Showing posts with label Accor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Accor. Show all posts
2:05 AM
savcenko
Mercure Melbourne's $4 Million Makeover First to Unveil New Mercure Design Standard
Four-star hotel, Mercure Melbourne Spring Street has added the finishing touches to its $4 million refurbishment of 164 rooms and is the first hotel in Australia to showcase new Mercure design standards.
The design aims to reflect the area's local character in the room, with black and white photography of Melbourne architecture and landmarks emblazoned on the bed heads. A bright carpet design and cube lounge, a visually striking piece of space-saving furniture immediately energises the look and feel of the room.
Rooms have been fitted with new bathrooms complete with walk-in showers, large hand basins and LED mirror lights. New lighting, digital LCD TVs, glass fronted fridges, internet access, room safes and clock radios with iPod docks have been installed to instantly modernise the rooms.
With stunning views overlooking the Treasury Gardens, Mercure Melbourne Spring Street is the perfect place to stay while exploring Melbourne's iconic sporting attractions like the MGC and Rod Laver Arena or shopping the 'Paris end' of Collins Street.
Hotel General Manager, Phil O'Brien said that the Mercure Melbourne Spring Street will set a new benchmark in the design of a Mercure room and are excited to be the first to bring this vision to life in Australia.
"We are very excited about the excellent standard of room we now have available to our guests after three months of renovations. We have made significant changes to uplift the style and functionality of the rooms, a Mercure first which we hope will attract even greater leisure and conference numbers to our hotel," he said.
"With major international sporting events fast approaching and held just moments from our doorstep, we look forward to welcoming domestic and international visitors to our new look Mercure this summer".
Mercure Melbourne has refurbished rooms starting from $149 per night. For bookings or hotel information, please visit www.accorhotels.com or phone (03) 9205 9999.
Mercure Melbourne is located at 13 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Mercure
There are 30 Mercure hotels in Australia, including Mercure Ballarat and Mercure Yarra Valley in regional Victoria. Mercure hotels are also located in resort destinations such as Cairns, Lake Macquarie and Broome and major city centres.
For more than 35 years, within the Accor Group, Mercure has exemplified expert hospitality and personalised service. Operating in more than 50 countries around the world, Mercure boasts hotels with distinctive personalities carefully preserved through the type of services offered and the decor, both of which vary from one hotel to the next. The hotel managers and staff of the 700 Mercure hotels are hospitality professionals. Attentive and available, they are ready to listen and make sure their guests enjoy a stay full of genuine moments of pleasure and relaxation in a truly warm and comfortable setting. More information on Mercure hotels is available on www.mercure.com.
1:00 PM
savcenko
Fashionable Facelift Underway at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
Silence is golden - and so is the upgrade taking place at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa between the 24th of October and the 18th of December 2011.
Sofitel's extensive guestroom refurbishment program will commence this October, and is expected to create maximum impact on completion yet minimum interruption during its progression, thanks to forward thinking from management and the resort's vast layout
General Manager Adam Laker says following a soft renovation of certain public areas at the resort over the past 12 months, focus has now shifted to guest rooms.
"We will update half of our room inventory from mid October," Mr Laker says. "During this time we will change the look and feel of our guest rooms, including ten suites."
Mr Laker explained that the integrity of the resort experience for current guests is a priority over the renovation period. "We don't want our current guests to be inconvenienced, so at no time will they ever see any work in progress, as we will isolate each block being worked on one at a time.
"Unlike a city hotel where there is noise floor to floor, our resort is only three floors high and expansive, so we have the luxury of being able to close off entire blocks with minimal disruption. There will be no jack hammering, pulling down of walls or any other excessive noise."
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa's new look will involve a luxury upgrade of all furniture, carpet floorings, paint, wallpaper and glass shower screens. As part of the facelift, Sofitel will also introduce a new Luxury Room category available from April 2012, positioned above the resort's Superior Room type yet below its suites.
These new Luxury Rooms will receive personal Bose iPod and iPhone docking stations and an updated version of Sofitel's famous Mybed, to ensure the most comfortable sleep in Fiji.
In collaboration with leading hotel interior design consultants, the Carmody Group, Adam Laker and the Sofitel team have designed a vibrant yet refined room concept seemingly inspired by the muted yellow and leather colours made famous by iconic French fashion house, Louis Vuitton.
The result is an exuberant blend of texture and colour, befitting its refined Sofitel label, and Fijian island address.
Stitched high leather bed heads, desk chairs and strong timber and polished Fijian shell writing desks provide a handsome structure reminiscent of LV's tell tale travel totes and luggage. These strong elements are complemented by the otherwise soft yet elegant furnishings of each guest room and suite, punctuated with crisp white quilts and cool colonial style shutters to provide light relief from the bright Fijian sun.
Fijian floral signatures are evident on contemporary cushions, intricate wood and shell ornaments and other artwork have been introduced to reinforce the resort's tropical location and appreciation of local culture and style. For more information about the refurbishment contact the resort's Director of Sales & Marketing Nicholas Mina at Nicholas.mina@sofitelfiji.com.fj
For reservations and general information about the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa and other hotels in the network, www.sofitel.com
Sofitel's extensive guestroom refurbishment program will commence this October, and is expected to create maximum impact on completion yet minimum interruption during its progression, thanks to forward thinking from management and the resort's vast layout
General Manager Adam Laker says following a soft renovation of certain public areas at the resort over the past 12 months, focus has now shifted to guest rooms.
"We will update half of our room inventory from mid October," Mr Laker says. "During this time we will change the look and feel of our guest rooms, including ten suites."
Mr Laker explained that the integrity of the resort experience for current guests is a priority over the renovation period. "We don't want our current guests to be inconvenienced, so at no time will they ever see any work in progress, as we will isolate each block being worked on one at a time.
"Unlike a city hotel where there is noise floor to floor, our resort is only three floors high and expansive, so we have the luxury of being able to close off entire blocks with minimal disruption. There will be no jack hammering, pulling down of walls or any other excessive noise."
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa's new look will involve a luxury upgrade of all furniture, carpet floorings, paint, wallpaper and glass shower screens. As part of the facelift, Sofitel will also introduce a new Luxury Room category available from April 2012, positioned above the resort's Superior Room type yet below its suites.
These new Luxury Rooms will receive personal Bose iPod and iPhone docking stations and an updated version of Sofitel's famous Mybed, to ensure the most comfortable sleep in Fiji.
In collaboration with leading hotel interior design consultants, the Carmody Group, Adam Laker and the Sofitel team have designed a vibrant yet refined room concept seemingly inspired by the muted yellow and leather colours made famous by iconic French fashion house, Louis Vuitton.
The result is an exuberant blend of texture and colour, befitting its refined Sofitel label, and Fijian island address.
Stitched high leather bed heads, desk chairs and strong timber and polished Fijian shell writing desks provide a handsome structure reminiscent of LV's tell tale travel totes and luggage. These strong elements are complemented by the otherwise soft yet elegant furnishings of each guest room and suite, punctuated with crisp white quilts and cool colonial style shutters to provide light relief from the bright Fijian sun.
Fijian floral signatures are evident on contemporary cushions, intricate wood and shell ornaments and other artwork have been introduced to reinforce the resort's tropical location and appreciation of local culture and style. For more information about the refurbishment contact the resort's Director of Sales & Marketing Nicholas Mina at Nicholas.mina@sofitelfiji.com.fj
For reservations and general information about the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa and other hotels in the network, www.sofitel.com
6:02 PM
savcenko
NEW MERCURE GLADSTONE HOTEL TO JOIN ACCOR'S QUEENSLAND HOTEL NETWORK IN 2012
Construction has commenced on the new Gladstone Mercure Hotel in Queensland, expected to welcome its first guests in September 2012.
The new hotel will be built onsite at the Yaralla Sports Club and provide 60 hotel rooms, and conference facilities, catering to the need for more corporate level accommodation options in the region.
The Mercure hotel will complement the extensive existing facilities at the Yaralla Sports Club and adjoin the club's current front entrance. Vice President of Accor Australia Simon McGrath says the timing of the hotel is ideal to maximise on the region's considerable growth forecasts.
"The Mercure is an exciting new addition to the Group's growing network of Queensland hotels in regional locations," said Mr McGrath.
"Gladstone is a thriving industrial hub, and it's a perfect time for Accor to be partnering with the well established Yaralla Sports Club to leverage the significant development and economic opportunities that are driving the region's growth."
Yaralla Sports Club's long term business plan has seen a growth in membership to more than 31,000, with the club employing 120 people within the Gladstone area. The significant multi-million Mercure hotel development comes off the back of a strong period of renovation and growth which has been ongoing for the popular sports club since 2001.
Yaralla's Chief executive officer Will Schroeder said the Club was still very focused on maintaining some of Central Queensland's finest sporting facilities, which supports 12 active sports Sub-Committees including lawn bowls, cricket, hockey and basketball.
