Here’s a look at the latest hotel and resort openings around the world

February 10, 2023 No Comments

A look at the latest hotel and resort news from fresh renovations to brand new properties and noteworthy packages. 

Hotel La Compañía, The Unbound Collection

With the opening of its American Wing, Hotel La Compañía, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt’s first property in Central America, has completed the final phase of the hotel’s seven-year restoration.

The new addition houses four of the hotel’s food and beverage outlets and completes the hotel’s creation as a living museum. Guests can catch a glimpse into the American period of the Panama Canal construction. The hotel opened in Panama’s Casco Antiguo in April 2022 and is deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While the main section of the hotel dates back to a 17th century Jesuit convent, the Beaux-Art era design of the American Wing is Hotel La Compañía’s youngest building, originally a high-end department store called American Bazaar in 1904. The American Wing’s 23 guestrooms reflect a vintage-era inspiration from the early 20th century with elegant wainscoting panels accentuated with a timeless black and white photo wall.

NUMU Boutique Hotel

For clients heading to the picturesque destination of San Miguel de Allende, NUMU Boutique Hotel is now open.

The hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, features 44 luxury guestrooms including four suites, with each room boasting a private terrace or balcony overlooking either the interior garden or the surrounding cobblestone streets.

The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, Maura, mesa de sal, offers southeastern Mexico cuisine with panoramic views of the city. Bar El Caminero is the hotel’s lobby bar, is home of the signature cocktail, “San Miguel”, with London Dry Gin, hoja santa, yellow chartreuse and tonic water. 

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site, San Miguel de Allende is known for its rich culture and architecture with brightly coloured doors, private courtyards, plazas and centuries of history.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort

One Happy Island is home to a new Hilton property. Guests can now check into Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, an all-suite resort located six miles from the Queen Beatrix International Airport.

Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort features 330 two-room suites, with a contemporary design inspired by Aruba’s iconic beaches. Rooms sleep up to six guests and are available as two queens or one king bed, with the living area offering extra seating and a sleeper sofa.

Dining areas offer a wet bar outfitted with a microwave, mini-fridge and coffee maker to create the perfect homebase to socialize with family and friends. Most rooms offer balconies, designed to enjoy the expansive views of the ocean, nature or pool.

citizenM Chicago Downtown  

Chicago bound travellers can now check into citizenM Chicago Downtown, a 280-room hotel that opened its doors in the last quarter of 2022. The hotel is situated between the Riverwalk and Millennium Park within a 47-story tower which also includes 289 residential units and 25,000 square feet of retail space.

The hotel facade features a commissioned piece by Illinois-born, New York-based Nina Chanel Abney, whose artwork also appears in the entrance. The hotel has a 24/7 gym and three societyM meeting rooms, which are available for half- and full-day bookings to both guests and the public, and rooms feature XL beds.

A giant spa just opened in one of Ontario’s most touristy destinations

February 8, 2023 No Comments

The newly reimagined and revitalized 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, has unveiled The Spa at Q.

The tranquil environment houses a welcome centre and boutique, relaxation lounge, treatment rooms, fitness centre, restorative Himalayan salt room, and a regenerative hydrotherapy circuit unlike anything else in the Niagara region.

The spa is finished with simple forms and a natural palette offering an ethereal softness throughout, framed by sunlight pouring in from an expansive skylight above.

Roman bathing 

The Spa at Q’s wellness formula is rooted in the modern age while respecting traditions of centuries past. The star attraction is an expansive Wellness Hydrotherapy Circuit that reproduces the time-honoured concept of caldarium (hot), tepidarium (warm), and frigidarium (cool).

Guests are self-guided through the therapeutic circuit starting in the hot plunge pool and moving to the sensory shower, which cycles through four types of water pressure infused with light and aromatherapy. The cedar-lined sauna is next, followed by a cooling plunge in the warm pool. Next, is the eucalyptus steam room and the spectacular (and frigid) snow room, where the circuit concludes. 

The hydrotherapy circuit is an effective treatment on its own ($95/120 minutes) or as an add-on to an existing massage or facial experience ($45). 

Recovery and restoration

The Spa at Q offers a soothing journey of self-discovery and transformation, where everything can be personalised to each guest’s needs. Beyond the hydrotherapy circuit are 12 treatment rooms for facials and experience massages infused with rose quartz, hot stones, and hyperbaric oxygen.

