Accor is now over half way through a major refurbishment plan that will lift the quality of its hotel portfolio across Europe.
Renovation projects across its premium, midscale and economy properties are part of a strategy designed to ensure guests enjoy a higher, more uniform level of quality across all hotels within a brand, across the whole region. Launched in 2023, the modernisation plan has already seen more than 70 hotels renovated.
Midway through an extensive programme
In the coming months, a similar number are now in planning, or have works already under way. In many cases, upgrade works are being led by Accor’s hotel partners, such as operators and owners of specific hotels.
“Keeping our brands fresh, relevant and true to their promise is vital to meeting today’s consumer demands,” said Julie White, Accor’s chief commercial officer for Europe and North Africa. across the PME brands. “Our modernisation strategy in Europe, the historic home of Accor, underscores our commitment to innovation to ensure we continue to excite and delight our guests, while also strengthening brand loyalty and long-term profitability.”
Among the hotels that have already seen the benefits of the decorators and interior designers are the Mercure in Vienna, where modernisation has drawn on the refined elegance of Viennese Art Nouveau. And in Warsaw, the 364 room Novotel has been subject to a rolling refit that took place over 18 months.
In Italy, Mercure hotels in Bologna and Naples have been fully renovated. The Bologna property’s restaurant exploits views across parkland, while in Naples, the hotel provides guests with a great view of the Mediterranean.
Among those with work in progress is the Pullman hotel in Riga, Latvia. Located in a hostoric building in the old town, a full renovation will take until summer 2025 to complete. All of the property’s common areas, and its 154 guest rooms will be upgraded, in styles developed by the Tremend design studio.
Conversions drive portfolio growth
Plenty more refurbishments are adding new hotels to the Accor brand portfolio in Europe. In Swinoujscie, Poland the former Interferie Hotel Medical Spa is being transformed into a Movenpick branded hotel. The 308 room property is expected to be ready to open in autumn 2025. And in Brasov, Romania, the former Hotel Capital is being transformed, with a major refurbishment preparing the block for a new life as Mercure Brasov Centre, opening in the first quarter of 2026.
In Tirana, Albania, a new Sofitel is in the making with the luxury brand coming to the refurbished Tirana Palace. The 92 room transformation is within a striking Versailles style exterior, and will open in late 2025, complete with a casino. And in the Swiss city of Geneva, the former Kempinski hotel is being refurbished to create the Fairmont Grand Hotel Geneva. With 412 rooms, it will open at the end of 2025.
