Accor’s tips for travel insomnia

Source: Accor Hotels. Raffles Dubai – calming amenities help to welcome a restful night’s sleep.

Accor Hotels has come up with tips for sleeping soundly while travelling. Shared in celebration of World Sleep Day on 15 March they include:

Warm mood lighting

Lighting is essential to help travellers sleep. At Swissôtel, Vitality Rooms feature circadian lighting technology that is designed to adjust to each individual’s mood and lifestyle, in turn boosting overall health and wellbeing.

Aromatherapy

Using calming and relaxing essential oils before bedtime can potentially help to induce sleep. Raffles Hotels & Resorts recently partnered with luxury skincare brand Aromatherapy Associates to create a deep relax oil that is unique to the brand.

A blend of vetiver, sandalwood and chamomile – ingredients that help calm the mind and restore regular sleep patterns – this oil is designed to alleviate the restlessness associated with jet lag.

Source: Accor Hotels. The Fairmont Singapore has a SMARTfit interactive training wall.

A comfortable bed

The Sofitel MyBed features a plush mattress and feather beds, duvet, fluffy pillows and luxurious linen. A Sleep Menu offers additional pillow choices, bedtime treats and other soothing offers.

Sofitel MyBed is among guests’ favourite hotel bedding concepts in the world, with over 51,000 pillows and beds purchased through the Sofitel Boutique to date.

Stay fit

At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Fit is a favourite programme those in the know. Frequent guests can arrive at their hotel room to find the perfect pair of running shoes and workout gear in their size. A yoga mat and stretch bands are also available on request.

The latest fitness centre at Fairmont Singapore hosts an in-house team of certified personal trainers, exercise equipment integrated with the latest technology and a range of group classes from Yogailates to ABT. Also on deck is Singapore’s only SMARTfit Training facility – an interactive training wall designed to stimulate the body and brain concurrently.

Get a massage

A relaxing spa treatment at SoSPA can range from a 15-30 minute mini-treatment to a 45-90 minute signature treatment, and use high-quality amenities. SoSPA at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra uses L’Occitane amenities, for example.

Work off your stress

Exercising during the day while on vacation definitely helps to increase the chances of falling asleep at night. At Pullman Hotels & Resort, the brand’s wellness approach is based on four universal pillars of health: sleep, foo, sport and spa. Each of the four pillars provides options for customisation along four key fundamentals: age defense, energy boost, balance and detox.

Developed in collaboration with Pullman’s Wellness Coach, Sarah Hoey, the Pullman wellness programme is designed to help travellers adopt a healthier lifestyle. For food, the programme includes an Active Breakfast created by Hoey. Menu options encompass the four fundamentals of age defense, energy boost, balance and detox.

Throughout the day, body and facial treatments at the spa reflect the needs of the guest. Examples include: Dawn treatment to wake up gently; Daytime treatment to feel invigorated; and the Evening treatment to slow down. As with the breakfast menus, each treatment may be customised for age defense, energy boost, balance and detox.

Sport is addressed through a series of 7-minute videos available on YouTube. Guests may follow Sarah’s yoga and fitness routines in their guestrooms, or join in a group fitness class. A fitness bag and local jogging map are also provided.

To encourage more restful sleep, a short guide to gentle stretching and exercise is provided: a morning routine enabling the body and muscles to wake up; and an evening routine to relieve tension accumulated during the course of the day.

To date, Hoey has conducted various training classes and created the Fit Trail and Wellness Break at Park Lane Hong Kong, a Pullman Hotel, Pullman Arcadia Phuket and Pullman Bangkok King Power hotel as part of the Pullman Wellbeing experience. She will be leading various masterclasses at participating hotels across the network at a later stage.

Accor is a hospitality group offering unique and meaningful experiences in almost 4,800 hotels, resorts, and residences across 100 countries. Beyond accommodations, Accor enables new ways to live, work, and play with food and beverage, nightlife, wellbeing, and coworking brands.

With more than 4,800 hotels, resorts and residences across 100 countries from luxury to economy offering almost a million beds, Accor believes that well-crafted bedding is more than about being a place to sleep — it is a private sanctuary designed to bring comfort and enhance the sleep experience.

*According to World Sleep Day, 46% of individuals with frequent sleep disturbances who report missing work or events, or making errors at work.

Sofitel Kunming offers easy access to city centre

Sofitel, the luxury hotel brand of AccorHotels, has announced the opening of Sofitel Kunming, the only international luxury hotel in Kunming city centre.

Located in the central business district of Kunming, the 400-room hotel, located from the 27th to 52nd floors, incorporates French elegance and art de vivre combined with distinctive elements of Yunnan’s colourful ethnic cultures and traditions.

"The opening of Sofitel Kunming marks a period of swift expansion in China for AccorHotels, as we continue to strengthen our commitment to bringing world-renowned, exquisite French hospitality to discerning Chinese travellers," said Paul Richardson, Chief Operating Officer, AccorHotels Greater China. "Set to become the luxury benchmark in the gateway city of Kunming, the hotel is an ideal choice for travellers who enjoy world-class hospitality with an authentic French experience."

Sofitel Kunming is located within the precinct of various popular tourist attraction sites such as Nanping Walking Street, East and West Pagodas, Green Lake, Dianchi Lake and shopping district. The hotel is also easily accessible to both Kunming International Convention & Exhibition Centre and New Kunming Dianchi International Convention & Exhibition Centre. It is a 35-minute drive from Kunming Changshui International Airport.

