The awards celebrate hotels from 35 destinations across six continents worldwide that showcase best-in-class experiences

  Raffles Singapore is pleased to announce that it has been named No. 17 on the prestigious and first-ever “The World’s 50 Best Hotels” list. The awards aim to recognise outstanding and best-in-class experiences hotels from all over the world have to offer, and to celebrate the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen.   Organised by 50 Best, whose parent company is reputed publishing company William Reed, this inaugural list is independently curated by The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy based on their opinions and experiences. It comprises a group of 580 seasoned and esteemed hotel and travel industry experts led by a group of nine Academy chairs, all hailing from all corners of the globe. On 19 September, the world of travel gathered at the historic Guildhall to unveil the outstanding hotel experiences across the world that will shape the aspirations of travellers and hoteliers.   First opened in 1887, and declared a National Monument a century later by the Singapore Government in 1987, the storied, 136-year-old legacy of Raffles Singapore has been a significant part of Singapore’s history, its neo-Renaissance halls simultaneously and artfully reflecting the charms of yesteryear and the luxuries of the contemporary age. Through the hotel’s evolution, it has strived to uphold its old-world splendour matched with inimitable service across the hotel’s array of offerings.,   “We are humbled and excited to have found a place among this esteemed collection of outstanding and beyond the every-day luxury hospitality destinations. To be included in this list and to have received this prestigious industry recognition from The World’s 50 Best Hotels Academy is a realisation of aspirations that we had when the hotel embarked on its two year’ restoration project four years ago. This global recognition is a true validation of our legendary and timeless Raffles experience, delivered by the wonderful team we have in Singapore,” said Christian Westbeld, Managing Director, Raffles Singapore.   “It makes all of us immensely proud that our world-renowned service delivering always-relevant and ever-evolving experiences have transcended Singapore’s shores and are being recognised by the Academy – we are also honoured to not only be flying the Raffles brand flag high, but also proudly representing Singapore on a global stage,” Mr Westbeld continued.   “It is an incredible honour that our flagship Raffles Singapore has been recognised as one of the World’s 50 Best Hotels in the inaugural list. Raffles Singapore has long been a leader within the luxury hospitality space, setting new standards for impeccable guest relations. This is where our distinctive Raffles Experiences come into play, which weave immersive wellness activities with cultural journeys, thus helping to lead the way for Raffles Hotels, Resorts and Residences globally. I cannot express my sincere gratitude enough for our management and hotel staff who have made achieving this accolade possible. This prestigious acknowledgement is a testament to their skill and dedication to upholding the hotel’s storied 136-year heritage by providing guests with gracious service and unforgettable journeys at every visit,” says Omer Acar, CEO Raffles & Orient Express.   Tim Brooke-Webb, Managing Director for The World’s 50 Best Hotels, comments: “Our heartfelt congratulations go out to every hotel on the list, each of which has clearly made a lasting impression on our Academy of travel experts. After seeing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, it’s been especially fulfilling to see so many hoteliers from around the world gather in London to celebrate each other’s achievements under one roof for the first-ever awards ceremony for The World’s 50 Best Hotels. We hope this list inspires travel lovers to book somewhere truly spectacular for their next trip.”  

Bringing the Raffles Experience to Life

 

STAY

    “A touch of nostalgia for the old world amid an idyllic oasis, and personalised services – these are the one-of-a-kind stays we aim to evoke in our stay experiences. Our butlers are trained to be attentive, proactive, and a little bit of mind-readers – making suggestions to an itinerary, replacing room offerings based on minute, quiet observations about their guest from point of check in. We’re also trained to be mini bartenders, to be able to give each guest our signature Singapore Sling experience!” says Jeremy Cheah, Head Butler.  

DINE

    “We want each guest to know that a diversity of award-winning dining experiences awaits them from the moment they pass through our doors, from our classic Raffles Afternoon Tea amid the pleasant lull of a harp, to aromatic North Indian flavours, to gourmet French dishes, to wood-fired seasonal produce and intricate Chinese delicacies. We also house the historic Long Bar, home to the iconic Singapore Sling as well as the unique practice of brushing peanut shells to the floor,” says Executive Chef Pierre Burgade.  