"The addition of a Mercure hotel will increase and diversify the level of service offered to both the local community and visitors by providing much-needed additional luxury and business accommodation options," he said.
"Hotel guests will have access to conference facilities, fitness services, and our wide variety of restaurants and entertainment."
Accor currently operates 30 properties in Queensland ranging from the Formule 1, Ibis and Mercure brands through to the Grand Mercure, Novotel, and Sofitel brands, plus 29 Mercure hotels across Australia. Visit accorhotels.com for more.
www.mercure.com.
The new hotel will be built onsite at the Yaralla Sports Club and provide 60 hotel rooms, and conference facilities, catering to the need for more corporate level accommodation options in the region.
The Mercure hotel will complement the extensive existing facilities at the Yaralla Sports Club and adjoin the club's current front entrance. Vice President of Accor Australia Simon McGrath says the timing of the hotel is ideal to maximise on the region's considerable growth forecasts.
"The Mercure is an exciting new addition to the Group's growing network of Queensland hotels in regional locations," said Mr McGrath.
"Gladstone is a thriving industrial hub, and it's a perfect time for Accor to be partnering with the well established Yaralla Sports Club to leverage the significant development and economic opportunities that are driving the region's growth."
Yaralla Sports Club's long term business plan has seen a growth in membership to more than 31,000, with the club employing 120 people within the Gladstone area. The significant multi-million Mercure hotel development comes off the back of a strong period of renovation and growth which has been ongoing for the popular sports club since 2001.
Yaralla's Chief executive officer Will Schroeder said the Club was still very focused on maintaining some of Central Queensland's finest sporting facilities, which supports 12 active sports Sub-Committees including lawn bowls, cricket, hockey and basketball.
"The addition of a Mercure hotel will increase and diversify the level of service offered to both the local community and visitors by providing much-needed additional luxury and business accommodation options," he said.
"Hotel guests will have access to conference facilities, fitness services, and our wide variety of restaurants and entertainment."
Accor currently operates 30 properties in Queensland ranging from the Formule 1, Ibis and Mercure brands through to the Grand Mercure, Novotel, and Sofitel brands, plus 29 Mercure hotels across Australia. Visit accorhotels.com for more.
www.mercure.com.
12:44 AM
savcenko
GUANGZHOU WELCOMES NEW ERA OF HOTEL LUXURY WITH SOFITEL IN CHINA
Sofitel Luxury Hotels has opened of its first address in Guangzhou (formerly Canton, in southern China) with the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich. The launch has now increased the Sofitel Luxury Hotels network to a total of 20 addresses in China.
Ideally located in the heart of Tianhe, Guangzhou's most dynamic financial and business district, the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich is less than one kilometre from the emblematic skyscraper CITIC Plaza and a few minutes from the East Railway Station, a veritable hub that connects Guangzhou to Dongguan, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
"Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich is going to breathe a little of the unique French culture into Guangzhou. The goal of this address is to become the meeting place for the city's cultural events and especially through all forms of Art," said Robert Gaymer-Jones, CEO Sofitel Worldwide.
The hotel offers 493 rooms and suites, whose decor elegantly blends contemporary Asian design and Parisian chic. All rooms overhang the characteristic skyline of the Tianhe district. Everyone is pampered right into their dreams in the exclusive softness of the MyBed™ bedding signed Sofitel.
Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich features five bars and restaurants, including the fine dining-restaurant "Robata Grill & Bar", which combines a classy steakhouse with modern Japanese Izakaya. Robata also features an authentic Robatayaki - a sushi bar with en extensive elegant walk-through wine cellar. Additionally, "Le Chinois" restaurant highlights famous Cantonese gastronomy and "8 Faubourg" reproduces around an elegant bar the décor typical of a Parisian apartment. The "Mar-Tea-Ni" lounge bar provides fine French pastries accompanied by rare teas suggested by a Tea sommelier, and is a perfect example of how Sofitel strives to create a link between French culture and Chinese culture – a key value of the brand.
The Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich has 17 meeting rooms that can be adapted and personalized as well as a 900 sq.m. conference room offering the best of multimedia technology and equipment. The InspiredMeetings Planner, a personalised service for unique, inspired and inspiring meetings, is available to tailor-make project while creating memorable experiences for the participants.
The hotel is the first Sofitel in Asia to offer Sofitel Luxury Hotel's own So SPA branded day spa, which uses L'Occitane products from France. So Spa's serene environment has an original signature scent, and uses exclusive rituals employed by highly qualified personnel to help create a sense of total well being.
So Spa complements the hotel's fitness area, So FIT, which offers fitness and well-being equipment at the leading edge of technology and design in addition to a stunning indoor pool with a sub-aquatic music broadcaster.
Guangzhou is the capital of southern China and has a rich history and cultural heritage. It also hosts one of the world's largest commercial trade shows: The Canton Fair. If its gastronomy is famous around the world, Guangzhou is also known for the Pearl River landscapes and the luxurious Bai Yun mountain.
Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com
Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the worldwide Accor loyalty program on www.a-club.com
Ideally located in the heart of Tianhe, Guangzhou's most dynamic financial and business district, the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich is less than one kilometre from the emblematic skyscraper CITIC Plaza and a few minutes from the East Railway Station, a veritable hub that connects Guangzhou to Dongguan, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
"Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich is going to breathe a little of the unique French culture into Guangzhou. The goal of this address is to become the meeting place for the city's cultural events and especially through all forms of Art," said Robert Gaymer-Jones, CEO Sofitel Worldwide.
The hotel offers 493 rooms and suites, whose decor elegantly blends contemporary Asian design and Parisian chic. All rooms overhang the characteristic skyline of the Tianhe district. Everyone is pampered right into their dreams in the exclusive softness of the MyBed™ bedding signed Sofitel.
Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich features five bars and restaurants, including the fine dining-restaurant "Robata Grill & Bar", which combines a classy steakhouse with modern Japanese Izakaya. Robata also features an authentic Robatayaki - a sushi bar with en extensive elegant walk-through wine cellar. Additionally, "Le Chinois" restaurant highlights famous Cantonese gastronomy and "8 Faubourg" reproduces around an elegant bar the décor typical of a Parisian apartment. The "Mar-Tea-Ni" lounge bar provides fine French pastries accompanied by rare teas suggested by a Tea sommelier, and is a perfect example of how Sofitel strives to create a link between French culture and Chinese culture – a key value of the brand.
The Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich has 17 meeting rooms that can be adapted and personalized as well as a 900 sq.m. conference room offering the best of multimedia technology and equipment. The InspiredMeetings Planner, a personalised service for unique, inspired and inspiring meetings, is available to tailor-make project while creating memorable experiences for the participants.
The hotel is the first Sofitel in Asia to offer Sofitel Luxury Hotel's own So SPA branded day spa, which uses L'Occitane products from France. So Spa's serene environment has an original signature scent, and uses exclusive rituals employed by highly qualified personnel to help create a sense of total well being.
So Spa complements the hotel's fitness area, So FIT, which offers fitness and well-being equipment at the leading edge of technology and design in addition to a stunning indoor pool with a sub-aquatic music broadcaster.
Guangzhou is the capital of southern China and has a rich history and cultural heritage. It also hosts one of the world's largest commercial trade shows: The Canton Fair. If its gastronomy is famous around the world, Guangzhou is also known for the Pearl River landscapes and the luxurious Bai Yun mountain.
Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com
Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the worldwide Accor loyalty program on www.a-club.com
3:46 AM
savcenko
FORMULE 1 METAMORPHOSISES WITH NEW COCOON ROOMS
Formule 1, the brand that revolutionized budget travel, has introduced its new "Cocoon" room concept into Australia, with F1 hotels in Canberra, Campbelltown and Wentworthville the first to showcase the new rooms. F1 Campbelltown was the very first Formule 1 in Australia, and its refurbishment is well timed as Accor celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.
The Cocoon Room provides a more stylish, more restful room with soft colours, rounded edges and soothing lighting, as well as extra storage space. With wood-look floors, flat screen TVs with extra channels, internet connections and a strong focus on sustainability, the Cocoon Room won Best Interior Design at the European Hotels Design Awards and represents a real metamorphosis for the brand, which was first introduced in 1984.
The new rooms have strong environmental credentials, with water-efficient showers and toilets, recyclable materials used throughout and energy efficient lighting.
"The Formule 1 brand really revolutionised budget travel by offering ensuite rooms that could comfortably sleep one, two or three people at an affordable price," said Simon McGrath, Vice President Accor Australia. "The introduction of the Cocoon Room concept is another revolution for the brand and highlights how much the brand has upgraded to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of today's travellers.
"With these new rooms, we believe Formule 1 offers the best value for money sleep in the market."
The Cocoon Rooms will be rolled out to all 20 Formule 1 hotels in Australia over the next few years.
