AccorHotels has signed a portfolio of six Mercure hotels under a hotel management agreement with Proark – a Danish based real estate property group holding assets in retail and hotel properties across Europe.
Collectively adding 864 rooms under the Mercure brand in the UK, the hotels are located in Bedford, Cardiff, Harlow, Nottingham, Telford and Birmingham. The portfolio of hotels will receive a capital investment of £15 million and each hotel will undergo extensive refurbishment as they are rebranded from Park Inn to Mercure. The hotels are set to open individually between Q2 2019 and Q4 2020.
The hotels will be run using AccorHotels’ developed FOLS mobile operating system that enables employees to manage everything from check-in to housekeeping and breakfast within one app via mobile devices. This allows employees to welcome and help guests as well as manage their schedules from their smartphone, giving staff more time to assist guests and removing the need for traditional reception desks.
Philip Lassman, Vice President of Development, AccorHotels UK & Ireland said: “AccorHotels has seen a strong growth in the UK in both new management contracts and franchise agreements over the past year. We expect this growth to continue as hotel owners, operators and management companies continue to see the benefits of partnering with international brands to reach, attract and retain the loyalty of guests, with a progressive hospitality group that can provide the very best and latest services to maximise profitability.”
Thomas Dubaere, COO AccorHotels Northern Europe added:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Proark for these six hotels. The Mercure brand is an ideal choice for this portfolio as its flexibility allows us to take a tailored approach to fit each particular hotel. This is important to enable owners to generate more revenue per square metre”
Mercure is the only midscale hotel brand that combines the strength of an international network with a strong quality commitment and the warm experience of hotels that are rooted in their local community. Mercure hotels are managed by enthusiastic hoteliers and welcome business and leisure travellers across the world. Mercure has over 790 hotels in 63 countries.
Michael Brag, Chairman of the Board of Proark commented: “The Mercure brand is recognised by guests from all over the world. It is known for its high standards and quality, making it an easy choice for us when choosing to reposition the six hotels we have just acquired in UK. We are excited about this new partnership with AccorHotels and look forward to it growing as we develop our hotel portfolio.”