The guest rooms are furnished with the Sofitel MyBed, an exclusive bedding concept designed to foster restorative sleep, a wireless audio system, a large-screen TV, and Wi-Fi access. The rooms feature unique designs inspired by the peacock, which symbolises Yunnan’s Dai minority, and handcrafted leather wall coverings.

The hotel is also home to three restaurants. Le Chinois Chinese Restaurant which serves Yunnan, Cantonese and Sichuan dishes; Kwee Zeen which showcases a selection of Chinese, international and French favourites with live cooking stations, and Lan Pan Asian Restaurant for Southeast Asian and Japanese cuisines.

For corporate events and meetings, the hotel boasts a pillarless grand ballroom which can accommodate up to 800 guests, plus eight meeting rooms. An outdoor garden and rooftop venue on the 52nd floor offers mountain and lake views.

Interested?

To celebrate Sofitel Kunming’s opening, from now until 17 April 2016 guests can enjoy one night stay in a Superior Room for RMB999 nett including up to two buffet breakfasts, and RMB100 credit for food and beverages at the hotel's outlets. Terms and conditions apply. For reservations call the reservation team at +86 871 6863 9888.

*Images from AccorHotels.

Mercure Shanghai Royalton is 8th Mercure property in Greater China

Source: Mercure website.

AccorHotels, a major international hotelier, has opened the Mercure Shanghai Royalton, the 8th property in the group’s midscale Mercure brand in Greater China. Situated in downtown Shanghai in Hongqiao business and shopping district, the hotel is a 20-minute drive from Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station. The Cloud Nine Shopping Mall is within walking distance, and Zhongshan Park is nearby.

“Mercure Shanghai Royalton is a fantastic addition to the Mercure brand, a global network of hotels that fuses international hotel standards with authentic local culture to provide an unparalleled hotel experience,” said Paul Richardson, Chief Operating Officer, AccorHotels Greater China. “Shanghai is one of the world’s most exciting destinations."

Mercure Shanghai Royalton features 239 guestrooms and suites, all equipped with free high-speed WiFi and LCD TVs. The hotel also features six meeting rooms accommodating up to 200 people, with conferencing technology and a dedicated professional support team.

Fuji Restaurant offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, while the Grand Bodega Spanish Restaurant offers traditional Spanish dishes. R Kitchen, the hotel’s Chinese restaurant, employs some of the best chefs locally to prepare Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes.

AccorHotels launches Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit

Source: AccorHotels.

The Pullman brand continues its expansion in Asia Pacific with the signing of the Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit. The former Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Bangkok will rebrand to become the third Pullman in the ‘City of Angels’ and adds 325 rooms to the upscale hotel brand.

“The Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit is a terrific addition to the network, providing stylish, upscale accommodation designed for today’s sophisticated traveller,” said Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO AccorHotels Asia Pacific. “The hotel boasts an unbeatable location, outstanding meeting facilities and modern restaurants that make it popular not only with guests but with Bangkok locals.

“Bangkok holds a special place in the history of the Pullman brand as we opened our first Pullman there – the Pullman Bangkok King Power back in 2008. To add our third Pullman in Bangkok – at a time when the brand has over 55 hotels in the region - is testament to how well the brand has been embraced by travellers and owners alike over the years.”

The hotel features a sail-shaped glass façade, a range of room styles from deluxe rooms to executive suites and a presidential suite as well as two restaurants, a deli lounge, a cocktail bar, outdoor pool, gym and spa. Ten meeting rooms including a pillarless grand ballroom for up to 500 guests offer varied possibilities for functions.

Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok’s most famous streets and also the longest road in Thailand. The Pullman’s position at Asoke (Soi 21) puts it right in the centre of the action. It is moments from Asoke BTS, Sukhumvit MRT and the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, making it perfect for business travellers.

The announcement comes just days after AccorHotels rebranded the Prince Hotel & Residence to Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Pullman has a strong pipeline of over 40 hotels in the next few years in Asia Pacific and will continue to expand aggressively, the company said. Pullman is now the largest five-star hotel brand in Australia and the fastest-growing AccorHotels brand in China.

New Mercure Hoi An Royal has introductory offer

Source: Accor.

AccorHotels, the largest operator of international hotels in Vietnam and Asia Pacific, has opened the Mercure Hoi An Royal, its sixth hotel in Central Vietnam and second hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An.

Just 45 minutes from Danang International Airport, the hotel is near Hoi An Ancient Town and Cua Dai beach, and walking distance to Thu Bon River, the historic Japanese Bridge, and local markets and tailors.

The Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port, dating from the 15th to the 19th century. The city is popular with tourists for its historic streetscapes, architecture, river and thriving arts and dining scene.

The newly refurbished 96-room boutique hotel combines cultural authenticity with a full range of facilities and high-standard services designed to appeal to the growing MICE market.

Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer for AccorHotels Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines says, “Hoi An has always been a must-go destination for both local and international travellers. Cultural enthusiasts are unable to resist its nostalgic old streets and heritage as a 600-year old trading port and now as a haven for artists and galleries. The opening of Mercure Hoi An in this historic town adds to the growing network of AccorHotels’ mid-scale brand that embodies high service standards and warmth.”

The hotel offers 42 standard rooms, 40 superior rooms, and 14 junior suites. The suites have private terraces with direct access to the hotel’s swimming pool and garden. Each room features tea and coffee making facilities, a safe, a bathroom, a balcony, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Cluster General Manager Tangi Le Grand says “Mercure Hoi An Royal was designed in a boutique style that blends in perfectly with the local ambiance. Following its refurbishment, the hotel looks forward to welcoming corporate and leisure travellers seeking the high comfort, service and quality offerings of the Mercure brand.”