EXPERIENCES

    “We see a hotel being a destination for not just rest and rejuvenation, but a setting for cultural immersion. This is where our distinctive Raffles Experiences come into play, which weave immersive wellness activities with cultural journeys. Guests can enjoy our well of offerings like Enlightenment Retreat, featuring holistic treatments, personalised nutritional-oriented dining, rainforest trails and sound healing experiences at The Intan, a private Peranakan home museum. These are part of our tradition of creating unique, meaningful experiences for our well-travelled guests,” says Jesmine Hall, Director of Marketing Communications.  

CELEBRATIONS

    “The Grand Dame has always strived to be a space that celebrates time-honoured traditions and to be a place where special memories are created. This has taken the form of our annual Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes featuring our well-beloved champagne truffle snow-skin mooncakes, to Christmas spreads. Our iconic, elegant façade is also a well-patronised wedding venue, which has seen hundreds of newlyweds taking to our space as they begin a new chapter in their lives,” says Amy Ang, Director of Commercial Strategy.

  Accor, a world leading hospitality group, today announced the creation of Accor One Living – an industry-first platform dedicated to the integration of innovative hospitality solutions into mixed-used developments. Accor One Living will support the development and operation of branded residences – anchored by managed and franchised Accor hotels and resorts – and other unique products that add value to mixed-use projects, such as coworking offerings, extended stay hotels, private clubs and more. Creating synergy between these complementary hospitality products can significantly enhance the financial performance of a mixed-use project, while providing signature brand experiences for homeowners, guests, and community members.  

  It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Accor co-founder, Gérard Pélisson, who died on March 6th, 2023 at the age of 91, surrounded by his loved ones.   The Group offers its most sincere condolences to his loved ones and more particularly to his nephew, Gilles Pélisson, who has worked for Accor for 17 years, including five years leading the Group.   Gérard was an iconic pioneer who, together with co-founder Paul Dubrule, inspired a modern approach to French hospitality at a time when it was poised for fresh ideas. During Les Trente Glorieuses, France’s post-war boom, a new, more modern world emerged, changing the face of travel. Drawing inspiration from the America way of life in the 1960s, Gérard and Paul took a bold approach to bringing their vision of a French-led world class enterprise, to life.   Setting aside his engineering background and a budding career at IBM, Gérard seized an opportunity that would lay the foundation for today’s Accor. In 1967, alongside Paul, he established the very first modern, standardized hotel business model through the creation of Novotel in Lille Lesquin. The Novotel model was a truly revolutionary concept which was years ahead of its time. It offered guests a modern bedroom with en-suite bathroom and desk, a grill restaurant, swimming pool and breakfast, all for one rate. Something most hotels of the time did not provide.   An astute businessman, Gérard tenaciously pursued opportunities to expand the Group’s portfolio. For over 40 years, he and Paul exemplified drive and determination in their pursuit of excellence, achieving major milestones including: establishing ibis in 1974, purchasing Mercure in 1975, and Sofitel in 1980; leading the merger with Jacques Borel in 1982; launching Formule 1 in 1985; integrating Lenôtre in 1990 and acquiring Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits et du Tourisme in 1991. These actions would become the cornerstones of our Group.   Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor, said: “Gérard Pelisson was an entrepreneur par excellence. A true revolutionary of our industry who, together with Paul Dubrule, made Accor a global force to be reckoned with. With courage and determination, they fearlessly challenged conventions, reinvented hospitality, and forever altered the industry’s trajectory, making a global impact. Gérard’s legacy lives on at Accor and we will all endeavor to embrace his daring spirit, mirroring his pursuit of excellence and passion for business. His vision and heart will forever be with us!”   To honor Gérard’s legacy, Accor teams from around the world will be paying tribute to using a virtual commemoration wall.   Our thoughts are with the Pélisson family at this time.

