(23/01/23) 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.
Room at Le Splendid Hotel Lac d’Annecy, Handwritten Collection in Annecy, France
“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.’
New and Future Handwritten Collection Hotels
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.
