Hotel Arthur joins Accor’s Novotel network

Accor has announced an important addition to its Japanese network, with the launch of Novotel Sapporo on 1 December 2005, following the completion of an extensive renovation program.

Formerly the Hotel Arthur Sapporo, the 230-room, 26-storey landmark is located opposite Nakajima-Koen Park, just three minutes from Nakajima Koen Station and within walking distance of Susukino, the city’s main restaurant, entertainment and bar area.

The renovation program involves upgrading of all rooms, lobby and the guest lounge. When completed, the Novotel will offer Sapporo’s newest 4-star rooms, all with views across the park or the city to the mountains. The hotel also has five restaurants and bars, a business centre and eight meeting and function rooms, making it the perfect base for business travellers, conference groups, and leisure travellers.

Sapporo, capital of Hokkaido and the fifth largest city in the country, is famous for its winter festival and excellent skiing, vibrant nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurant and bar scene. It is also the gateway to Japan’s best ski fields and the former site of the 1972 Winter Olympics.

The Novotel is Accor’s first hotel on Hokkaido Island and will be the group’s ninth hotel in Japan. 

“Novotel Sapporo is an important addition to the Accor network, as Sapporo is one of Japan’s fastest growing destinations for both domestic and international travellers,” said David Baffsky, Chairman of Accor Asia Pacific.

“The hotel already has a strong reputation in the Sapporo market, and with the extensive renovation and Novotel branding we believe we can build the market further, particularly from destinations where the Novotel brand is so well known.

“Novotel is one of Asia Pacific’s leading 4-star brands, and the Accor international sales and marketing network will be looking to attract additional visitors from around the region, as well as Australia, Europe and the Americas.

“Accor has extensive experience operating hotels in mountain resort destinations and we will utilise this experience to promote the hotel and the destination to an even wider audience.”

Mr Baffsky said that the Novotel will establish greater links with Club Med Sahoro, which is located about two hours from the city. Accor is a 28.9% owner of Club Med, and the two groups are working closely together to increase co-operation and develop synergies.

Accor’s network in Japan currently comprises Sofitel Tokyo, Sofitel The Cypress Nagoya, Novotel Koshien Osaka West, Yokohama Novotel, Mercure Narita Airport, Mercure Hotel Ginza and two Formule 1 hotels in Isesaki and Numazu.