Popular with families, sporting groups and couples on a budget, Formule 1 hotels cost less so you can spend more on the attractions, restaurants or events in your destination. They are typically located near airports or key transport hubs and increasingly in major cities, with more than 80 hotels across five continents including Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan and South Africa. In Europe, the Formule 1 brand concept comes under the ETAP brand which includes a network of 420 hotels.
An Accor budget brand, Formule 1/ETAP Hotels offer customers the best in low-cost hotels with well-designed rooms for one, two, or three people, round-the-clock room access and an all-you-can-eat breakfast. Located near major roads and airports – and increasingly in cities – the hotels deliver highly competitive value for money.
www.accorhotels.com
The Cocoon Room provides a more stylish, more restful room with soft colours, rounded edges and soothing lighting, as well as extra storage space. With wood-look floors, flat screen TVs with extra channels, internet connections and a strong focus on sustainability, the Cocoon Room won Best Interior Design at the European Hotels Design Awards and represents a real metamorphosis for the brand, which was first introduced in 1984.
The new rooms have strong environmental credentials, with water-efficient showers and toilets, recyclable materials used throughout and energy efficient lighting.
"The Formule 1 brand really revolutionised budget travel by offering ensuite rooms that could comfortably sleep one, two or three people at an affordable price," said Simon McGrath, Vice President Accor Australia. "The introduction of the Cocoon Room concept is another revolution for the brand and highlights how much the brand has upgraded to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of today's travellers.
"With these new rooms, we believe Formule 1 offers the best value for money sleep in the market."
The Cocoon Rooms will be rolled out to all 20 Formule 1 hotels in Australia over the next few years.
Popular with families, sporting groups and couples on a budget, Formule 1 hotels cost less so you can spend more on the attractions, restaurants or events in your destination. They are typically located near airports or key transport hubs and increasingly in major cities, with more than 80 hotels across five continents including Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan and South Africa. In Europe, the Formule 1 brand concept comes under the ETAP brand which includes a network of 420 hotels.
An Accor budget brand, Formule 1/ETAP Hotels offer customers the best in low-cost hotels with well-designed rooms for one, two, or three people, round-the-clock room access and an all-you-can-eat breakfast. Located near major roads and airports – and increasingly in cities – the hotels deliver highly competitive value for money.
www.accorhotels.com
4:48 PM
savcenko
TRAVEL+LEISURE WORLD'S BEST AWARDS - SOFITEL QUEENSTOWN HOTEL & SPA NAMED BEST SPA
SOFITEL QUEENSTOWN HOTEL & SPA NAMED BEST SPA AT THE 2011 TRAVEL+LEISURE WORLD'S BEST AWARD
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa has been named the World's Best Hotel Spa in this year's Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards.
Travel+Leisure is one of North America's most respected and highest circulating travel magazines with a focus on authentic, innovative, and irresistible experiences across the globe. Survey results are based on readers' ratings, with hotel spas specifically judged on the basis of their ambience, treatments, service and value.
Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa earned the top spot in the overall spa category earning a total score of 98.93 out of 100 eligible points.
General Manager Wouter De Graaf says, "We're ecstatic. To be recognised as the world's very best against thousands of other hotel spas' is a phenomenal achievement. It goes to prove that despite what might be considered a remote location at the bottom of the world in Queenstown our spa service is so exceptional that we still come out sitting at the very top of it. "
Indeed, the boutique Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa beat not only its competitors in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific but all other regions too including Asia, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Hawaii, the USA and Canada.
Launched in 2005 as Queenstown's original five-star hotel, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa was reborn in 2010 following an impressive $2 million upgrade and extension which transformed the hotel's vacant ground floor to add a new entry area and foyer, cafe, business centre, sit-down reception and luxury lobby with direct access to its LeSpa day spa. Sofitel opened LeSpa in September 2007.
In spite of its distinct French influence courtesy of the Sofitel brand's Parisian origins, Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa's LeSpa is nothing if not true to its geographical location with restful décor on display as inspired by the destination's rugged ranges and glacial lakes. The result is an unequivocally 'New Zealand' sensorial experience with the trimmings including the use of traditional local treatments alongside the use of indulgent Decleor products and private hammam.
LeSpa's signature treatments have a powerful undercurrent of Maori lore offering century-old rituals and traditional therapies, many of which are available nowhere else in the country, let alone the world. Treatments use natural, native ingredients such as Manuka honey, beeswax, shimmering paua shells, and volcanic clay from the North Island's famed Rotorua geothermic region and famously employed by Maori healers.
Among the many decadent spa offerings, Sofitel guests will find traditional Maori rituals including the Ataahua treatment and time honoured 'Pounamu' greenstone massage believed to possess intuitive healing powers.
Mr De Graaf says the Travel+Leisure award is true testament to the hard work and dedication of the Sofitel team in Queenstown who have worked hard to fine tune and develop the product since its launch six years ago.
"At Sofitel Luxury Hotels, our focus is on the guest experience and extending memorable and impeccable service to our guests, and that includes our hotel spa services. We are honored that our commitment has been recognised by the discerning readers of Travel+Leisure themselves."
The Travel+Leisure honour follows Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa's admission into the aspirational Exclusive Accommodation Category of Qualmark™ - New Zealand tourism's official quality assurance system – in April 2011. Sofitel is the only internationally branded hotel to have Exclusive Qualmark status in the accommodation category, and also earned Enviro-Gold Status in the Qualmark™ category for Green operators.
Highlights from the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2011 readers' survey were announced in the USA on Thursday the 7th of July on NBC's Today Show. Winners will be honoured during an awards ceremony to be held in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 14.
The Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2011 are featured now on TravelandLeisure.com/worldsbest and will appear in the August issue of Travel + Leisure magazine (due for release July 22). The complete survey methodology is available on TravelandLeisure.com/worldsbest and in the August issue.
Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com
Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the worldwide Accor loyalty program on www.a-club.com
3:42 PM
savcenko
Novotel Auckland Airport set to take off on 27 May with GM Paul Columbus in the pilot's seat
Internationally experienced hotelier, Paul Columbus, has taken up the role of General Manager of the new Novotel Auckland Airport and is currently positioning it for a May 27 take-off.
The hotel will be officially launched by Maori King Tuheitia Paki and Prime Minister John Key in a traditional dawn blessing ceremony.
Paul Columbus brings over 30 years experience in hotel management, including 20 years in New Zealand with Millennium Copthorne Hotels and other groups in a variety of hotels, including a short stint at an Auckland Airport hotel.
He moved to the UK in the early 2000s, before joining Accor in 2003. Paul worked in a number of Novotel hotels in northern England, and was promoted to Area General Manager for Accor responsible for seven hotels in Yorkshire and the north-west of England.
The prospect of opening one of New Zealand's most dynamic new hotels proved too great an incentive for Paul and he returned to Auckland to pilot the launch of Novotel Auckland Airport.
"It is an incredible year to return to New Zealand," said Paul. "After the tragedy of the Christchurch earthquake I think it is incumbent on the rest of the country to ensure that 2011 is remembered for more positive reasons. We have a unique opportunity to showcase the country to the rest of the world during this period.
"The World Cup will be a remarkable event and the launch of Novotel Auckland Airport is going to play an important part in its successful staging. Auckland Airport will now be an even busier gateway for the country and we believe the Novotel will provide an exemplary first and last impression to visitors travelling to New Zealand for the World Cup.
"Obviously its role will go well beyond the World Cup and that's why it has been so cleverly designed with its sophisticated and multi-functional facilities. We will be able to offer everything from deluxe suites to affordable hotel rooms, along with extensive meeting and function venues, and a high-quality restaurant.
"It will be a showcase for local design, with a distinctly green tinge, including our unique 'living wall' that will greet guests as they arrive in the hotel's lobby."
The NZ$65 million Novotel Auckland Airport project is a joint venture between Tainui Group Holdings and Auckland International Airport, with Accor as the hotel operator.
The 263 room hotel has been designed by Warren & Mahoney Architects, and blends 21st century contemporary design and hi-tech features with subtle references to New Zealand culture and heritage,
With the opening of the Novotel – which will be followed by another Accor hotel, Formule 1 Auckland Airport – Accor will extend its New Zealand hotel network to 31 – the largest network in the country.
Rates start from NZ$179 a night, but there is a special 25%-off opening deal till the end of June,
Further information: www.novotel.com
8:31 PM
savcenko
ACCOR LAUNCHES HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY'S LARGEST INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
| Senator the Hon. Nick Arbib, Simon McGrath VP Accor Australia & Leah Armstrong CEO Reconciliation Australia at the Accor Reconciliation Action Plan launch at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth |
The statistics say it all - official employment figures show the unemployment rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is 14% compared to 4.9% for other Australians.
14 March 2011, Sydney: Accor Asia Pacific, the largest hotel group in Australia, announced its ongoing commitment to improving Indigenous employment and relations at the official launch of the Accor Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in partnership with Reconciliation Australia - the largest and most comprehensive RAP in the Australian hospitality industry.
