Accor, the world’s leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is pleased to announce the signing of five new hotels in the UK, significantly strengthening its portfolio of hotels.The five hotels spread across London and Edinburgh are due to open throughout the second half of 2014 and 2015 in line with Accor’s strategy to expand its portfolio in key destinations.
The first of the London openings, Novotel Brentford, is operated under a lease agreement with Brentford Hotels Limited, a subsidiary of the Pedersen Group. The high tech specification, 202-room hotel joins the midscale brand’s growing network of 31 Novotel hotels across the UK, and a global network of 395 hotels in more than 60 countries. Accor has also announced a new build Novotel at 40 Marsh Street, Canary Wharf which is due to open during 2016.
Novotel hotels are located in the heart of major cities, business districts and tourist destinations. The brand offers efficiency and comfort to business customers while satisfying the needs of leisure travellers through contemporary design, flexibility and technology.
The second London opening, Mercure London Heathrow, is opening in the spring under a franchise agreement with Crimson Hotels Limited. The 184 room hotel located close to the Heathrow International Airport is being thoroughly upgraded as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment programme and will be ideally located for business guests and travellers. Mercure prides itself on being the only 4-star hotel brand that combines the strength of an international network, with a strong quality commitment and individualised local touches.
Three of the upcoming openings are within the ibis brand, Europe’s largest hotel chain and Accor’s economy network boasting 1,739 hotels in key European city destinations.
The Ibis Styles, Kensington is due to open at the end of the year and will be operated under a franchise agreement with Chatteris Kensington Ltd, subsidiary of the Singapore-listed Heeton Group. The building is undergoing an extensive renovation programme to update the infrastructure and restore the elegance of its Victorian architectural features. It will boast 115 bedrooms in one of London’s most sought after locations, central and yet close to Heathrow airport making it an ideal base for both for business visitors and leisure travellers.
The ibis Styles, Kensington marks the entry of the Heeton Group’s hospitality initiative into the European market, adding to a growing number of hotel acquisition and development projects that form part of its global expansion plans.
Two hotels will be opening in the popular tourist destination of Edinburgh during the summer, where Accor has already established the ibis, Royal Mile and ibis, South Bridge in Edinburgh city centre. ibis budget, Edinburgh Park, with 161 bedrooms, is ideal for business guests within walking distance of Edinburgh business park and just 15 minutes from the station for easy access to Edinburgh city centre. ibis Styles, St Andrew Square, with 103 bedrooms, brimming with character and right in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, will attract both business and pleasure guests.
Thomas Dubaere, Managing Director, Accor UK & Ireland said: “These openings further strengthen our presence in the key business and leisure locations of London and Edinburgh and are another important step in expanding our UK network. As part of our ambitious expansion plans we are demonstrating our commitment to strengthening the portfolio across our budget and midscale brand segments.”
