Continuing its rapid expansion in Asia, Accor has
signed management agreements for three hotels, including two new
Sofitels in China and plans to launch its four-star Novotel brand
in Kuala Lumpur next year.
Sofitel Guangzhou will be Accor’s first Sofitel in
one of southern China’s main commercial hubs. Located in the city’s
central business district, the 470-room, 28-story hotel will be
part of a one-block development that will include an adjacent
60-story office building.
The hotel is scheduled to open in late 2007 with
three restaurants, two bars, a business center, an indoor swimming
pool, rooftop tennis court, Sofitel Club Floors and Executive
Lounge, library, Cafe Lenotre and patisserie, Le Spa wellness
complex and ballroom plus pre-function area.
Sofitel Sheshan Resort Shanghai will be in
Songjiang District, 20 minutes from Hongqiao Airport, and is also
scheduled to open in late 2007. The 318-room hotel will feature
Tuscan-influenced design and decor, indoor and outdoor swimming
pools featuring lagoons and waterfalls, a fitness center, spa
complex, four tennis courts, two squash courts and indoor golf
driving range.
Accor also signed a management contract for the
52-room Pudi Boutique Hotel Fuxing Parc Shanghai, close to the
Yandang Pedestrian Street, set to open in January. The area is near
the former French Concession and is also within walking distance of
Xintiandi, one of Shanghai’s trendiest dining and entertainment
areas.
“These hotels will significantly expand our network
and product range in China,” said Brian Deeson, Accor senior vice
president, Asia Pacific, and chief executive, Greater China.
The expansion of Accor’s five-star Sofitel hotel
brand is part of broad development that will see Accor’s hotel
network double from 24 hotels to 50 by the end of 2007, including
more than 20 Sofitel hotels and resorts. This year, Accor opened
Sofitel hotels in Xian and Xiamen, with the Sofitel Zhongshan Golf
Resort Nanjing scheduled to open in December.
Accor also plans to launch its Novotel brand in
Kuala Lumpur next June in the middle of the city center and main
commercial and entertainment hub. The 286-room Novotel Hydro
Majestic Kuala Lumpur, across from the recently opened Kuala Lumpur
Convention Centre, is expected to appeal to both business and
leisure travelers.
The 26-story hotel is near Kuala Lumpur’s famed
Golden Triangle, the capital’s main tourist and shopping district
and the Bintang Walk, Malaysia’s version of Japan’s Ginza with
outdoor cafes and trendy shops.
The hotel will offer Biz Floors, including
personalized check in/out in the Biz Lounge that overlooks the city
center and Twin Towers. Dining and bar options include a
lower-lobby food court, Chinese restaurant, lobby lounge and The
Square, Novotel’s signature restaurant known for its interactive
cooking experience. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool,
fitness center and a spa wellness center.
“We believe the hotel will be among Malaysia’s
finest four-star hotels in one of the city’s most prestigious
locations,” said Michael Issenberg, Accor managing director, Asia
Pacific. “The Malaysia economy is booming and tourist arrivals are
at a high, so Accor believes the timing couldn’t be better to enter
the market.”