"With over 150 hotels in Australia, the greatest geographical spread of city and regional locations, and the relationships we have built with Indigenous employment partners, Accor is well equipped to achieve our goal of seeing 100 Indigenous employees trained and employed in Accor hotels across Australia each year," said Simon McGrath, Vice President Accor Australia.
Accor has led the way in efforts to build sustainable relationships with Indigenous Australians through its pioneering 'Indigenous Employment Program'. Established in 2001, the Program has seen over 600 Indigenous Australians employed throughout Accor's Australian hotel network. It has also achieved many industry accolades including the Corporate Leaders for Indigenous Employment award for four consecutive years (from 2003-2006).
Accor is now embarking on the next phase of its campaign by partnering with Reconciliation Australia - the non-government, not-for-profit foundation charged with continuing the national focus for reconciliation. Partnering with Reconciliation Australia and implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan is a formal commitment to closing the gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australians not only through employment but also through training; partnering with Indigenous Businesses; community involvement to increase knowledge about the Indigenous culture and providing opportunities through education and scholarships.
"We are proud of what has been achieved so far under our Indigenous Employment Program and look forward to excelling as an example within the industry and greater community of an Employer that is truly committed to supporting Indigenous Australians," said Mr McGrath.
Senator Arbib thanked Accor for its leadership and vision and praised the emphasis given in the RAP to employment and traineeship opportunities and support for growing Indigenous businesses and development of further Indigenous partnerships.
Leah Armstrong, CEO Reconciliation Australia, in attendance at the launch said: "We know from the 2010 Race Relations Barometer survey that 87% of Australians agree that the relationship with the Indigenous people of this country is important – and it is industry leaders like Accor that put this belief into practice by establishing ongoing employment and training and building cultural awareness throughout its industry and overall community."
Support from partners and Indigenous leaders in attendance at the launch included Allan Madden – Elder from the Gadigal Land who gave the official welcome; Leah Armstrong, CEO Reconciliation Australia and Senator the Hon. Mark Arbib, Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development.
1:14 PM
savcenko
Pullman launches five star international brand Hotel in Bali
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana has this week launched as the only five star, resort style hotel, linking the prime entertainment and shopping areas of Kuta and Legian.
Pullman today announced its entry into the Indonesian market with Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana opening the doors to guests for its first 140 of 353 rooms on February 24, 2011. The balance will open over the next few months.
It is strategically located opposite the white sands of Legian Beach, and within easy access to many of the area's retail, dining and entertainment options. Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana offers numerous guest rooms overlooking both Kuta and Legian beaches, or lush courtyard gardens and pool views.
The design of Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana is inspired by the frangipani flower which is native to the island, invoking a sense of urban living with exotic accents and a design-form that will have guests wanting to explore all corners of the hotel's confines and resort's facilities.
Discover the meaning of hospitality
Spreading its iconic message of 'Check in - Chill out', this full service resort style hotel offers 353 well appointed rooms and suites, restaurants and bars, premium conference spaces, full fitness facilities and the latest mobile technologies enabling guests to stay connected.
All accommodation is designed with attention to detail, from the deluxe Pullman bedding, iPod dock, LCD flat screen, WiFi hotspot and broadband internet connection, right through to a personal yoga mat in every room. The guest rooms at the Pullman Hotel are a genuine oasis of comfort, with connectivity, where travelers can relax and recharge their batteries.
Ultimate Relaxation at Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana will open its spa in late February 2011 and offers traditional spa services including Balinese massage, Tjakra art movement, warm stone massage, purifying Swedish massage, reflexology, and foot massage. Starting on April 1st, 2011, the spa services will be extended to a wellbeing concept, where - among other innovative offer based on bio energy – there will be a vitality pool and hydrothermal therapies, and non-invasive holistic treatments.
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana has both a garden swimming pool with a spacious sun deck as well as a roof top infinity pool, and sun deck, providing an ideal spot to take in breath-taking sunsets.
Philippe Battle, General Manager, Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana comments on the hotel. "We are delighted to be opening the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana and bringing a new generation of hotel for visitors to Bali. The Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana like hotels of the brand around the world, is designed with today's modern traveler in mind with smart use of technologies, reinvented services that focus on indulgent yet efficient stays, and facilities that will appeal to leisure travelers from all parts of the globe as well as events participants and their organisers.
Creativity and contemporary dining at its finest
Step within, for a privileged moment in "Deli @ Pullman", where the guests will be embraced by the charm of a paradise smile, a dedicated instant – from the heart of a spiritual influence. It is a distinguished Brasserie style restaurant, offering a delightful "a la carte" menu, reflecting French culinary heritage, inspiration from centuries of fine cuisine made for today's delivery. Hotel guests can also enjoy a large selection of fine wines, antipasti and tapas at IP, the trendy roof top bar.
Impeccable facilities for meetings and events
The hotel offers a perfect setting for high impact, medium sized, meetings and events. The hotel has facilities to cater for up to 350 guests in facilities and services specifically designed for incentive and retreat style meetings. The complimentary 'Chill-out' space is designed cleverly for such opportunities - to relax and socialise before, after, or during events. A dedicated Pullman Event Manager is ready to handle every detail with creativity and precision, while the IT Solutions Manager is on hand to deliver all the multimedia and technology requirements needed.
Gerard Guillouet, Vice President for Accor in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, said, "Tourism in Indonesia and in Bali in particular, is enjoying a period of extraordinary demand, driven by strong growth from the domestic market as well as short haul destinations in Asia Pacific. This strong demand factor when combined with opportunities in the affordable five star segment in the central tourist areas, made a compelling reason to launch the Pullman brand first in Bali. Accor is the largest international operator of hotels in Indonesia and now has comprehensive brand presence on the island of Bali with hotels covering all segments, and with six hotels operating."
Bali has continued to become a primary destination for foreign and domestic tourists. Data from Statistics of Bali Province (BPS Bali) revealed that the number of foreign tourists coming to Bali during January to December 2010 has reached around 2,600,000 foreign visitors, increasing by around 8 percent compared to the same period in 2009. Meanwhile, an estimated 3 million domestic tourists came to Bali in 2009 (data from Bali Tourism Authority, 2010). The increase shows that the Balinese tourism sector development has an impact on hotel establishment in the province of Bali. To accommodate visitors – business travellers and tourists - developments of hotels are continuously taking place.
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana is located only 20 minutes from the Ngurah Rai airport. It is set in a natural, green, tranquil and tropical oasis across from the Legian beach-front and close to the heart-beat of Bali's shopping and night life areas. Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana room rates start from USD116++ per night.
To book at the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana in Australia please visit www.accorhotels.com or call 1300 65 65 65
About Pullman
Pullman is Accor's upscale hotel brand, designed with the requirements of business women and men in mind. Located in the main regional and international cities, Pullman hotels provide an extensive range of tailored services, access to groundbreaking technologies, and "Co-Meeting", a new approach to organizing meetings, seminars and high-end incentives. At Pullman hotels, business travelers can choose between being independent or choosing help from staff available around the clock.
Further information - www.pullmanhotels.com
About Accor - the world's leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 90 countries with 4,100 hotels and close to 500,000 rooms.
Accor's broad portfolio of hotel brands - Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1, hotelF1 and Motel 6, and its related activities, Thalassa sea & spa and Lenôtre - provide an extensive offer from luxury to budget. With 145,000 employees worldwide, the Group offers to its clients and partners nearly 45 years of know-how and expertise
Pullman today announced its entry into the Indonesian market with Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana opening the doors to guests for its first 140 of 353 rooms on February 24, 2011. The balance will open over the next few months.
It is strategically located opposite the white sands of Legian Beach, and within easy access to many of the area's retail, dining and entertainment options. Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana offers numerous guest rooms overlooking both Kuta and Legian beaches, or lush courtyard gardens and pool views.
The design of Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana is inspired by the frangipani flower which is native to the island, invoking a sense of urban living with exotic accents and a design-form that will have guests wanting to explore all corners of the hotel's confines and resort's facilities.
Discover the meaning of hospitality
Spreading its iconic message of 'Check in - Chill out', this full service resort style hotel offers 353 well appointed rooms and suites, restaurants and bars, premium conference spaces, full fitness facilities and the latest mobile technologies enabling guests to stay connected.
All accommodation is designed with attention to detail, from the deluxe Pullman bedding, iPod dock, LCD flat screen, WiFi hotspot and broadband internet connection, right through to a personal yoga mat in every room. The guest rooms at the Pullman Hotel are a genuine oasis of comfort, with connectivity, where travelers can relax and recharge their batteries.
Ultimate Relaxation at Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana will open its spa in late February 2011 and offers traditional spa services including Balinese massage, Tjakra art movement, warm stone massage, purifying Swedish massage, reflexology, and foot massage. Starting on April 1st, 2011, the spa services will be extended to a wellbeing concept, where - among other innovative offer based on bio energy – there will be a vitality pool and hydrothermal therapies, and non-invasive holistic treatments.
