in which one lucky customer would win a complimentary three-night stay at any of Ascott's serviced residences every year for the next 25 consecutive years.

Mr Tomo Takuma, who stayed for a year at Citadines Shanghai Biyun from April 2008 to March 2009, was picked from a whopping four million chances to win Ascott's 25th Anniversary grand prize of complimentary stays for 25 years. Ascott flew the 35-year-old Shanghai-based expatriate to Singapore for the prize presentation at Ascott Raffles Place Singapore.

"I can't believe my luck. In Japan, winning a prize of such magnitude is unheard of. I have never won such a big prize in my life," said Mr Takuma upon receiving the grand prize from Mr Chong Kee Hiong, CEO of Ascott Residence Trust Management Limited.

As a seasoned traveller, Mr Takuma sees obvious advantages in choosing serviced residences when one travels for business and leisure. "Serviced residences offer ample storage space that long-stay travellers require. There is also a fully-equipped kitchen for you to prepare a meal for yourself or your family and friends," he explained.

"What makes Ascott special is the fact that their staff go out of their way to make you feel at home. They take the initiative to know me well and understand my requirements. They take service very seriously and my requests were always attended to promptly. Such a high level of reliability is very important. I have stayed in many places where my requests are often forgotten," added Mr Takuma as he recalled his stay at Ascott's Citadines Shanghai Biyun.

The wine aficionado is looking forward to sampling the world's finest wines for his first complimentary stay with Ascott. He said, "I love red wine, and the first place I want to visit is the Ascott property in Bordeaux," referring to Citadines Bordeaux Meriadeck.

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