    A key part of Accor’s growth and development strategy is to expand the Group’s strongest categories, which includes collection brands. With one of the highest growth rates in the industry today, collection brand hotels are proliferating around the world at a rate of 25% a year*. Driving this expansion is rising demand from independent hoteliers seeking to leverage the benefits of an international and leading hotel group, such as Accor, while responding to a growing guest desire for authenticity and local experiences.   Accor is responding to this demand with a new collection brand in the midscale segment – Handwritten Collection - diversifying our offering that already includes MGallery in the upper upscale space and Emblems Collection in the luxury category. The newly launched Handwritten Collection brand increases Accor’s “collection portfolio” to 3 global brands across 3 distinct segments.   Collection Brands: Meeting the Needs of Independent Hoteliers  

"Our collection brands allow the original character of each hotel to shine, with flexible standards designed to answer the needs of independent boutique hotel owners and enhance the guest experience with a few light brand attributes while benefiting from the power of the commercial and loyalty platform of Accor."

  Designed with the needs of independent and boutique hotel owners in mind, each property within an Accor collection brand must meet certain standards and criteria, such as being well-located, providing certain amenities, comforts, and safety features, and a compelling guest experience. Overall, the hotelier’s vision is respected which is paramount, with the original character of the hotel continuing to shine. Moreover, by joining one of our collection brands, hotels experience direct return on investment and the opportunity to maximize revenue with immediate access to the power of Accor’s sales, distribution and loyalty platforms.   Among its collection brands, Accor’s first aim is to prioritize the conversion of existing buildings, rather than embarking on construction or new builds. This supports the Group’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments and our sustainable hospitality model.   Our Newest Midscale Brand: Handwritten Collection  

"The hotels of Handwritten Collection offer heartwarming travel experiences and a twist on traditional hospitality, where the personalities and passions of the hotelier are uniquely woven throughout the guest journey and the hotel itself is connected to the local neighborhood. For independent owners, Handwritten Collection offers the best of both worlds – the opportunity to stay unique, whilst gaining immediate access to Accor 360° Solutions, a powerful range of specialized offerings to help boost revenue, optimize costs and maximize ROI. We look forward to working with owners and partners around the world to welcome their one-of-a-kind hotels into this outstanding collection."

  Handwritten Collection was created to bring together quality independent hotels with unique personalities, reflecting the characters of the people who love and look after them. Like an invitation into a charming and stylish home, each Handwritten Collection hotel features a cozy feel and a chic design. Like a handwritten note, each hotel features small gestures that foster authentic and meaningful connections with guests. From a warm welcome, to freshly baked treats, no two hotels or stays are alike.   Handwritten Collection offers an attractive proposition for owners looking to retain their hotel name and the characteristics that have made them successful, providing the option for a franchise contract and a flexible and cost-effective level of investment.  On a global growth and development level, Accor currently has 110 properties and 11,500 rooms in negotiation to become part of Handwritten Collection, including 12 hotels committed already and 5 properties due to open this year. The Handwritten Collection portfolio is expected to reach more than 250 hotels by 2030.   Upper Upscale Boutique Hotels with Stories to Tell: MGallery       Accor’s first brand in the collection category was the MGallery Hotel Collection. This popular brand is known as a collection of storied boutique hotels, each with a unique history, personality, and sense of place. Guests are delighted by the singular “MGallery experience”, influenced by the story of each hotel’s past and based on the brand’s passions of bespoke design, sensorial mixology, and touches of well-being that keep guests feeling balanced and appreciated. MGallery’s successful formula has led to more than 120 high-end hotels – including the world’s first floating MGallery on the iconic QE2 ocean liner – with another 50 more hotels in development.   A Celebration of Uniquely Charismatic Luxury Hotels: Emblems Collection    "Handpicked location, intimate feel and mesmerizing allure: This is Emblems. The most exclusive collection of singular independent hotels. Together with our luxury experts, we design bespoke storytellings to attach a unique emotion to each destination."        