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana has both a garden swimming pool with a spacious sun deck as well as a roof top infinity pool, and sun deck, providing an ideal spot to take in breath-taking sunsets.
Philippe Battle, General Manager, Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana comments on the hotel. "We are delighted to be opening the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana and bringing a new generation of hotel for visitors to Bali. The Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana like hotels of the brand around the world, is designed with today's modern traveler in mind with smart use of technologies, reinvented services that focus on indulgent yet efficient stays, and facilities that will appeal to leisure travelers from all parts of the globe as well as events participants and their organisers.
Creativity and contemporary dining at its finest
Step within, for a privileged moment in "Deli @ Pullman", where the guests will be embraced by the charm of a paradise smile, a dedicated instant – from the heart of a spiritual influence. It is a distinguished Brasserie style restaurant, offering a delightful "a la carte" menu, reflecting French culinary heritage, inspiration from centuries of fine cuisine made for today's delivery. Hotel guests can also enjoy a large selection of fine wines, antipasti and tapas at IP, the trendy roof top bar.
Impeccable facilities for meetings and events
The hotel offers a perfect setting for high impact, medium sized, meetings and events. The hotel has facilities to cater for up to 350 guests in facilities and services specifically designed for incentive and retreat style meetings. The complimentary 'Chill-out' space is designed cleverly for such opportunities - to relax and socialise before, after, or during events. A dedicated Pullman Event Manager is ready to handle every detail with creativity and precision, while the IT Solutions Manager is on hand to deliver all the multimedia and technology requirements needed.
Gerard Guillouet, Vice President for Accor in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, said, "Tourism in Indonesia and in Bali in particular, is enjoying a period of extraordinary demand, driven by strong growth from the domestic market as well as short haul destinations in Asia Pacific. This strong demand factor when combined with opportunities in the affordable five star segment in the central tourist areas, made a compelling reason to launch the Pullman brand first in Bali. Accor is the largest international operator of hotels in Indonesia and now has comprehensive brand presence on the island of Bali with hotels covering all segments, and with six hotels operating."
Bali has continued to become a primary destination for foreign and domestic tourists. Data from Statistics of Bali Province (BPS Bali) revealed that the number of foreign tourists coming to Bali during January to December 2010 has reached around 2,600,000 foreign visitors, increasing by around 8 percent compared to the same period in 2009. Meanwhile, an estimated 3 million domestic tourists came to Bali in 2009 (data from Bali Tourism Authority, 2010). The increase shows that the Balinese tourism sector development has an impact on hotel establishment in the province of Bali. To accommodate visitors – business travellers and tourists - developments of hotels are continuously taking place.
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana is located only 20 minutes from the Ngurah Rai airport. It is set in a natural, green, tranquil and tropical oasis across from the Legian beach-front and close to the heart-beat of Bali's shopping and night life areas. Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana room rates start from USD116++ per night.
To book at the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana in Australia please visit www.accorhotels.com or call 1300 65 65 65
About Pullman
Pullman is Accor's upscale hotel brand, designed with the requirements of business women and men in mind. Located in the main regional and international cities, Pullman hotels provide an extensive range of tailored services, access to groundbreaking technologies, and "Co-Meeting", a new approach to organizing meetings, seminars and high-end incentives. At Pullman hotels, business travelers can choose between being independent or choosing help from staff available around the clock.
Further information - www.pullmanhotels.com
About Accor - the world's leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 90 countries with 4,100 hotels and close to 500,000 rooms.
Accor's broad portfolio of hotel brands - Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1, hotelF1 and Motel 6, and its related activities, Thalassa sea & spa and Lenôtre - provide an extensive offer from luxury to budget. With 145,000 employees worldwide, the Group offers to its clients and partners nearly 45 years of know-how and expertise
2:30 PM
savcenko
CABLE BEACH GOES GRAND WITH NEW GRAND MERCURE APARTMENTS
Accor has added the Grand Mercure Apartments Cable Beach Resort to its fast-growing franchise network, with the former Broome Sanctuary Resort (originally opened by Rendezvous) rebranding from 1 March. The resort comprises 150 studios and self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom villas, some with private plunge pools.
To celebrate the rebranding the Grand Mercure is offering a special relaunch offer of 20% off when you stay five nights, valid from 1 April to 31 May 2011 across all room types.
Set around a huge tropical lagoon-style pool and located just a short walk from what is arguably Western Australia's most beautiful beach, the Grand Mercure Apartments are close to all the attractions of Broome and provide a gateway to the Kimberley region.
All apartments have covered courtyards or balcony areas and feature modern décor which draws on the rich colours of Broome. The resort features five swimming pools including a kids' pool, Pindan restaurant and bar and Sorbet, one of Broome's premium Day Spas which offers extensive water therapies and body treatments. There are also conference facilities for up to 100 delegates.
Gail Gower, General Manager of Grand Mercure Apartments Cable Beach Resort said she is excited to be working with Accor to relaunch the property
"To be able to access the extensive network of support services that Accor offers is very valuable and we have no doubt we will see an increase in business through the exposure of the property, especially to Accor's loyalty programs such as Advantage Plus and A|Club members," she said. "It is a real benefit for Broome as a premier tourism destination to have another well-recognised luxury brand coming into the town."
Cable Beach is renowned as one of the most stunning beaches in the world, with 22 kilometres of powdery white sand fringing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Situated in the State's north, Broome is an oasis of colour, culture and characters, with a relaxed vibe and a vibrant landscape. It boasts a lively arts scene, sophisticated dining and plenty of attractions from the famous "Staircase to the Moon' and a rich pearling history to dinosaur footprints said to be 130 million years old.
Accor also manages the 136-room Mercure in Broome, which has been performing very strongly thanks to a booming economy in the far north of Western Australia.
Grand Mercure is Accor's upscale apartment brand, designed to meet the requirements of long-stay business guests, families and groups who prefer the 'home away from home' comfort found in an apartment. Located in major city, regional and resort locations, Grand Mercure provides stylish apartments and villa-style accommodation, often with extensive leisure facilities.
The deluxe brand targets discerning travels with the best in boutique-style accommodation and convenience of self-contained facilities. The new branding will help to bring more international visitors to Broome and attract more business tourism to the area.
With 22 hotels across Australia, the Grand Mercure brand is also represented in New Zealand, China and Thailand, with than 4800 rooms globally. Grand Mercure Cable Beach Resort joins other apartment hotels in the Hunter Valley, the Whitsundays, Melbourne's Docklands, Hervey Bay, Townsville and other key locations.
For bookings go to www.accorhotels.com
To celebrate the rebranding the Grand Mercure is offering a special relaunch offer of 20% off when you stay five nights, valid from 1 April to 31 May 2011 across all room types.
Set around a huge tropical lagoon-style pool and located just a short walk from what is arguably Western Australia's most beautiful beach, the Grand Mercure Apartments are close to all the attractions of Broome and provide a gateway to the Kimberley region.
All apartments have covered courtyards or balcony areas and feature modern décor which draws on the rich colours of Broome. The resort features five swimming pools including a kids' pool, Pindan restaurant and bar and Sorbet, one of Broome's premium Day Spas which offers extensive water therapies and body treatments. There are also conference facilities for up to 100 delegates.
Gail Gower, General Manager of Grand Mercure Apartments Cable Beach Resort said she is excited to be working with Accor to relaunch the property
"To be able to access the extensive network of support services that Accor offers is very valuable and we have no doubt we will see an increase in business through the exposure of the property, especially to Accor's loyalty programs such as Advantage Plus and A|Club members," she said. "It is a real benefit for Broome as a premier tourism destination to have another well-recognised luxury brand coming into the town."
Cable Beach is renowned as one of the most stunning beaches in the world, with 22 kilometres of powdery white sand fringing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Situated in the State's north, Broome is an oasis of colour, culture and characters, with a relaxed vibe and a vibrant landscape. It boasts a lively arts scene, sophisticated dining and plenty of attractions from the famous "Staircase to the Moon' and a rich pearling history to dinosaur footprints said to be 130 million years old.
Accor also manages the 136-room Mercure in Broome, which has been performing very strongly thanks to a booming economy in the far north of Western Australia.
Grand Mercure is Accor's upscale apartment brand, designed to meet the requirements of long-stay business guests, families and groups who prefer the 'home away from home' comfort found in an apartment. Located in major city, regional and resort locations, Grand Mercure provides stylish apartments and villa-style accommodation, often with extensive leisure facilities.
The deluxe brand targets discerning travels with the best in boutique-style accommodation and convenience of self-contained facilities. The new branding will help to bring more international visitors to Broome and attract more business tourism to the area.