Two rooms have been specially for ultra-luxurious and therapeutic wet treatments like the luminous Celestial Black Diamond Sculpting Treatment ($450/90 minutes). The signature treatment room is outfitted with a private infrared sauna designed specifically for couples to enjoy prior to their massage. The space offers a stunning Tuscan-vibe and is stocked with refreshing drinks and outfitted with massage tables dressed in warm blankets to create the ultimate escape from the everyday.  

A beautiful sanctuary dedicated to pampering hands and feet with premium manicures and pedicures is prominently placed to the side of the welcome centre. In the relaxation lounge, comfortable chairs beckon guests to sit back and be soothed. Complimentary fresh pressed ginger and turmeric shots, premium tea, coffee, and infused water are available. 

Mindful menus

Mindfully prepared menus reflect the guiding principles of natural ingredients, local and sustainable, less is more. Ingredients are influenced by the seasons while being themed to the abundant goodness that the Niagara region is famed for. Joy McCarthy, founder of Joyous Health, a certified holistic nutritionist and best-selling cookbook author has contributed signature recipes that will be featured.
 

The salt room

Rounding out the spa’s dynamic offerings, the salt room is another healing space that wows. The room’s detoxifying effects can help reduce symptoms of various respiratory illnesses and skin conditions, and reduce inflammation. The space will host sound bath meditations, private massages, yoga classes, and more.

Looking ahead to next summer, a serene outdoor space outfitted with cabanas, a yoga lounge, gardens and more will debut, adding additional layers to the overall wellness experience. 

 

Hyatt brand to debut in Tokyo mid-2024

February 8, 2023 No Comments

Slated to open by mid-2024, Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will have 126 rooms and will be an ideal mid- to long-stay living accommodation situated just steps away from the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will mark the entry of the Hyatt House brand in Tokyo, further demonstrating Hyatt’s intentional brand growth in the Asia Pacific region.

Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will make guests feel genuinely at home with an elevated, spacious, and perfectly self-sufficient experience close to offices and commercial facilities in Shibuya. The Sakuragaoka area, just southwest of the Shibuya station where the hotel will be located, is being redeveloped as part of a major transformation of the Shibuya district, one of Tokyo’s most popular areas for entertainment, shopping, fashion, and dining. The area’s diverse new urban facilities will enhance Tokyo’s international competitiveness and create an ideal living and working environment for overseas guests.

Feel at home

Each of the hotel’s 126 spacious guestrooms, ranging in size from approximately 344 to 915 square feet (32 to 85 square meters), will offer home-like amenities including a well-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, plush bed, and cozy living room. The lobby will face an airy rooftop garden and the property will feature an indoor swimming pool, lounge, H Bar, and restaurant.

In addition, Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya’s communal space, fitness room, and other facilities will be designed to appeal to modern, self-sufficient travelers who appreciate relaxing, socializing and working as if they were at home.

Once open, Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya will be the second Hyatt House-branded property in Japan, joining Hyatt House Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture, as well as a global portfolio of more than 125 locations worldwide.

Venture Ashore reveals three new Alaska trips

February 6, 2023 No Comments

Venture Ashore is offering three new tour experiences, further extending the company’s portfolio of experiential shore excursions for the first time in the Alaskan region. 

Part of the company’s “Essential Collection,” these expertly curated itineraries are designed to give great value at an affordable price, featuring the highlights of Alaska including a trolley tour of Ketchikan, a Skagway Yukon sled dog experience led by former Iditarod mushers, and a whale-watching cruise with an up-close visit of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier.  

Curated trips

Venture Ashore’s “Essential Collection” excursions provide individually curated compilations of the must-see and do experiences in top cities around the world, maximizing cruise guests’ time ashore at a great value with multi-port package discounts in destinations from Barcelona to Venice and Cape Town to Cartagena.  

“The demand for affordable shore excursions in Alaska has never been higher and that’s why we expanded our portfolio and designed these experiences as an absolute must-do with our on-the-ground teams. Savvy cruise travelers can now experience the best Alaska has to offer in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan with our Essential Collection experiences and take advantage of great value with our multi-port packages,” said Rinat Glinert, chief operating officer, Venture Ashore.  “We are looking forward to kicking off the year by delivering our guests the best itineraries at the best prices with the best opportunities, including seeing salmon streams, waterfalls, rainforests, and beaches—all in just one state!” 

Venture Ashore is part of the portfolio of brands under City Experiences, a leading provider of world-class experiential travel offerings.  Through its vibrant, personally curated offerings and personal connectivity, City Experiences delivers guests with an amazing experience, all provided through their own unmatched Crew and expert Tour Guides.  