The Royal Restaurant offers all-day buffet-style and àla carte dining with international cuisine, while the Pool Bar has a selection of beverages and snacks.

To meet the demand for meetings and conferences, the hotel's has meeting facilities that can accommodate up to 25 guests.

To celebrate its grand opening, Mercure Hoi An Royal has an introductory offer with rates starting from VND1,290,000 per room, per night with daily breakfast for two and complimentary Wi-Fi access. This offer is valid from now until 31st October 2015.

Interested?

Email reservations@mercurehoianroyal.com

posted from Bloggeroid

Six Accor hotels in Australia enter TripAdvisor Hall of Fame

In addition to the many Accor hotels across Australia recognised by TripAdvisor for their outstanding performance from businesses within the tourism and hospitality industry, several Accor hotels and resorts were acknowledged for achieving the honour five years in a row, earning a TripAdvisor Hall of Fame award.

Six Accor hotels in total were admitted into the Hall of Fame this year:

The Sebel Melbourne Flinders Lane
Quay West Suites Melbourne
The Sebel Maroochydore
Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple Resort and Spa
Pullman Cairns International
The Sebel Mandurah

Chief Operating Officer of Accor Hotels Australia, Simon McGrath, said the number of hotels and range of brands and destinations represented by Accor in TripAdvisor‟s Hall of Fame roll call for 2015 reflected the high calibre of hotels and resort's the group represent across the nation.

“Maintaining a focus on guest experience, and a commitment to anticipating needs are essential to any hotel's ongoing success, and the honest feedback provided by customers via TripAdvisor is highly valued by Accor.

“It‟s particularly impressive to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as this award relies on having consistently positive online reviews for five years in a row – a difficult achievement by any measure,” he said.

TripAdvisor is a travel community site allowing travellers to create and read reviews from hotels, restaurants attractions and more all over the world. The site has 340 million unique visitors each month and is home to more than 225 million reviews.

Now entering its fifth year, the Certificate of Excellence is awarded to establishments which have continuously earned positive online reviews on TripAdvisor. A handful of Accor properties have been initiated into the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame – an accolade reserved for hotels which have won the Certificate of Excellence five years in a row.

posted from Bloggeroid

Accor Plus is Accor's new paid loyalty programme

Source: Accor.

Accor Advantage Plus, Accor's paid loyalty programme with over 350,000 members across 17 countries, has a new name and a more generous spirit. Relaunching as Accor Plus, the 21-year-old programme now enables its members to experience more at over 600 Accor properties across Asia Pacific. Members have access to significant savings on accommodation, dining at over 800 restaurants, and a range of VIP member events and partner offers, the company said.

“The rebrand of Accor Plus is not just about a name change,” said Louise Daley, CEO of Accor Plus. “It is about giving travellers exclusive access to the best things about travel and dining, plus more. Accor Plus enables members to do more for less, with a focus on exclusive money-can’t-buy experiences and special treatment that means they will always travel like a VIP while enjoying significant savings.”

The brand’s relaunch with is showcased through a new website. The Accor Plus team is also committed to creating bespoke events for members such as masterclasses with celebrity chefs to diving with dolphins or the meeting the cast of theatre shows. In addition, members can accumulate reward points more quickly through an upgraded status in Le Club Accorhotels, which means they can enjoy free stays and savings faster than non-members.

“We have listened to our members and understand they expect more from the programme than ever before,” said Daley. “It is no longer about simply providing a discount for our members but providing them with access to a world of benefits that make every trip more memorable and making them feel part of an exclusive world of privileges.”

Interested?

Visit the Accor Plus website
View the associated video

Ibis Hotels make a musical connection with Deezer

Source: Accor Hotels.

Economy hotel market player ibis Hotels, which is part of the Accor group, has announced an Australian campaign where guests can connect, discover and participate in a world of music following the brand’s partnership with Deezer, an international music streaming service.

Guests of ibis, ibis styles and ibis budget will have access to an exclusive microsite through the group’s partnership with Deezer, called ibis PLAY, which will grant guests access to regularly-updated geo-localised gig guides, tastemaker curated playlists, reviews, music community news, artist interviews, photo galleries and exclusive ibis Hotels content, while featuring Australian live acts.

Bridie Commerford, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for Accor Australia, said, “Our ibis hotels across Australia can now cleverly play the role of trip planner, enabler and host, while providing exclusive opportunities that no other hotel group can provide.”

Dona Inthaxoum, head of label relations for Deezer in Asia and Oceania, said: "This partnership with ibis is truly representative of our vision for Australia - to make music as accessible as possible so that it becomes an integral part of the everyday lives of Australians. On top of our catalogue of over 35 million tracks, our worldwide network of music editors has specially curated content for the ibis PLAY website – where guests at ibis can enjoy finding old favourites and discovering new tunes in the comfort of their hotel."

To celebrate the release of ibis PLAY and ibis Hotels partnership with Deezer, ibis Hotels are offering stays starting from A$109 per night. The offer is valid until 19 August 2015.

Interested?

Explore ibis PLAY
Book an ibis hotel

Accor to bring ibis Styles brand to Singapore this year

Source: Accor. The ibis Style in the Macpherson area, Singapore, will be launched this year.

Accor will introduce a trendy lifestyle brand to Singapore with the opening of Ibis Styles Singapore hotel in Q4 2015. Located at the corner of MacPherson and Aljunied Roads, 20 minutes' drive from the airport, the ibis Styles hotel will be complemented by the MacPherson shopping mall which is part of the same complex.