With 22 hotels across Australia, the Grand Mercure brand is also represented in New Zealand, China and Thailand, with than 4800 rooms globally. Grand Mercure Cable Beach Resort joins other apartment hotels in the Hunter Valley, the Whitsundays, Melbourne's Docklands, Hervey Bay, Townsville and other key locations.
For bookings go to www.accorhotels.com
3:45 PM
savcenko
Accor and Interglobe Hotels announce the opening of ibis Mumbai Airport
Debut of the international economy hotel brand in Mumbai, marks a significant development for ibis Hotels in India
Accor, the fastest growing international hotel operator in India, reaffirmed its commitment and confidence in the growing Indian tourism sector by announcing the debut of the ibis hotel brand in Mumbai with the launch of ibis Mumbai Airport. Strategically located at the Domestic Terminal and less than 3kms from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, ibis Mumbai Airport, will welcome guests from today onwards. This is the third ibis to open in India and the first for Mumbai and follows hotels in Gurgaon and Pune.
Mr. Nitin Bhatia has been appointed as the General Manager to spearhead the operations of the hotel. Mr. Bhatia has over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry and was most recently the General Manager of Ibis Cardiff City Centre, UK.
Uttam Davé, President & CEO of InterGlobe Hotels said, "We are pleased with the growth of the ibis network in India, where committed developments have kept pace with our expectations and where we have 17 ibis hotels committed to development. Following the opening of this strategic ibis at Mumbai Domestic Airport, we will add an additional five ibis in 2011 taking the network to network to eight hotels by year." The hotel is located in the vicinity of the Mumbai Airport and features 146 guest rooms. ibis Mumbai Airport is the only international economy hotel at the airport and will re-define the hospitality space in the financial capital of India by providing quality, value accommodation to travellers.
Speaking about the hotel's opening, Jean-Michel Casse, Senior Vice-President – Accor India, said, "We are particularly delighted with the opening of an ibis hotel within the Mumbai Airport Precinct. The ibis Mumbai Airport like all ibis hotels in India will provide guests with the reassurance of one of the world's largest and most respected economy hotel brands. Quality and consistent accommodation at affordable pricing and guaranteed with a "15 minute satisfaction contract" is exactly what is required in the Indian economy hotel environment."
ibis Mumbai Airport will specifically cater to the discerning needs of business and leisure travellers. The hotel offers comfortable, well-designed, fully equipped guest rooms with en suite modular bathrooms, contemporary fit-out including flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi and broadband internet access to suit the needs of business travellers. 24 hour a day services, quality well priced food and beverage including 8-hours non-stop breakfast concept starting from 4 am, unique in the economy hotel industry with competitive, consistent and simple accommodation rates are the key highlights of ibis Mumbai Airport.
Such value for consumers is made possible by a highly efficient design and operational processes that have been perfected in nearly 900 hotels and 100,000 rooms in almost 45 countries globally.
For quality well priced food ibis Mumbai Airport has developed Spice it – a spirited and casual dining space that offers the best of world cuisine: "any flavour, any time" in an interactive kitchen environment with a choice of buffet and a la carte. The Hub, with its energetic ambience, refreshing beverages and free Wi-Fi will serve as a gathering place throughout the day. The first ibis launched in India in 2008, ibis Gurgaon and is already a market leader in its segment, and was judged the best Economy / Midscale hotel in India in 2009.
Ibis Mumbai Airport has released a promotional rate of Rs. 3999/- plus taxes including breakfast for first 20 rooms. For reservations or enquiries visit www.ibishotel.com.
Address: Ibis Mumbai Airport | Junction of Nehru Road & Western Express Highway, Vile Parle (East),Mumbai - 400 099 Tel No: + (91) 22 6708 7777
11:06 PM
savcenko
Accorhotels.com Launches new Facebook Services
To make it easier to plan a trip, the Accorhotels.com Facebook page offers useful links, travel solutions and suggested activities for a particular destination on a given date.
Unlike other hotel pages, Accorhotels.com's Facebook page features a unique booking engine. It also focuses on destination-specific content, allowing members to find out the latest news and developments related to an Accor hotel worlwide, such as tourist activities, seasonal events, exhibitions, concerts, shows, popular restaurants and monuments.
Via links to mini Accorhotels.com websites for major European city destinations, travellers can access advice and tips, as well as a travel guide recommending must-see attractions, suggested things to do in a city at a particular period and photos by destination.
The destination-specific content is also available via the accorhotels.com Twitter account.
Unlike other hotel pages, Accorhotels.com's Facebook page features a unique booking engine. It also focuses on destination-specific content, allowing members to find out the latest news and developments related to an Accor hotel worlwide, such as tourist activities, seasonal events, exhibitions, concerts, shows, popular restaurants and monuments.
Via links to mini Accorhotels.com websites for major European city destinations, travellers can access advice and tips, as well as a travel guide recommending must-see attractions, suggested things to do in a city at a particular period and photos by destination.
The destination-specific content is also available via the accorhotels.com Twitter account.
3:01 PM
savcenko
ACCOR AND TRIPADVISOR PARTNER TO PUT SPOTLIGHT ON TRANSPARENCY FOR HOTELS
Accor is the first major hotel group to partner with Tripadvisor to post recent customer opinions about its hotels online and feature the Tripadvisor widget on its own site so that guests can automatically see what previous guests have said about the hotel before making a booking.
With a direct link to Tripadvisor on www.accorhotels.com the Accor group delivers real transparency to its guests while making hotels more accountable for the quality of services and facilities they offer. The project was launched in recognition that today's guest is more likely to turn to online forums to make their travel decisions. The project shows Accor's commitment to quality product and to adapting to customer expectations.
Since launching in Australia, over 52% of Accor hotels have improved their ranking against their geographic competitor set and more than 11.5% of hotels increased their Trip Advisor '5 star' ratings.
The new service is available for Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure, Adagio, ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel and Formule 1 hotels in all of the Group's host countries.
To support and expand the process, e-mail messages are sent to travelers one week after their stay encouraging them to provide feedback. Opinions and comments appear on the traveler rating form for each hotel that is posted on both accorhotels.com and the TripAdvisor website.
"Through this partnership, accorhotels.com is demonstrating its commitment to quality by transparently providing hotel ratings posted by customers via TripAdvisor," said Romain Roulleau, Accor's Deputy Director of Direct Sales in charge of e-commerce. "In this way, the portal is improving service for Web users by supplying them with more information before they book their hotel and enabling them to share their impressions with other travelers after their stay."
Rooms in Accor hotels around the world can be reserved at accorhotels.com, the Group's multi-brand worldwide online booking portal.
3:05 PM
savcenko
Accor to launch two new London hotels in time for the Olympics
Accor announced today that they would open two new London hotels in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Construction of the four-star Novotel London Blackfriars and the Ibis London Blackfriars would begin immediately.
The 182 bedroom Novotel, located at 46-49 Blackfriars Road, will comprise twelve business suites, six meeting rooms (approximately 250 square metres of conference space), bar, restaurant and full leisure facilities, including swimming pool. The 297 room Ibis hotel will offer its guests bar and restaurant facilities, including 24 hour snack and drink service.
Located on London's Southbank, the new hotels will provide an ideal location for both business and leisure visitors to Central London, being close to the City and within a stone's throw of some of the capital's key attractions, as well as the Olympic Games.
Accor will open a new hotel – Mercure Bloomsbury – next month. It will increase Accor's portfolio in the UK & Ireland to 145 hotels and over 18,000 rooms, represented by six brands: Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, All Seasons and ETAP..
Jean-Jacques Dessors, chief operating officer of Accor UK and Ireland, said the developments marked the company's ongoing ambitious expansion of the Novotel and Ibis brands in the UK. "The new hotels represent a strong endorsement of Accor's prominence as one of the world's leading hotel groups," he said.
www.accor.com
Construction of the four-star Novotel London Blackfriars and the Ibis London Blackfriars would begin immediately.
The 182 bedroom Novotel, located at 46-49 Blackfriars Road, will comprise twelve business suites, six meeting rooms (approximately 250 square metres of conference space), bar, restaurant and full leisure facilities, including swimming pool. The 297 room Ibis hotel will offer its guests bar and restaurant facilities, including 24 hour snack and drink service.
Located on London's Southbank, the new hotels will provide an ideal location for both business and leisure visitors to Central London, being close to the City and within a stone's throw of some of the capital's key attractions, as well as the Olympic Games.
Accor will open a new hotel – Mercure Bloomsbury – next month. It will increase Accor's portfolio in the UK & Ireland to 145 hotels and over 18,000 rooms, represented by six brands: Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, All Seasons and ETAP..