Earlier this year, nine new Venture Ashore experiential tours from WALKS and Devour Tours were added to the “Essential Collection,” ranging from offerings available in Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Civitavecchia, Rome and Venice, Italy. 

About Venture Ashore

Venture Ashore offers a wide range of tour offerings to satisfy a variety of groups, interests and budgets.  Parties of 12 or more can take advantage of a dedicated groups service, with a team of personal specialists to support a seamless experience from start to finish for a unique and tailor-made itinerary.  Venture Ashore also offers extensive private tours and features small group tours, varying by destination and demand, accommodating up to 25 people or as few as 6.  Venture Ashore provides guests with a worry-free travel experience with more flexibility and generous policies such as full refunds provided up to 24 hours prior to the excursion, 24/7 customer service and a “back-to-ship” guarantee.

City Experiences is a leading provider of world-class experiential travel offerings, redefining how guests see the world with expanded one-of-a-kind travel experiences across major global destinations.  Part of the Hornblower Group, a global leader in experiences and transportation, 

City Experiences delivers a vast array of water and land-based experience offerings in top cities around the world including Barcelona, Boston, Chicago, London, New York City, Paris, Rome, and San Francisco, amongst others. 

Experiences are available at ventureashore.com/essential-collection.

 

Luxury Toronto hotel shows off new upgraded suites

February 3, 2023 No Comments

W Toronto has unveiled  three premium suite categories, joining the Yorkville hotspot’s sophisticatedly playful guest room lineup.

Designed by global creative agency, Sid Lee, the new suites at W Toronto continue the hotel’s celebration of the city’s iconic street and performance art scenes, cultural diversity, and legacy of non-conformity.   

“Since our debut last summer, W Toronto has been welcoming guests from all over the world who are in search of the unique and unexpected when it comes to a luxury-lifestyle hotel stay,” said Perry Pisani, Director of Sales & Marketing. “From our striking guest rooms to our wildly popular rooftop bar, we have delivered and are now raising the stakes even higher with a collection of suites that will take a stay at W Toronto to the next level.”

Playful interior designs

Perfect for entertaining or simply an extraordinary hotel stay, the six new suites at W Toronto are available now for booking. All offer a nod to old Toronto glamour while celebrating the neighbourhood’s counterculture past and modern day, illustrious theatre district.

Each suite features theatrical design elements – from shimmery tassel curtains and lighting adorning each plush, velvet bed frame to rich jewel tones that make every guest feel as though they are centre- stage.

Other touches include artwork and biophilia inside each room that embrace the city’s juxtaposition of nature with the man-made metropolis. Examples include fashion-forward 3D black and silver metallic faces and painted panels inspired by nature in hues of light pink and purple. Each bed also features “I Miss You”, a pillow featuring original art by local artist Julia Mercanti, illustrating the desire for human connection. Lastly, all suites feature spacious living spaces for gatherings, intimate events (or a good old private dance party) as well as a fully stocked MIXBAR (minibar) flanked by a gold orb designed to showcase drinks for guests.

Suite categories

Extreme WOW Suites (Presidential) 

Two, 1,765 square foot bi-level suites featuring a bedroom, workspace and spacious, spa-inspired bathroom on the second level with round soaker tub and a shower for two. With city views, the E-WOW Suites include an expanded living room space, a dining table for eight and a full kitchenette complete with an oversized MIX Bar for entertaining.

WOW Suites (Vice Presidential) 

Facing both the city and the courtyard (for prime people watching), the two, 1,090 square foot WOW Suites feature an expansive entertaining and dining space; a separate bedroom where the bed is flanked with dramatic, shimmery tassel curtains for peek-a-boo style privacy and a spa-inspired bathroom with jet and rainfall showers (with one WOW featuring a soaker tub).

Amplified Studio Suites 

Featuring a large, open-concept bedroom and living space with plenty of plush seating – perfect for a cocktail hour with friends – the two, 667 sq. ft Amplified Studio Suites also feature workspaces, bathrooms with dual vanities and rainfall showers.

 

Viking adds a new ship for Seine River sailings

February 1, 2023 No Comments

Viking will welcome a new Viking Longship purpose-built for the Seine River to its fleet in 2025.

Sailing Viking’s popular eight-day Paris and the Heart of Normandy itinerary, the new ship will be identical to the four Viking Longships for the Seine which were welcomed to the company’s fleet in 2022, the Viking Fjorgyn, Viking Kari, Viking Radgrid and Viking Skaga. 

All five ships are built specifically to navigate the Seine River and bring guests to the heart of Paris with an exclusive docking location at Port de Grenelle, just a short walk from the Eiffel Tower.