Ibis Styles will showcase a 25m free-form swimming pool on the fourth floor overlooking the greenery of MacPherson Road as well as designer furniture custom-built to fit a range of room styles. The bright interiors, funky colours, and young look and feel can be seen in all 298 rooms, a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, pool bar, and gym. 

"Our hotel is set to become the region’s most desirable address. The strategic location, modern architecture and stylish furniture and fittings are all underpinned by ibis Styles quality service,” said Shamila Rolfe, General Manager of the hotel.

“Accor recognises the increasing demand for international-standard accommodation with premium facilities and unique design, and this hotel is set to revolutionise the way people think about economy accommodation.”

The hotel is owned by LVND Hotels, a consortium made up of Lian Huat Group, Nobel Design Holdings and 2E Capital. “We are confident that Accor will bring strong international experience to this hotel and feel that ibis Styles is the perfect fit for this vibrant and upcoming location,” said Patrick Kho, Group Managing Director of Lian Huat Group. 

Roxy Charity Car Wash, Roxy Charity Bazaar to be held at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy

Get some colleagues together and express support for the needy through the Roxy Charity Car Wash on 15 May 2015, which is in its 8th year at the Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy. 

The 7th Roxy Charity Car Wash was a resounding success. In May 2014, the management and staff at Roxy-Pacific & Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel ran a charity car wash at the hotel's driveway. Together with Tan Chuan Jin, Minister of Manpower and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC, and the Marine Parade Citizens' Consultative Committee, S$113,000 was raised through this activity with the support from business associates and members of the public. 

Together with sponsors, the car wash aims to raise funds for the recently-launched Roxy Foundation that will be distributed to NGOs, voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) and schools.

The car wash will be held on 15 May from 10 am to 6 pm, with the goal of raising S$100,000 for the Roxy Foundation, which was set up in February 2015 by Roxy-Pacific Holdings, a property and hospitality group and owner of the Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy. Roxy-Pacific Holdings will contribute S$60,000 for the event. 

Lim Biow Chuan, MP for Mountbatten single member constitutency (SMC), is to be the Guest of Honour and will wash the car of the person with the highest donation, together with the Directors of Roxy Pacific Holdings and General Managers of Accor Singapore Hotels. Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore is managed by Accor.

Needy families, sponsors and VIPS will also be invited to the Children Are Our Hope For the Future 2015 dinner on 28 May 2015 that will also be hosted at the Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy, with Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong as guest of honour.

Up to 100 children from low income families living around the community will each receive S$300 from the money raised in the form of vouchers. Fifteen students from Nanyang Polytechnic will receive tuition fee grants of S$1,000 each that will go towards their tertiary education tuition fees.

“It is great to engage with the community and giving back by raising funds for the underprivileged through the annual charity drive here at Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy,” said Klaus Gottschalk, General Manager of Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy.

The car wash is mainly organised by Roxy Pacific Holdings, Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy and the Marine Parade Citizens Consultative Committee and supported by Accor Asia Pacific and five of its Singapore hotels - Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay, Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen, Ibis Singapore on Novena, Sofitel So Singapore and The Singapore Resort and Spa Sentosa. 

The car wash is followed by the Roxy Charity Bazaar on 16 May. Approximately 20 vendors will donate new and pre-loved items to be sold at the Roxy Charity Bazaar, which will be open at the Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy from 10 am to 6 pm. A full 100% of the sales will go directly to the Roxy Foundation. 

The organisers of the Bazaar hope to create awareness and encourage philanthropy by donating and selling items and also through the arts. Visitors will be able to buy one-of-a-kind art pieces and pottery owned by local potters, refurbished clothes, bags and accessories, jewellery as well as household items.

Local potter Mark Lee said, “It is heart-warming to see people come forward to support this Bazaar by donating items that are very dear to them.”

Please call +65 6344 8000 to ask about the Bazaar, or email H3610-SL15@accor.com. Admission is free.

Accor brands include luxury-upscale Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery and Grand Mercure, The Sebel; midscale Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure and Adagio; and economy ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget, adagio access and hotelF1. 

Accor hotels to deliver newspapers and magazines digitally in 2015

Accor, in partnership with PressReader is making a new free-of-charge information delivery service available in all Group hotels by the first quarter of 2015. This commitment is part of Accor’s Leading Digital Hospitality plan, which aims at integrating and redesigning digital at every step of the customer journey.


With Accor Press by PressReader, customers of the group’s hotels can read more than 3,000 international and local newspapers and magazines on their smartphone, laptop or tablet, in every digital environment (iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows).

Accor Press by PressReader is accessible via hotel’s Wi-Fi for guests to download articles, newspapers and magazines, and then read them whenever and wherever they wish. This digital platform is intuitive, customisable and offers various features such as content sharing on social media, online commenting, content translation into 17 languages, and more.

Accor offers 470,000 rooms in 3,600 hotels across 14 trusted brands in 92 countries. The Accor brands include Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Grand Mercure, and The Sebel in the luxury-upscale segment; midscale names such as Novotel, Suite Novotel, Mercure and Adagio, and in the economy segment, ibis, ibis Styles, ibis budget, adagio access and hotelF1. 

Travellers happy to interact with hotels on social media

The 2014 Accorhotels Social Media Monitor reveals that hotels are the biggest opportunity in social media with almost half of travellers – especially the Chinese and Indonesians and those aged 25-44 – following a hotel brand in Asia Pacific, a greater percentage than those who follow airlines or other travel-related brands such as online travel agents.