    As buzz and anticipation builds around 2023 travel planning, Accor is pleased to reveal a short list of highly anticipated properties to open next year. From city breaks to beach getaways, from eco-minded or budget-friendly hotels to ultra-luxurious hideaways, these are the gorgeous and adventurous new destinations that guests and world travelers will be eager to see…and be seen among. No TikTok or Instagram filters required!   Luxury Hotels & Resorts   Accor is a global leader in luxury, having curated one of the most extraordinary luxury portfolios in the world. Accor’s luxury brands are known not only for their gracious, caring, and bespoke hospitality, but also for their award-winning restaurants and bars, transformative wellness programming, and customized experiences that open minds, expand knowledge, and shift perspectives.       Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama (Early 2023)   The first and only luxury hotel in Panama with an authentic French identity, bringing its quintessential Art de vivre to the historic city of Casco Viejo, Panama, A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo Panama will be the sixth legendary address in the prestigious Sofitel Legend brand portfolio. Directly built out into the water, with unobstructed and impressive views of the Pacific Ocean and Panama city skyline, the hotel will feature a superior mix of facilities and amenities, including 159 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, the vast majority with enviable seascapes; five spectacular food and beverage venues, including a rooftop bar and lounge; an oceanfront pool; and approximately 9,880 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor function space.   Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences, Riyadh (Early 2023)   Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences is a truly unique eco-conscious luxury destination that will soon be the most sought-after residential address in the capital. Thirty-five floors accommodate 249 spacious and luxurious residential units, each stepping out onto private terraces that offer spectacular views of Riyadh city. The hotel is in the heart of the action, near King Abdullah Financial District and Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, with easy access to King Khalid International Airport.   Raffles London at The OWO (Spring 2023)   This architectural masterpiece, located at the historic Old War Office in Whitehall, London, has seen its share of Britain's most famous statesmen and spies, from Winston Churchill to Ian Fleming. The landmark building has undergone a monumental transformation and now features 120 lavish guestrooms and suites, 85 spectacular private residences, alongside 9 ultra-stylish restaurants and three bars. An exclusive Guerlain spa and member’s health club by movement and nutrition experts Pillar will offer private memberships for locals in the know.   Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences (Mid 2023)   The first Raffles hotel in North America will open its doors this year, bringing a new level of elegance, glamour and adventure to the historic city of Boston. Located in the prestigious Back Bay neighborhood, the luxurious hotel features a stunning three-story sky lobby that is the first of its kind in the city. The distinctive 35-story building offers a unique collection of 147 guestrooms and 146 residences, with pied-a-terre suites, one- to three-bedroom homes and magnificent penthouses.   Raffles at Galaxy Macau (Mid 2023)   A stunning addition to the Galaxy Macau™, a world-class luxury integrated resort, Raffles at Galaxy Macau will introduce a new level of sophistication and refinement to Macau. Each of the 450 suites is designed as a luxurious modern palazzo, with Samsung The Frame Hospitality in every room and the brand’s famed Raffles Butlers providing discreet bespoke service.   Domaine De La Reine Margot - MGallery (Mid 2023)   Guests will find a welcoming sense of refinement here in the heart of the Jardin des Quiétudes, at the gates of Paris. The historic 17th century monument was originally the home of Queen Marguerite de Valois. Revived by esteemed designer Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the new Domaine De La Reine Margot - MGallery blends old-world splendor with contemporary chic. A sumptuous spa allows guests to indulge in moments of self-care, while a vegetable garden and orchard provide abundant outdoor beauty.   