Popular cruises

“The Paris and the Heart of Normandy itinerary continues to be popular with our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We are excited to expand our offerings in this region and welcome even more guests on board to explore this incredible part of the world rich in history and culture.”

Hosting 168 guests in 84 staterooms, Viking’s Seine Longships feature an Aquavit Terrace, a wide variety of stateroom choices, and onboard solar panels, as well as Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic. The Viking Longships on the Seine are equipped for shore power to reduce reliance on fuel while in port, and leverage hybrid technology with large-scale battery packs.

Sailing roundtrip from Paris, guests on Viking’s Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary explore Giverny and visit the beautiful gardens and charming farmhouse where Claude Monet lived and worked; trace the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen; walk hallowed ground at Normandy’s American Military Cemetery and World War II beaches; and savor Normandy cuisine. This eight-day voyage along the Seine River celebrates history, art, food and customs in the country’s most dazzling urban and pastoral settings.

One of Arizona’s top resorts is being rebranded this summer

January 30, 2023 No Comments

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is rebranding the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch to Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa in late 2024, which will mark the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona.

The hotel’s ownership group, Xenia Hotels and Resorts, plans to invest approximately $110 million to fully transform the property into a Grand Hyatt hotel, creating a bold, vibrant and elevated experience for guests.

The resort will undergo extensive renovations and enhancements of its guest rooms, pools, food and beverage outlets, well-known Spa Avania and fitness centre and key public areas and amenities, including the expansion of the hotel’s indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces.

Renovations starting this summer

Renovation of Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is expected to begin in early summer 2023 in a phased approach with an anticipated completion in late 2024. The hotel will remain in operation during the renovation process – minimizing impact to the guest experience as much as possible.

Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort & Spa will offer guests unparalleled service and spectacular experiences surrounded by the majestic McDowell Mountains, celebrating the best of what the destination has to offer. 

About the resort

The 27-acre resort is situated in the heart of one of Scottsdale’s most prestigious areas, offering one of the most exciting 2.5-acre water playgrounds in Arizona and top-rated golf courses in the southwest with an array of activities to enjoy and experience.

The property recently completed enhancements to the grand entryway, which now features a one-of-a-kind sculptural installation, designed and created by artist and architect Paolo Soleri. Additionally, guests can enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran landscape at the new Desert Garden event venue, available for weddings, meetings and social activities.

To learn more about the Grand Hyatt brand, please visit grandhyatt.com. For more information, please visit hyattregencyscottsdale.com.

 

Here’s what Canadian travellers can expect in 2023

January 27, 2023 No Comments

CheapOair.ca has looked into its crystal ball to share some of the top trends that Canadian travellers need to be aware of in the coming year.

The tourism industry rebounded in 2022, reaching 70% of its pre-pandemic levels globally, however, the year was not without its own challenges, as travellers were met with staffing issues, long airport waits, and cancelled flights.

Will travel in 2023 continue to bring new challenges and opportunities? Taking into consideration the continuing inflation, fluctuating fuel costs, and global instability, CheapOair.ca anticipates that 2023 will see further surprises for travellers.

Here are some of the top travel expectations that Canadians should be aware of:

New Domestic and International Flight Routes: Let’s start with some good news: a number of domestic and international airlines are planning to add new national and transatlantic routes to their schedule.

United, Air Canada and Porter are a few of the airlines that have already announced new routes and increased flight frequency. The increase is, in part, due to markets reopening and travel demand recovering particularly with stronger demand for transatlantic flights.

Daniel Hayter, Senior Product Manager for CheapOair.ca, noted that: “We are seeing more airlines be aggressive in launching and promoting new in-demand routes, which help give more options to consumers. With over 500 airline partners, CheapOair.ca will be on the forefront of offering these routes for eager Canadian travellers.”

Rising Airline and Airport Fees: Forecasts for 2023 show that travellers might want to prepare for slightly more expensive flights and fees for the new year. Despite the new routes and frequency listed above, airfare prices are expected to rise moderately for North American flights and further for international destinations. The expected airfare price rises can also be attributed to inflation, rising fuel costs and capacity issues.

In fact, Toronto Pearson International Airport announced that starting Jan. 1, 2023, it was increasing its aeronautical rates and airport improvement fee (AIF), which could impact the cost of flight tickets further.

Hayter observed: “With the light recession being predicted for early 2023 and the continuing inflation, it stands to reason that rising costs would trickle down to travellers.”