Airlines come first in countries with a strong carrier, such as Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Other travel-related brands come in third place overall; with China, the Philippines and Thailand showing the most interest. Fashion and music brands only made a top three appearance in Vietnam and Japan. Despite it being a cliché, men tend to follow sport and finance brands more, juxtaposed with fashion and cosmetics for women.

Source: Accor.

Accor worked with ORC International to survey over 6,500 travellers across 13 countries to uncover the social media habits of its guests across Asia Pacific. As the largest hotel group in the region, with 600 hotels across 17 countries, Accor is uniquely placed to provide a full insight into the social media habits of travellers and the group uses the results to better target travellers where and when they are looking to search, book or share their travel experiences.

The study found that four out of five respondents follow brands on social media, with the Chinese and Vietnamese the most keen, and those from Japan, Australia and New Zealand the least so. Generally speaking, women and younger travellers are more likely to follow a brand on social networks.

Malaysians and Filipinos use social media first and foremost to get immediate assistance, along with travellers above 55. Chinese and Hong Kong users are the most likely to seek VIP treatment, while the Indonesians show the greatest affinity with brands. Younger travellers and Koreans use social media mostly to get information. Women are looking more for information and deals than men; whereas men are more likely to show loyalty to a brand and are more sensitive to VIP treatment.

With regards to the key motivation for following a brand, the top two spots have swapped from last year and now people want to get information first (74%), followed by deals (71%). Overall, Thais and Japanese are the hungriest for information, and New Zealanders and Singaporeans are the top bargain hunters.

“By understanding what our guests are looking for when they engage with our brands online, we can better target the messages and services we offer them, whether it be in-hotel deals, advice on the best attractions within a city or access to VIP services,” says Emilie Couton, VP Guest Experience, Accor Asia Pacific.

Travellers tend to use hotel pages on social media more before and after their stay:

- Two out five travellers use it at least 'sometimes' to search for information before their stay. Filipinos, Thais and Vietnamese are the biggest users, and New Zealanders and Australians the smallest. Overall, one-third of respondents said their usage has increased in the past year and the younger the traveller, the higher the increase.

- One-third follow a hotel brand when they are staying there,  at least 'sometimes', with Vietnamese, Thais and Indonesians leading the pack. Women are more likely than men to follow a hotel brand, especially when at the hotel. And the younger they are, the more they are likely to follow the hotel brand

- Almost half always or sometimes follow the brand after their stay. Again, the Vietnamese, Chinese and Thais are the most likely to do so.

- When in-house, almost half of respondents said they usually share their location, especially when staying in an upscale hotel. Thais, Vietnamese, younger travellers and women are the most likely to do so, which suggests they like to brag or show off more than other travellers. The Japanese are the most discreet about sharing their location.

“Engaging on social media with guests while in-house is a great opportunity for us to impact positively on their experience,” said Couton. “We need to give guests good reasons to follow individual hotel accounts by providing content relevant to each stage of the trip and giving them something that will enhance their visit.”

Following is one thing, but then what? The good news is that one-third of travellers have already booked a hotel after having seen an advert on social media, with younger travellers the most likely to do so, along with the Vietnamese, Thais, Filipinos and Chinese.There is overall positivity around social adverts in the online space. More than two-thirds of travellers find them useful or don’t mind them, with only 15% ignorant of their existence and just 12% finding them irritating. In general, women find ads on social media more interesting and useful than men.

To view the 2014 Accorhotels Social Media Monitor video click here, and here to view the entire infographic.

Accor's third hotel in Bengaluru is #bangalorelovin

Ibis, the international Accor hotel brand, has launched its third hotel in Bengaluru, India together with the #bangalorelovin campaign to engage people's love for the city of Bangalore. 

Source: Accor.

JB Singh, President & CEO, InterGlobe Hotels, said: “Bangalore as a city truly defines a cosmopolitan existence. The ibis property at Bengaluru City Centre is the extension of a cosmopolitan atmosphere that perfectly balances the needs of corporate and leisure travelers. Today, it’s all about providing service excellence at an affordable cost, irrespective of the category and we are excited about providing a memorable experience to our guests.”

Firoz Jangaria, General Manager, ibis Bengaluru City Centre said: “By providing quality accommodation for those who are looking for an economy hotel with international standards and with easy access to the city’s main attractions, ibis Bengaluru City Centre is a great new asset to the city centre. The#bangalorelovin campaign will reaffirm that ibis Bengaluru City Centre is determined to make a lasting impression and further build an emotional connection with the people to celebrate this vibrant city. ”

The ibis Bengaluru City Centre is the eleventh ibis to open in India, and 39 km from Kempegowda International Airport. With 173 guest rooms, and easy access to the Bangalore City railway station and Majestic bus station, this new hotel is ideal for business travellers looking for comfortable accommodation in the city. 

Rooms include a flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi and broadband Internet access. The bedrooms are built around the signature Sweet Bed by ibis, tailored around the way customers use beds and local habits worldwide.

Spice It, the signature multi-cuisine restaurant presents a casual dining space with the best of Indian, Oriental and European cuisine, offering a choice of buffet or a la carte. With the "You Create, We Cook" concept, guests can explore their culinary skills whilst dining in an interactive kitchen environment. The restaurant also offers guests a pleasant al fresco dining experience on the open terrace. 

The hotel has two meeting rooms and one board room. The board room is situated at the lobby level, Wi-Fi enabled, equipped with a projector screen and an LCD TV. Other features of the hotel include a fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and currency exchange facilities.