Sofitel Shanghai North Bund (Late 2023)   French art de vivre will shine brightly at the stunning 25-story landmark hotel, featuring 300 opulent guest rooms and suites with outstanding views of the famous Shanghai skyline. Guests will adore the rooftop bar, certain to become a Bund hotspot, with its sweeping river views. Modern French style infuses the hotel experience here, with Club Millésime, a lavish Sofitel Spa and an ultramodern Sofitel Fitness gym.   MontAzure Lakeside Phuket – MGallery (Late 2023)   The first MGallery Residences in Thailand will overlook the turquoise waters and lush greenery of Phuket’s Kamala Beach. The exquisite, boutique style resort invites residents into a private community of 236 spacious studios and one-bedroom residences surrounded by gardens, lakes, and cascading fountains. MGallery’s signature sense of well-being and everyday self-care is part of the experience, with a relaxation pavilion, jogging track, yoga platform, fitness center, clubhouse, nature trail, family-friendly pool area, as well as a stylish restaurant and delightful pool bar.   Lifestyle Hotels (Ennismore)   Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. It curates and manages unique properties and experiences in some of the most exciting destinations around the world. Accor  and Ennismore    entered a joint venture in 2021 to create the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company. Next year, Ennismore is currently on course to open over 30 hotels and branded residences – continuing this year’s trend of opening a new hotel on average every two weeks.   Maison Delano Paris (Early 2023)   Located in the heart of the ultra-chic 8th Arrondissement, Maison Delano Paris is an oasis within the bustling city. Occupying an 18th century courtyard building at 4 Rue d’Anjou, this is a place to experience exceptional and exclusive culinary concepts by three-star Michelin Chef Dani García, a fresh perspective on wellness and hyper-exclusive curated moments.   Mama Shelter Rennes (Early 2023)   Centrally located just a few steps from Place des Lices and the famous rue de la Soif, Mama Shelter Rennes will be home to the first ever Mama Skin Spa. Disrupting Rennes’ hospitality scene with an entirely new offering, the hotel will have 119 bedrooms, five workshops, a restaurant, swimming pool, several karaoke rooms as well as the city’s first rooftop bar with sweeping views of medieval towers.   SO/ Uptown Dubai (Early 2023)   The first of its kind in the Middle East, SO/ provides a world of avant-garde fashion and style. Located in the landmark Uptown Tower, an architectural marvel inspired by the shape and light reflections of a diamond, SO/ Uptown Dubai will house destination restaurants and bars, a sublime spa and swimming pool, and a standout ballroom, alongside 188 stylish guestrooms. An exclusive collection of 229 private residences will also be available, including one, two and three-bedroom apartments as well as four-bedroom duplexes, all with uninterrupted views across the city’s spectacular skyline.   21c Museum Hotel St. Louis (Early 2023)   The historic 10-story Renaissance Revival landmark of St. Louis is entering a new era. 21c is breathing new life into the century-old building with contemporary art filled spaces, community-focused cultural programming, locally sourced food and beverage, and of course, world leading hospitality. Honoring the building’s roots as a former YMCA site, 21c St. Louis will also feature a full-service athletic and swim club.   TRIBE Bangkok Sukhumvit 39 (Early 2023)   The Social Hub is at the heart of TRIBE Bangkok Sukhumvit 39. Comfortable and functional by design, it is also home to a café with grab-and-go snacks, barista coffees by day, and signature cocktails by night. Every detail is considered to create a stylish and smart home away from home. Whether to stay fit or to relax, TRIBE guests can enjoy the gym, swimming pool, and Onsen spa.     Mondrian Singapore (Early 2023)   Located in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Duxton Hill, a stone’s throw from the city’s Central Business District, Mondrian Singapore is nestled among the trendiest cafes, world-class eateries and bars, art galleries and independent boutiques. Rising above the historic and colorful Chinatown shophouses, the hotel is set to have some of the best views of the glittering city skyline.   Rixos Qetaifan Island, Doha (Mid 2023)   Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the new Rixos Qetaifan Island resort offers endless fun for all ages. The hotel’s Rixy Kids Club will provide a happy place where children can do arts & crafts, make friends, and have fun. Adults will enjoy the ultimate relaxing holiday with traditional Turkish hammam and luxurious spa treatment rooms, the Exclusive Sports Club, and evening entertainment with world-class live performances.   