Jean-Jacques Dessors, chief operating officer of Accor UK and Ireland, said the developments marked the company's ongoing ambitious expansion of the Novotel and Ibis brands in the UK. "The new hotels represent a strong endorsement of Accor's prominence as one of the world's leading hotel groups," he said.
www.accor.com
2:42 PM
savcenko
SOFITEL SYDNEY WENTWORTH WELCOME FOR ACCOR'S 'TOURISM FOR TOMORROW' AWARD
![]() |
| Sofitel Sydney Wentworth General Manager Marc Cherrier (left) with members of the Accor hotels team and the Tourism For Tomorrow Award |
After a long journey across the globe, the World Travel & Tourism Council's (WTTC)'Tourism For Tomorrow' award – presented to Accor on the 27th May at the 10th Global Travel & Tourism Summit held in Beijing – arrived in Australia this week, before its onward journey to Switzerland.
The award officially 'checked in' for a brief stay at the group's flagship hotel, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth as part of a whistlestop world tour initiated by Accor and WTTC to showcase the prestigious award on an international scale and promote responsible tourism practices.
Accor was awarded the Tourism for Tomorrow award for demonstrating effective, environmentally sensitive operations and management, educating guests and employees about sustainable tourism practices, supporting cultural and natural heritage preservation, and collaborating with other private and public stakeholders to promote best practices in sustainable tourism.
The group won in the highly competitive Global Tourism Business Award category for spearheading sustainable tourism projects across its network of more than 4,000 hotels and diverse portfolio of brands which include Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, All Seasons, Ibis and Formule 1.
Sofitel Sydney Wentworth General Manager Marc Cherrier says, "After its incredible journey from Asia, we are very excited to welcome the award to Australia for display before its onward trip to Europe.
"The idea of course is to share the accolade not only with our own staff but to all of our industry partners and associates who have been very supportive and encouraging of our sustainable tourism initiatives in recent times.
"As a group we are immensely proud of the commitment that Accor, its hotel brands and people have demonstrated in regards to sustainable tourism and practices. This visit provides a perfect opportunity to highlight Accor's outstanding efforts as a group in regards to pioneering responsible and progressive initiatives in this area."
The award has been on display at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth's Club Lounge while in transit from Beijing to Switzerland.
"For years, WTTC's Tourism for Tomorrow Awards have recognized achievements in responsible and sustainable tourism and profiled best practices that the industry can learn from," said Jean-Claude Baumgarten, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Committee. "Independently judged from hundreds of applications, four awards are presented every year at WTTC's Global Travel & Tourism Summit to organizations that lead the way in helping to secure a sustainable future for travel and Tourism around the world."
Prior to awarding Accor the award, WTTC judges evaluated the depth of Accor's commitment both in terms of social and environmental sustainability initiatives tested the level of awareness among employees and verified that action plans are widely shared across the Group and adapted to local situations.
"Many global companies focus more on their environmental ambitions when it comes to sustainability, but Accor has surpassed this with a number of environmental and social sustainability initiatives," said Costas Christ, who chaired the panel of judges for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. "Its Earth Guest program plays a truly global role in minimizing the environmental impact of Accor's operations. It also helps to share best environmental practices through effective tracking, with data that can be accessed by any hotel at any time."
The judges were also very impressed with Accor's strong social outreach, including its willingness to address fundamental global health issues like HIV/AIDS prevention and to Lead the fight against illegal exploitation of children for sex in certain tourist destinations.
www.sofitel.com
2:48 PM
savcenko
Asia Pacific spurs Sofitel expansion with eight new hotels planned for opening in next 2010-11
| Sofitel Shanghai Jing’an (impression) will open in 2011 |
Sofitel Luxury Hotels Announces Large Network Expansion in Asia Pacific
EIGHT new properties to be opened within 12 months
Global luxury hospitality leader, Sofitel Luxury Hotels announced today the expansion of its network across Asia Pacific, with the addition of eight new properties, including key openings in Phnom Penh and Mumbai, and a new signature Sofitel for Shanghai. The new openings will also feature the debut of Sofitel's boutique off-shoot 'So' in Bangkok. The expansion of Accor's luxury brand comes at a time of major recovery in Asia's 5-star market.
All new Sofitel Hotels will showcase the new standards of the Sofitel Luxury brand, which boasts a strong link between its French heritage and the local cultures of the countries in which the brand operates.
The new Sofitel hotels are:
· Sofitel Dongguan Humen Oriental (China – opened August 2010)
· Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra (Cambodia – December 2010)
· Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich (China - Spring 2011)
· Sofitel Qingdao (China - Spring 2011)
· Sofitel Mumbai BKC (India – Spring 2011)
· Sofitel Shanghai Jing'an (China – Fall 2011)
· Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit (Thailand – Fall 2011)
· Sofitel So Bangkok (Thailand – Fall 2011)
Commenting on the rapid expansion of Sofitel Luxury Hotels in China, Michel Molliet, Vice President of Sofitel Luxury Hotels Greater China said, "Sofitel Luxury Hotels has gained momentum and recognition in the China market with our existing network across first and second-tier cities. With four new hotels between 2010-2011, as well as three more under development between 2013-14, (in Sanya Haitang Bay, Haikou and Lianyungang), Sofitel Luxury Hotels will further reinforce its strong positioning for both leisure and business travelers."
Since the heralded announcement three years ago of its move upscale, more than 80 hotels have left the Sofitel Luxury Hotels network from the original count of over 200 hotels. Together with the introduction of two sister brands, Sofitel Legend in 2009 and Sofitel So in 2010, Sofitel Luxury Hotels is now in a strong position to offer unique sensations and pleasures of luxury that will forever leave an impression on those who stay in its hotels.
Sofitel's new positioning centres around the idea that human relations lie at the heart of luxury. The French brand strongly believes the interpretation of "luxury" is firmly based on the guest's experience.
"The French origin is in our brand DNA," explained Markland Blaiklock, Senior Vice President of Sofitel Luxury Hotels Asia Pacific. "We enhance the experience with our know-how complimented by our French connections and the best of local culture. This is apparent in the importance we place on design, working with world renowned designers and integrating elements of the local culture."
While continuously pursuing strategic management opportunities in Asia Pacific, in 2011, Sofitel Luxury Hotels will introduce a series of arts, cultural and gastronomic events always connecting France to the region, including Fête de la Musique (music events on the date of summer arrival in Sofitel from around the world), Polka Exhibition (fashion still-shot exhibition by famous Parisian Polka Gallery) and La Cellule (poetic & surreal installation and performance by 2 famous French artists).
"Together with our "InspiredMeetings" innovation created for all MICE planners, the network of Sofitel Luxury Hotels in Asia Pacific provides increasingly diverse destinations, state-of-the-art facilities, and an authentic French offering," added Markland Blaiklock. "We strongly believe 'Life is Magnifique' in Sofitel Luxury Hotels."
Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com
Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the new worldwide Accor loyalty program on www.a-club.com
1:32 AM
savcenko
ACCOR'S NEW DIGITAL SIGNAGE SET TO EYEBALL 5.8 MILLION GUESTS
Accor hotels across Australia have launched an innovative digital signage solution set to capture the attention of over 5.8 million guests annually.
Accor's digital signage solution, managed by leading agency Moving Tactics, offers a clean, uncluttered advertising environment with 150 digital panels installed in hotel lift foyers, reception areas, bars and conference areas. The panel placement has been designed to target valuable guest downtime in high dwell areas.
In a first for the industry, Accor has installed these panels across 53 of its Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, All Seasons and Formule 1 hotels, ensuring that digital messages will reach the full spectrum of the market - from high-end business travellers (60%) to value seeking holiday makers. The digital panels will be rolled out to a total of 150 hotels in Australia over the next 12 months.
"The digital signage is an excellent vehicle for tourism operators, credit card companies, airlines, financial services, rental car companies and many more keen to reach both Australian and overseas travellers," says Vice President Accor Australia, Simon McGrath.
Unlike traditional out of home advertising which can often get lost in the traffic, Accor hotels' guest traffic – around 10,000 guests per day - is a largely captive audience rather than one of ad hoc passersby. Guests stay an average of two nights and utilise areas where digital signage is displayed multiple times during their stay. For potential advertisers this equates to a premium, value for money media option.
Moving Tactics is now putting to market, advertising partnerships with category exclusivity. Packages start from just $15 a day per hotel, including unlimited material change-outs.
"Advertisers are looking for cost-effective alternatives to traditional media outlets to generate sales and brand recognition with both the local and overseas travellers," said Moving Tactics Sales Director, Andrew McIntosh
"The digital signage screens create huge advantages for advertisers keen to get close to their target markets."
Screen information and advertising can be updated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making this channel a responsive and dynamic medium that can be used to create targeted communications with what has been elusive audience to date.
For further information on Accor digital signage go to www.hotelmedia.com.au
Accor's digital signage solution, managed by leading agency Moving Tactics, offers a clean, uncluttered advertising environment with 150 digital panels installed in hotel lift foyers, reception areas, bars and conference areas. The panel placement has been designed to target valuable guest downtime in high dwell areas.