The #bangalorelovin campaign has been kickstarted in conjunction with the launch, beginning with a musical video about the city of Bangalore. 

Mercure Bali Legian open for bookings

Accor Hotels has launched a new 4-star Mercure hotel in Legian, Bali, Indonesia, which will welcome guests after the abolition of the US$70 Visa on Arrival scheme for Australian visitors. 

Source: Accor. The Mercure Bali Legian is open for bookings.

The eco-friendly Mercure Bali Legian is the newest and the largest 4-star hotel in Legian Kelod, opening its doors from 7 December 2014. It is five minutes’ walk to Legian beach and 20 minutes to the airport with access from a by-pass road that avoids the often congested Kuta one-way system.

Guests can look forward to natural timber finishes, in-built trees, open air terraces, an infinity pool deck and bar on the 4th floor, and a large pool area outside Ancak Restaurant. Some of the 321 rooms have their own private plunge pools while eight rooms come with an oversized deck overlooking either the lobby sculpture or pool area.

Each room has international power sockets, individually controlled air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and an in-room safe. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and a Business centre.

For the pre-opening 'Mates Rates' for twin sharing, available until March 31 2015, email to Reservation@mercurebalilegian.com. Bookings can be made from now until March 31 2015 for a travel period until June 2015, with some black-out dates over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Accor opens first ibis budget hotel in South Korea

Accor, the largest international hotel operator in Asia Pacific and South Korea, has opened the ibis budget Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun, the first ibis budget brand hotel in South Korea. 

Source: Accor. The Ibis budget Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun.

The newly-built hotel has 195 guestrooms and is located north of Seoul’s Han River in a commercial district renowned for its traditional markets and shopping centres. Ibis budget Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun is a 10-minute drive to Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Myeong-dong District, Chunggyechen Stream and major shopping malls. The hotel is a stone’s throw away from the subway lines 2, 4, and 5, which connect it to the rest of Seoul.

Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer for Accor Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines said, “With the successful opening of our ibis hotels in Seoul and Busan, we are proud and excited to introduce the first ibis budget hotel in South Korea. Ibis budget is one of Accor’s leading economy brands where at a value for money room rate, guests will find cosy beds, spacious showers, soft duvets, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.

“We saw an increasing demand in Seoul for international-standard accommodations coupled with affordable pricing; we therefore believe this hotel will become a favourite amongst domestic and international travellers visiting this vibrant city.”

All rooms are equipped with a flat screen TV with multi-media hub, individual reading lights, Wi-Fi connection, work table, safe, mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, and a sizable en-suite bathroom with shower. The hotel also features a 24-hour business corner with free Internet access and printing services.

The hotel’s General Manager, Tchang Lee, said, “Ibis budget Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun integrates the core values of the ibis family brands – ‘simplicity, modernity and well-being’ and promises guests a quality accommodation at an affordable price, with the highlight being the signature beddings - Sweet Beds by ibis budget - for a good night’s sleep.”

To book a room, please visit www.accorhotels.com/9114 or email H9114-RE@accor.com.

Accor announces 600th hotel in Asia Pacific

Accor has announced its 600th hotel in Asia Pacific with the signing of the landmark Park Lane hotel in Hong Kong to the group’s upscale Pullman brand. The rebranding of the Park Lane Hotel to Pullman is doubly significant because it is the brand’s 50th hotel in the region, representing enormous growth since Pullman Hotels debuted in late 2007. The announcement comes as The Park Lane celebrates it 40th anniversary, and signifies a new era for the hotel. 

Source: Accor. The Riva deck bar at the Park Lane Hong Kong.

The fact that Accor’s 600th hotel is part of the Pullman family is a great symbol of Accor’s future growth in the region, with the group increasingly focused on expansion in the upscale and luxury sector. The group’s first hotel in Asia Pacific – the Novotel Orchid Singapore – opened in 1982. It took Accor 14 years to reach more than 100 hotels in Asia Pacific but from 1997 to 2007 the network tripled in size to over 300. Showing its strong focus on the region, Accor then doubled that network to 600, achieving in just six years what had previously taken 25 years.

Development has now reached record levels, with an average of one Accor hotel opening per week in Asia Pacific. This growth will continue to climb exponentially alongside the growing middle class in the region which is fuelling demand for quality, globally-branded hotel accommodation.

"The addition of The Park Lane Hong Kong to the Pullman brand is a huge milestone for Accor because it brings us a strategic hotel in the centre of one of the world’s most important business and tourism hubs at a time when Pullman is really affirming itself as one of the most exciting hotel brands in the region," said Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO of Accor Asia Pacific. 

"The fact that it becomes our 600th hotel in the region is further cause for celebration because it is testament to Accor’s strong growth in the region and our investment in Pullman as a brand of the future. The Park Lane’s relaunch on 1 January 2015 will, I am sure, signify a very strong year for the Pullman brand, with more than 40 more Pullman hotels in the pipeline across the region for the new few years."

The Park Lane in Causeway Bay offers 826 rooms, three restaurants and bars plus 14 meeting rooms with a total of 10,371 sq ft of event space. While the hotel is very well maintained, a full renovation programme has begun to bring it to Pullman’s global standards which will include a makeover of the Park Lane Suites, executive floors, dining outlets, meeting rooms and executive lounge. Renovations are phased to avoid disruption to guests and the hotel will remain open throughout. 