The Hoxton, Charlottenburg (Mid 2023)   The Hoxton will be located in Charlottenburg in West Berlin; an area loved for its eclectic dining scene and antique stores, and just a few minutes from the popular Kurfürstendamm shopping area. Settling into a former hotel, the brand’s first German outpost has been transformed with the help of AIME Studios, Ennismore’s in-house design studio. Taking inspiration from the neighborhood – which was at the heart of the city’s creative rebirth during Berlin’s Golden Twenties era – the hotel’s 234 rooms will be decked out in Art Nouveau-inspired forms, expressive design details and soft, muted tones.   Mondrian and Hyde Ibiza (Mid 2023)   Heading to the beautiful island of Ibiza for the first time in the summer of 2023 will be two of Ennismore’s brands – Mondrian and Hyde. Both hotels will be located on the south-east side of the island, in the picturesque Cala Llonga Bay with wide sandy beaches and pine-clad hills on either side. Mondrian Ibiza will be home to 154 rooms, whilst Hyde Ibiza will have 409. Across the two properties, there will be nine restaurants and bars, including a beach club, all curated by Ennismore’s F&B concept studio, Carte Blanched.   More Brands, More Hotels, More Markets   The hotly anticipated hotels mentioned above provide a starry-eyed glimpse into Accor’s 2023 plans in the luxury and lifestyle categories. Overall, the company will open hundreds of new hotels and resorts around the world, throughout its growing portfolio of 40+ brands. Here are just a few more samples to whet those travel appetites.   EUROPE   greet hotel Paris Hippodrome De Vincennes (Early 2023)   greet hotels are advocates of the “do good, feel good” mindset – where good actions fuel good feelings. At greet hotel Paris Hippodrome De Vincennes, guests will experience a unique hospitality and eco-design experience, starting with a charming welcome drink and freshly baked treats from local shop owners. In the comfy social areas, guests meet, play board games, and hang out amid the great vibe and cheerfully upcycled furnishings.   ibis Styles Copenhagen Ørestad, Denmark (Early 2023)   ibis Styles debuts in Denmark this winter. The new hotel is designed to combine urban living with the serenity of nature; two themes brought to life in the hotel’s design in stark and brilliant contrast. The stylish design-led hotel is ideally located within the vibrant island Amager district near Copenhagen city center. Situated within the popular Nest45 project, the hotel is nestled within an eye-catching hub of offices and small businesses.     Swissôtel Tbilisi, Georgia (Mid 2023)   The first Swissôtel in Georgia will be located in the heart of the Tbilisi Old Town. Guests will benefit from its prime location in Tbilisi’s city center, close to the National Gallery and House of Parliament, in close proximity to three city parks and key sights. The interior design by the Sundukovy Sisters is distinguished by floral motifs and decorative elements, creating an oasis of calm and nature. The opulent rooftop restaurant and bar on the 7th floor offers mesmerizing views of the city.   Pullman Okol Resort Golf & Spa, Bulgaria (Mid 2023)   Pullman debuts in Bulgaria in 2023. The 140-bedroom hotel and 40 branded residences are situated just 30 km southeast of Sofia city and only 20 minutes away from one of the biggest ski resorts in Bulgaria – Borovets. Surrounded by beautiful parkland, Pullman Okol Golf Resort & Spa is part of the OKOL Lake Park project on the edge of Iskar Lake, to the southeast of Sofia. The hotel’s design is inspired by the surrounding nature and Bulgarian cultural heritage.   Adagio London Whitechapel (Late 2023)   For guests who desire the helpful services of a hotel and the freedom to live like a local in a neighborhood apartment, Adagio offers an easy balance of both. Designed for longer stays, the 147 serviced apartments on Whitechapel Road in East London will provide one or two-bedroom apartments, complete with kitchens. Lively common areas create a welcoming, convivial atmosphere that encourages new connections.   Swissôtel Resort Kolasin, Montenegro (Late 2023)   The first Accor property in Montenegro will be located at 1600 meters above sea level amidst picturesque ski slopes. The 116-room hotel's design integrates with the natural ambiance, preserving the location and capturing the essence of Swissôtel’s natural vitality. An ideal base for winter sports fans, the new property is located within Kolasin’s K16 resort alongside the magnificent mountain range of Bjelasica - a perfect destination for those looking to hit the slopes.   