In a first for the industry, Accor has installed these panels across 53 of its Pullman, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, All Seasons and Formule 1 hotels, ensuring that digital messages will reach the full spectrum of the market - from high-end business travellers (60%) to value seeking holiday makers. The digital panels will be rolled out to a total of 150 hotels in Australia over the next 12 months.
"The digital signage is an excellent vehicle for tourism operators, credit card companies, airlines, financial services, rental car companies and many more keen to reach both Australian and overseas travellers," says Vice President Accor Australia, Simon McGrath.
Unlike traditional out of home advertising which can often get lost in the traffic, Accor hotels' guest traffic – around 10,000 guests per day - is a largely captive audience rather than one of ad hoc passersby. Guests stay an average of two nights and utilise areas where digital signage is displayed multiple times during their stay. For potential advertisers this equates to a premium, value for money media option.
Moving Tactics is now putting to market, advertising partnerships with category exclusivity. Packages start from just $15 a day per hotel, including unlimited material change-outs.
"Advertisers are looking for cost-effective alternatives to traditional media outlets to generate sales and brand recognition with both the local and overseas travellers," said Moving Tactics Sales Director, Andrew McIntosh
"The digital signage screens create huge advantages for advertisers keen to get close to their target markets."
Screen information and advertising can be updated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making this channel a responsive and dynamic medium that can be used to create targeted communications with what has been elusive audience to date.
For further information on Accor digital signage go to www.hotelmedia.com.au
3:58 PM
savcenko
SOFITEL LAUNCHES ITS IPAD APPLICATION - "THE KIOSK"
Following in the wake of the European launch of Apple's iPad, the Sofitel Luxury Hotels brand is launching its own iPad application called "The Kiosk."
"The Kiosk" serves as an interactive press review, offering a selection of daily newspapers and magazines on economics, sports, fashion and lifestyle. Guests staying in the most prestigious Sofitel suites and locations in four major European cities – Paris, London, Munich and Brussels – are provided with iPads during their stay.
The application allows guests to choose from a selection of 6 newspapers and magazines for each of the 6 selected countries: France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United States.
Le Monde, The Wall Street Journal, El Pais, The Financial Times, Die Welt, Vogue and l'Officiel, French fashion magazine with unique archives dating back to 1920… are just some of the titles available for easy browsing by users.
The iPad is a trendy, practical and environmentally friendly way to keep abreast of current events, fashion or sports results while enjoying an exceptional reading experience on the device's high-resolution screen with LED backlighting.
Eventually, the brand intends to enhance its offering by providing press selections from more countries and expanding the service across its entire network worldwide for guests in its most prestigious suites. Finally, new services will gradually be added to the application to meet the constantly changing needs of its international clientele.
Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com
Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the new worldwide Accor loyalty program on www.a-club.com
"The Kiosk" serves as an interactive press review, offering a selection of daily newspapers and magazines on economics, sports, fashion and lifestyle. Guests staying in the most prestigious Sofitel suites and locations in four major European cities – Paris, London, Munich and Brussels – are provided with iPads during their stay.
The application allows guests to choose from a selection of 6 newspapers and magazines for each of the 6 selected countries: France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United States.
Le Monde, The Wall Street Journal, El Pais, The Financial Times, Die Welt, Vogue and l'Officiel, French fashion magazine with unique archives dating back to 1920… are just some of the titles available for easy browsing by users.
The iPad is a trendy, practical and environmentally friendly way to keep abreast of current events, fashion or sports results while enjoying an exceptional reading experience on the device's high-resolution screen with LED backlighting.
Eventually, the brand intends to enhance its offering by providing press selections from more countries and expanding the service across its entire network worldwide for guests in its most prestigious suites. Finally, new services will gradually be added to the application to meet the constantly changing needs of its international clientele.
Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com
Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the new worldwide Accor loyalty program on www.a-club.com
6:52 PM
savcenko
ACCOR ENTICES INDUSTRY BACK TO THAILAND WITH GREAT RATES AND 'CASH BACK'
As things return to normal in Thailand, 36 Accor hotels and resorts throughout the country offer 'cash back' incentives to entice visitors
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Accor is encouraging the industry to lead the trend back to Thailand, with a 'cash back' offer available both to customers and to industry on their already low trade rates. This enables guests to spend their "cash back" credits on services within the hotel such as in the restaurants or bars or on treatments in the spa. Rates are already at historically low levels, so this 'cash back' offer is a further incentive to show confidence in Thailand at a time when the country needs support. The longer you stay, the more 'cash back' you receive at a great range of resort and city hotels right across the country.
"Accor is coordinating this campaign to help give tourism a helping hand," says Oswald Pichler – Accor's Vice President of Operations for Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. "As the country regains stability, tourists will be looking to take advantage of deals for travel to locations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai and beyond. With hotels and resorts in all key city and leisure locations, the Accor network when combined with these 'cash back' incentives provides a very strong proposition."
Available until September 30, 2010, guests staying at participating Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, all seasons or ibis hotels throughout Thailand will receive:
• THB500 at any Pullman, MGallery and Novotel per room per night to spend in the hotel
• THB250 at any Grand Mercure and Mercure per room per night to spend in the hotel
• THB150 at any ibis and all seasons per room per night to spend in the hotel
Participating hotel list:
Pullman
Pullman Bangkok King Power
Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid
Pullman Pattaya Aisawan
MGallery
VIE Hotel Bangkok
Grand Mercure
Grand Mercure Bangkok Asoke Residence
Grand Mercure Park Avenue
Grand Mercure Fortune Bangkok
Novotel
Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
Novotel Bangkok Bangna
Novotel Phuket Beach Resort Panwa
Novotel Chumphon Beach Resort & Golf
Novotel Phuket Resort
Novotel Rayong Rim Pae
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Mercure
Mercure Chiang Mai
Mercure Patong Phuket
Mercure Pattaya
Mercure Samui Buri Resort
Mercure Samui Fenix Resort
Château de Bangkok Managed by Accor
All seasons
All seasons Bangkok Siam
All seasons Bangkok Huamark
All seasons Gold Orchid Bangkok
All seasons Naiharn Phuket
All seasons Pattaya
All seasons Sathorn Bangkok
Ibis
Ibis Bangkok Nana
Ibis Bophut Samui
Ibis Patong Phuket
Ibis Pattaya
Ibis Phuket Kata
Ibis Sathorn Bangkok
Others
Bangkok Hotel Lotus Sukhumvit
Grand Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok
Le Fenix Sukhumvit
V Villas Hua Hin
For reservations go to www.accorhotels.com and book your
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Accor is encouraging the industry to lead the trend back to Thailand, with a 'cash back' offer available both to customers and to industry on their already low trade rates. This enables guests to spend their "cash back" credits on services within the hotel such as in the restaurants or bars or on treatments in the spa. Rates are already at historically low levels, so this 'cash back' offer is a further incentive to show confidence in Thailand at a time when the country needs support. The longer you stay, the more 'cash back' you receive at a great range of resort and city hotels right across the country.
"Accor is coordinating this campaign to help give tourism a helping hand," says Oswald Pichler – Accor's Vice President of Operations for Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. "As the country regains stability, tourists will be looking to take advantage of deals for travel to locations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Chiang Mai and beyond. With hotels and resorts in all key city and leisure locations, the Accor network when combined with these 'cash back' incentives provides a very strong proposition."
Available until September 30, 2010, guests staying at participating Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, all seasons or ibis hotels throughout Thailand will receive:
• THB500 at any Pullman, MGallery and Novotel per room per night to spend in the hotel
• THB250 at any Grand Mercure and Mercure per room per night to spend in the hotel
• THB150 at any ibis and all seasons per room per night to spend in the hotel
Participating hotel list:
Pullman
Pullman Bangkok King Power
Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid
Pullman Pattaya Aisawan
MGallery
VIE Hotel Bangkok
Grand Mercure
Grand Mercure Bangkok Asoke Residence
Grand Mercure Park Avenue
Grand Mercure Fortune Bangkok
Novotel
Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square
Novotel Bangkok Bangna
Novotel Phuket Beach Resort Panwa
Novotel Chumphon Beach Resort & Golf
Novotel Phuket Resort
Novotel Rayong Rim Pae
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Mercure
Mercure Chiang Mai
Mercure Patong Phuket
Mercure Pattaya
Mercure Samui Buri Resort
Mercure Samui Fenix Resort
Château de Bangkok Managed by Accor
All seasons
All seasons Bangkok Siam
All seasons Bangkok Huamark
All seasons Gold Orchid Bangkok
All seasons Naiharn Phuket
All seasons Pattaya
All seasons Sathorn Bangkok
Ibis
Ibis Bangkok Nana
Ibis Bophut Samui
Ibis Patong Phuket
Ibis Pattaya
Ibis Phuket Kata
Ibis Sathorn Bangkok
Others
Bangkok Hotel Lotus Sukhumvit
Grand Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok
Le Fenix Sukhumvit
V Villas Hua Hin
For reservations go to www.accorhotels.com and book your



