"We are very excited to join the Accor family and the Pullman brand and believe this will open The Park Lane hotel to greater distribution channels and more guests from across the globe," said Luc Bollen, Regional Director Park Lane Hotels International. "Pullman is the perfect brand for The Park Lane because it appeals to today’s cosmopolitan and connected traveller looking for upscale services and excellent business and meeting facilities. Our owners, Victoria Park Hotels, are spending HK$200 million in the next two years to rejuvenate the hotel and we look forward to this new journey after celebrating 40 successful years in business."

In just over seven years since its launch, Pullman has become one of the most dynamic upscale hotel brands in the region, establishing itself as the largest five-star hotel brand in Australia and Accor’s fastest-growing brand in Greater China. The Pullman brand aims to set new benchmarks in upscale accommodation, with a network of 80 hotels across 23 countries and five continents. Pullman hotels typically offer tailored services, innovative technologies and a new approach to organising meetings. 

Social media for Asia Pacific makes it to the beach

It's a different travel experience today. Where travellers in the past would have penned their thoughts down on paper, Accor Asia Pacific’s second Social Media Monitor reveals that people spending as much time researching, planning, boasting about and reporting on their travels on social media as they do actually experiencing their destination. 

The survey has discovered that 70% of travellers across Asia Pacific now use social media when they travel, with those from China (84%), Vietnam (83%) and Indonesia (82%) the most active users.

Travellers from Australia, New Zealand and Japan are the least active, but even from those countries two in five are unable to peel themselves away from their devices while travelling. On average, travellers are spending 2.8 hours per day on social media platforms, with the Indonesians, Malaysians and Thais all spending around 4 hours daily.

Accor worked with ORC International to survey over 6,500 travellers across 13 countries to uncover which sites and platforms are most important to its guests across Asia Pacific. As the largest hotel group in the region, with 590 hotels across 17 countries, Accor is uniquely placed to provide a full insight into the social media habits of travellers and the group uses the results to better target travellers where and when they are looking to search, book or share their travel experiences.

“Social media has become all-pervasive in the travel industry as we can see from the results of the latest Accor Hotels Social Media Monitor,” said Jens Uwe Parkitny, Accor’s Vice President Digital Marketing & Distribution.“This survey provides great insight into where our guests are looking for inspiration for their travels, how they engage with social media during their stay and how they share their experiences afterwards.

“We can then use this information to meet their needs at each stage of the customer’s journey. At the same time, monitoring how social media behaviour evolves and changes year on year, allows us to refine Accor’s social media strategy across Asia Pacific.”

Facebook remains the most popular platform for travellers, followed by WhatsApp, but the survey found that made-in-Asia instant messaging platforms have increased in popularity since last year’s survey, with WeChat up 13% and Line up 11%. In some markets these instant messaging platforms have even started to overtake Facebook as the dominant social network for sharing information about travel.

The survey highlights how quickly the social media landscape changes and shows that rich media networks such as Youtube and Instagram are growing in popularity, with 23% of travellers using Youtube multiple times daily and 11% using Instagram. The use of WhatsApp is widespread in the region (33%) and has surpassed Facebook in four markets: Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and India.

Line is a favourite with respondents in Thailand (71%) and overtook Facebook for the first time this year in terms of daily usage. Line is also among the top three most popular networks in Indonesia (33%) and Japan (26%).

One surprise is that WeChat has knocked Sina Weibo off top spot in mainland China, with three in four travellers acknowledging multiple daily usage. And in Hong Kong, the app also climbed into the top three.

“Accor uses the results of this research to reach out to its customers more effectively,”says Emilie Couton, Accor’s Vice President Guest Experience. “For example, Accor Thailand recently showcased Ibis hotels on a Line Lucky Prices promotion, gathering more than 20,000 participants in just three days. Accor China also launched its WeChat account with a Book Your Next Memories campaign which quickly gathered 9,000 followers and supported the launch of the group’s local website accorhotels.cn.”

Almost half of respondents said they use Facebook multiple times a day (including in China) and just 13% say they have never used it. Women use Facebook the most, with 54% of them using the network multiple times daily (versus 45% for men) and Filipinos are the top users in the region, increasing by 13 points versus last year (73% multiple daily usage).

When it comes to country comparisons, there are major differences. In Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, Facebook dominates all three travel phases (before, during and after the trip). However, in Singapore, Malaysia and India, Facebook is the place to search before and share after the trip, while WhatsApp is used to stay in touch during travel. It’s exactly the same for South Korea, except WhatsApp is replaced by Kakaotalk. In Hong Kong, Facebook is the place to research and plan the trip, and WhatsApp is the platform of choice for sharing during and after the trip. Similarly in China, Sina Weibo is the place to search, whereas WeChat is preferred for sharing.

To download the 2014 Accor hotels Social Media Monitor infographic click here.

Michelin star chef Nicolas Isnard to cook at Singapore's Sofitel So Singapore

Source: Accor Hotels. Chef Isnard.

Xperience, the signature restaurant and bar at Sofitel So Singapore, welcomes French Michelin star chef Nicolas Isnard to deliver fresh and sumptuous flavours from France to Singapore. From 4 to 8 November 2014, Chef Isnard will act as Guest Chef, bringing his Mediterranean and Italian influences and serving up rustic flavours in the classic French style.

Partnering with Chef Anne-Cecile Degenne, Executive Chef of Xperience, Chef Isnard will offer a daily set four-course lunch at S$45++, daily set five-course dinner menu at S$88++ and a Saturday 6-course Gala dinner at S$148++ or S$188++ with wine pairing. An à la carte dinner menu will also be available.