THE AMERICAS   Novotel Mexico City Centro Historico (Late 2023)   Novotel, one of the world’s most well-known and trusted midscale hotel brands, is bolstering its presence in Mexico City with a fourth property – in the historic central district. At Novotel Mexico City Centro Historico, business travelers will clock out and rest up, while families soak up quality time together. From the welcoming, relaxed multipurpose social hub to the informal bar and the spacious rooms, every aspect of the hotel relies on elegant, modern design to create a warm, friendly atmosphere.   CHINA   Mövenpick by Accor, Qingdao (Late 2023)   This new twist on a classic brand is unique to China and will open its first hotel in the beautiful coastal city of Qingdao, in eastern Shandong Province – coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Mövenpick brand. Based on the well-known and beloved Mövenpick brand characteristics and Swiss heritage, Mövenpick by Accor will offer a China-specific adaptation of the brand – tailored to the interests, tastes, culture, and preferences of Chinese travelers.   Grand Mercure Living Chengdu & Grand Mercure Chengdu (Late 2023)   A charming and inviting experience awaits at the new Grand Mercure hotel in Chengdu and the first Grand Mercure Living residences in China. Travelers and homeowners alike will delight in Grand Mercure’s embrace of cultural traditions, locally influenced cuisine, and inspired artistic expression. Located within the Western Financial Innovation Center, hotel guests and residence owners will enjoy the convenience of being in the center of the action of the area’s business district, with the comfort of returning to Grand Mercure’s warm style of hospitality.   INDIA, MIDDLE EAST, ASIA, & AFRICA   Mercure Hotel Cairns (Early 2023)   Mercure will arrive in the coastal holiday hotspot of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland with the opening of Mercure Hotel Cairns. The new hotel emerges following a multi-million dollar refurbishment and rebrand. Surrounded and inspired by nature, Mercure Hotel Cairns comprises 75 spacious guestrooms and a new modern Australian restaurant serving the finest local produce.   Pullman Singapore Hill Street (Mid 2023)   This 342-room hotel will be Singapore’s first Pullman, flaunting a prime location on Hill Street, in the civic and cultural heart of the city. Attracting progressive thinkers and global travelers, the hotel’s rooftop bar and executive lounge offer inspiring views over Fort Canning, the Singapore River, and St Andrew’s Cathedral. The vibrant lobby is a fluid space for work, play, and connecting with others, while the expansive health and fitness center and pool provide innovative experiences for well-being.   ibis Styles Bangkok Twin Towers (Mid 2023)   The largest ibis Styles hotel in the world will bring its creative and playful energy to the center of Bangkok, just steps away from the business district, shopping and favorite tourist spots such as MBK, Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery. With more than 600 uniquely designed guestrooms, the trendy and economical hotel will offer three restaurants, meeting rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, and spa – along with joyful little extras to make every stay feel personal and special.   Novotel New Delhi City Centre (Mid 2023)   For travelers looking to relax and unwind, Novotel New Delhi City Centre offers a calm place to enjoy a bit of downtime in the midst of the busy city. Guests can enjoy a cup of signature tea while taking time to enjoy a moment to themselves, or quality time with their loved ones. From the modern guestrooms to the lively social hub and kid-friendly family zone, Novotel is all about contemporary, comfortable and intuitive spaces that allow travelers to make time for what matters most.   Mercure Tokyo Haneda (Late 2023)   The new Mercure Tokyo Haneda will be a sister hotel to the Mercure Tokyo Ginza, providing a charming, dynamic and locally authentic experience of Tokyo. Mercure social hubs offer an all-day-dynamic with flexible places to eat, drink, socialize or work, while the hotel’s common areas and guestrooms are inspired by local Japanese culture and design aesthetics.   Pullman Nairobi Upper Hill (Mid 2023)   Pullman, a pioneering brand with a legacy of hospitality innovation, is delighted to offer a new destination among the bustling vibe of Upper Hill in Nairobi. The new Pullman hotel will offer inspiring views of the city’s skyline, with convenient proximity to the city’s financial district, corporate offices, and international embassies. Guests will enjoy sipping sundowners while gazing over the famous African horizon or set out early to discover the wonders of a Kenyan safari at nearby Nairobi National Park.