Accor has launched a new portfolio of hotels, opening
the first Handwritten Collection property in Shanghai and another in
Saint Gervais, France.
The French hospitality giant has already secured 10 more
that are scheduled to open this year and beyond, and is in
negotiation with over 110 properties representing more than 11,500
rooms.
Handwritten Collection properties opening in the
coming weeks include Wonil Hotel Perth, Handwritten Collection in
Perth, Australia; Hotel Morris, Handwritten Collection in Sydney,
Australia; and Le Splendid Hotel Lac d’Annecy, Handwritten
Collection in Annecy, France.
Additional properties will open throughout the
remainder of the year and beyond, including Hotel Les Capitouls
Toulouse Centre, France; Oru Hub Hotel, Handwritten Collection in
Tallinn, Estonia; Square Lodge Hotel La Roche sur Yon, Handwritten
Collection in La Roche-sur-Yon, France; Sunrise Premium Resort,
Handwritten Collection in Hoi An, Vietnam; Paris Montmartre Sacré
Coeur (which may change its name), Handwritten Collection in Paris, France as well as
properties in Bucharest, Romania and Madrid, Spain.
“Handwritten Collection enriches Accor’s offering
in the ‘collection brands’ segment with a curated selection of
hotels that exhibit charming and one-of-a-kind concepts. Our aim,
beyond delivering a truly authentic guest experience, is to
support the growing number of independent and boutique hotel
owners looking to boost their global profile, connect with more
audiences and grow their revenue without losing their identity,”
said Alex Schellenberger, Chief Marketing Officer, Premium,
Midscale, Economy Brands, Accor. “The hotels we will feature in
Handwritten Collection are those sought out by travelers who
appreciate heartwarming travel experiences and a twist on
traditional hospitality, as well as by hoteliers who cherish the
unique personality of their properties while desiring the benefits
that come with a leading global partner.”
The Handwritten Collection has been created to
bring together hotels with individual personalities, intimately
reflecting the character and warmth of the people who love and
look after them.
With a current
conversion rate of 80%, the bulk of properties joining Handwritten
Collection will be conversion projects rather than new builds,
requiring a simpler transition and ramp up process and a more
sustainable growth and development model.
Moreover,
Handwritten Collection provides direct ROI and the opportunity for
owners to maximize revenue with immediate access to the power and
reach of Accor’s sales, distribution and loyalty platforms, while
also benefiting from the group’s environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) capabilities.
“The manner in which each host interacts with
their guests is thoughtfully considered and brings to life their
own personal passions,” said Caroline Bénard, Global SVP Economy
& Midscale Brands, Accor. “Whether in a social setting or the
privacy of a guest’s room, there will be moments of storytelling
and engagement that create a genuine connection. This rapport
between host and guest contributes to a more meaningful and
memorable stay experience.’
The Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Handwritten
Collection in Shanghai, China (pictured below) opened on 19 January 2023. Located close to Sheshan
National Park, the hotel has over 124,000 sqm of landscaped
gardens, including an outdoor beach pool for a true urban resort
experience.
Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa, Handwritten
Collection in Saint Gervais, France also opened on 19 January 2023. Designed as a chic and arty holiday home, Le Saint
Gervais Hotel & Spa combines the spirit of the art nouveau
movement with contemporary tastes, bringing to life the beauty of
a historic home. Ottoman culture also comes to life throughout
the guest experience in elements such as a library corner, Turkish
coffee and herbal tea infusions available in the spa.
The Wonil Hotel Perth, Handwritten Collection in Perth,
Australia is expected to open in February 2023. Located on the bank of Swan River next to Kings
Park and just minutes from Perth’s central business district,
Wonil Hotel offers a chic modern setting. Guests will enjoy this
stylish home base from which to explore a vibrant city known for
its endless sunshine and pristine beaches.
Another scheduled to open in February is the Hotel Morris, Handwritten Collection
in Sydney,
Australia. Housed within a striking Italian Renaissance
styled building, the 82-bed Hotel Morris reopens as part of the
Handwritten Collection after a major restoration, intertwining
European elegance with Australian character, honoring the hotel’s
historic roots.
Le Splendid Hotel Lac d’Annecy, Handwritten
Collection in France (pictured) is slated to open in April 2023. Close to the city center and Lake Annecy, Splendid
Hotel offers unique Art Deco characteristics with a touch of 1950s
modernity within its architecture. The hotel’s decor from renowned
Designer Thierry D’Istria is complemented by a selection of
eclectic artwork, sculptures and vintage pieces.
The Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre,
Handwritten Collection should open in May 2023. Located in the heart of the historic center on
one of the city’s most beautiful avenues, the Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Center
will invite guests to discover its charming and warm-hearted
atmosphere. Originally built as an historic private mansion, the
hotel elegantly combines the charm of the Toulouse brick vaults
with modern comforts and new sustainable design elements.
Opening in May, Oru Hub Hotel, Handwritten Collection
in
Estonia is located in the historic old town at the center of
Tallinn, a short drive to the coast. Oru Hub Hotel boasts Yoga
facilities and a tea room. After 2 years of major renovations, the
hotel will launch a new guest experience concept combining
leisure, work and food.
Although the Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur, Handwritten
Collection in Paris may change its name, its opening is scheduled
for spring 2024. With a typical Parisian facade and boasting
intimate and cozy rooms, the Paris Montmarte Sacré Coeur is
located a few minutes walk from Sacré-Coeur basilica and the
cobbled streets of the beautiful Montmartre neighborhood. The
hotel will serve as an ideal base to explore France’s capital city and
all it has to offer.
“In 2022, Accor signed on average globally more
than one hotel per day and opened nearly one hotel per day. We aim
to continue this growth by anticipating the needs of our guests
and aligning with the investment criteria of our partners and
owners. Independent hotels are increasingly seeking the strength
of Accor’s powerful sales, distribution and loyalty platform to
increase their revenue and assist them in optimizing their costs,
whilst retaining their own distinctive personality and offering a
highly qualitative product, service and experience. Handwritten
Collection offers them an ideal solution, providing the option for
a franchise contract and a flexible and cost-effective level of
investment. We look forward to working collaboratively with owners
and partners and welcoming additional hotels from around the world
into this outstanding collection. With over 110 properties and
11,500 rooms in negotiation to become part of Handwritten
Collection, including 12 hotels committed already, we aim to have
over 250 properties by 2030,” said Camil Yazbeck, Global Chief
Development Officer, Premium, Midscale, Economy, Accor.
The Handwritten Collection portfolio is expected
to reach more than 250 hotels by 2030.