Originally from the South of France, Chef Isnard acquired a taste for cooking from his Italian grandmother. Famous for mixing traditional cooking with innovation, he currently co-owns the L’Auberge de la Charme restaurant in France, which earned a Michelin star within a year of its opening in 2008. The restaurant also boasts four Gault & Millau toques.

“As the culinary capital of Asia, Singapore is the place for gastronomic adventures and new experiences. Sofitel So Singapore strives to offer our guests an exclusive interactive culinary journey of the senses. With Chef Isnard and Chef Degenne together, we are confident that they will bring an extraordinary culinary experience for Singapore’s gastronomes,” said Vincent Lelay, General Manager of Sofitel So Singapore.

Chef Isnard’s specialties include filet de boeuf, farmed chicken egg and onion soup “Contemporary Style”.

“I am excited to be collaborating with such an inspiring chef to continuously push new boundaries for Singapore’s culinary scene. Chef Isnard’s creativity and innovation will certainly elevate our guests’experience to a whole new level,” added Chef Degenne.

Guest Chef Isnard is the grand finale of Sofitel So Singapore’s Guest Chef Series. Earlier this year, Chef Degenne was joined by other internationally acclaimed Michelin star guest chefs, including Chef Yuichi Kamimura and three-Michelin star Chef Quique Dacosta.

For reservations, please call the hotel at +65 6701 6800.

Accor re-enters Myanmar with The Lake Garden in Nay Pyi Taw

Source: Accor Hotels. The Lake Garden, Nay Pyi Taw.

Accor, the largest international operator of hotels in Asia-Pacific, has opened The Lake Garden, Nay Pyi Taw, the first Accor hotel in Myanmar. This newly-built, upscale hotel, is part of the MGallery Collection and five minutes away from Myanmar International Convention Centre (MICC) and 20 minutes from Nay Pyi Taw International Airport.

“This hotel opening will officially mark Accor’s return into Myanmar,” says Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer of Accor Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines. “This opening comes at a time when the capital is seeing an influx of visitors with a strong demand for an upscale accommodation with international standard facilities and superb services. The Lake Garden is the perfect accommodation for discerning travllers looking for a memorable hotel experience in this capital city.”

MGallery is a collection of unique, upscale hotels selected through their individual personality and characteristics. MGallery hotels are categorised according as Signature, Heritage or Serenity hotels. Due to its architecture amidst tropical surroundings by a lake, The Lake Garden is under the Serenity category.

David Daguise, The Lake Garden, Nay Pyi Taw’s General Manager says, “The hotel is a serene sanctuary which offers guests a unique experience through an extraordinary journey of modern Myanmar influenced by its rich, cultural heritage. Its contemporary, lush comfort and a sense of ‘Serenity’ can be felt throughout the property, while its five-star hospitality and local charm offer guests a memorable experience throughout their stay.”

The hotel features 165 rooms and suites – two Presidential Suites, eight Executive Suites, 30 Deluxe Suites, 64 deluxe rooms and 61 superior rooms. For gastronomic experiences, The Lake Garden offers The Grand Bell for all-day dining, including local Myanmar cuisine, and the Primo, an Italian restaurant.

The hotel’s meeting facilities consist of a conference room which can accommodate up to 250 delegates, six breakout meeting rooms for smaller functions, and two boardrooms.

To celebrate its opening, The Lake Garden, Nay Pyi Taw has an introductory rate of US$90, valid until 29 October 2014. For more information, please visit www.thelakegarden.com or contact H9096-RE@accor.com.

Smartphone service for guests at ibis Singapore on Bencoolen offers free calls, data

The ibis Singapore on Bencoolen has introduced a guest service to provide guests with unlimited 3G Internet, free local and international calls, and a complete city guide to Singapore. 

Source: Accor.
The handy smartphone.

The handy smartphone service is part of the 'extra benefits' room package, and includes a smartphone which can be taken outside of the hotel and used throughout the guest’s stay to help them navigate Singapore, thus reducing data bills that are often associated with travelling. The service supports efforts to be more sustainable by reducing the need for printed materials, such as in-room directories, and by providing useful information about the hotel’s full range of green facilities.

”At ibis Singapore on Bencoolen, we are committed to maintaining sustainable hotel operations. We are leading the way in offering guests greener and environmentally friendlier amenities and with handy, we are able to inform and stay in touch with guests through an innovative smartphone platform that is integrated with our hotel features. We look forward to achieving significant reductions in printing and paper waste through the handy phone, our new form digital communication channel,” said General Manager Pierre-Etienne de Montgrand.

The handy devices are the pioneer product of Tink Labs, Hong Kong’s first technology incubator of mobile travel solutions. They are  customised specifically for the hotel and come fully-loaded with information about Bencoolen and its surrounding neighborhoods.

“Handy is excited to partner with ibis Singapore on Bencoolen, providing guests with seamless connectivity during their travels, as well as helping the hotel achieve their green innovation efforts,” said Terence Kwok, CEO of Tink Labs.

Features of handy include:

· Unlimited 3G internet
· Unlimited local calls
· Unlimited international calls to 26 countries and territories on both fixed line and mobile lines from Singapore (Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, mainland China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, UK, US, Vietnam)
· Local city guide with proprietary content sourced by an in-house team of locals, as well as guest content from well-respected local editors
· Discounts and deals with participating merchant partners

The hotel also features green amenities including recycling bins, meters to help guests measure their water consumption, access to a complimentary Bamboo Bike and a travel card called the EZ-link to help them minimise their carbon footprint as they explore the island.