And he continued: “To combat rising flight costs, CheapOair.ca offers our Price Match Promise. If consumers find a lower price (including taxes and fees) for the same flight itinerary offered by and available for booking on a major competing online travel agency (OTA) web site the same day of their booking, CheapOair.ca will match that lower price by refunding the difference in price.”

European Travel Visa Requirements in Late 2023: As of Nov. 23 2023, Canadian citizens will be required to complete a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) application prior to boarding any aircraft, sea carrier, or coach vehicle headed for Europe – this includes travellers who will be passing through or connecting through Europe enroute to their final destination outside of Europe.

ETIAS is being implemented to pre-screen visa-exempt travellers travelling to any of the over 22 Schengen member destinations including France, Germany, Spain and Italy, and 4 non-European Union countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The decision has received unanimous support from all the EU member countries. Further information on ETIAS and the application form can be found at https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-form-application

Said Hayter: “What this means for Canadians is whether you are planning to travel to or even just connect through Europe, you will need to apply for ETIAS and go through the security screening process in advance. While this may seem like a hurdle for travel planners, it is important to note that this will be mandatory.”

Go to www.CheapOair.ca for more.

Glamping in the Grand Canyon is now possible with this new resort

January 25, 2023 No Comments

Located minutes from the rim of Grand Canyon West and set amidst a spectacular Western landscape, the all-new Grand Canyon Glamping Resort offers an array of luxury camping accommodations, including covered wagons, tents and tipis.

In addition, the destination features on-site dining from a gourmet food truck as well as outdoor activities such as helicopter, horseback and ATV tours.

Situated approximately two hours from Las Vegas, the resort provides the only glamping experience and one of the only overnight accommodations options in the vicinity of Grand Canyon West. With its direct views of the Grand Canyon rim, the Glamping Resort combines the authenticity of an outdoor camping experience located next to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with all of the comforts of a luxury resort.

Every tent, wagon and tipi comes outfitted with plush bedding, heating and air conditioning and WiFi.  A full bathroom with a shower is also featured in the wagons; nearby restrooms are available with other lodging options.

Sleep up to six guests

Wagons are spaciously designed to accommodate up to six guests and feature enough room for a king-size bed plus a futon or two bunk beds. Tipis can accommodate up to six guests and also feature a king-size bed plus a futon or bunk bed for ultimate comfort. Lastly, each glamping tent can accommodate up to six guests and includes a futon bed that unstacks for two individuals or combines for couples. 

To offer added convenience for guests, the resort provides delicious, hot meals prepared in its gourmet food truck. Staple items include breakfast burritos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, ribeye, filet and grilled chicken from the grill. Guests can also add a gourmet chef to their experience for an additional cost. During the evenings, guests can take in the breathtaking stargazing opportunities outside next to firepits.

All about adventure

From families with young children to outdoor enthusiasts, the resort features a growing list of world-class adventures departing directly from the lodging area. Each adventure can be added separately to a resort stay, or all three activities can be bundled together for the ultimate Grand Canyon experience. Select adventures include lunch. Current activities available at the resort include:

Helicopter Tours 

Helicopter tours take passengers on a 20-minute flight directly over the Grand Canyon, flying 4,000 feet above the majestic Colorado River. As the helicopter descends 2,500 feet, guests will find themselves in between the walls of the canyon for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. All guests ages 2 and under will sit on the lap of a parent/guardian; children over 2 will sit in their own seat. This experience can be added to a resort stay for an additional $175 per person.

Horseback Riding Tours 

On horseback riding adventures, guests will take in the beautiful scenic mountains with views of the Grand Canyon West Rim. Visitors can enjoy the 1-hour horseback ride for $150 per person. The horseback ride includes a group tour into magnificent wildlife habitats and adventures through exciting ranch terrain. No experience is necessary, but all riders must be a minimum of 7 years old. In addition, private group horseback experiences, including optional overnight adventures, are available. Private rides may be customized to include rodeo events, horsemanship clinics, roping, team pinning events and other horse activities.

ATV Riding Tours 

This is the perfect tour for visitors looking for an exciting outdoor adventure in a short amount of time. In this motorized scenic tour, guests will ride through the Joshua Tree Forest while exploring a variety of terrain and spectacular views of the edge of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate. Resort guests can select a 1-hour ATV ride for $150 per person.

In addition, the Grand Canyon Glamping Resort also offers complimentary shuttle service from most Las Vegas Strip hotels for guests booking an add-on tour. Visitors strictly staying at the resort may also purchase round-trip transportation starting at $175.

Lodging in units without showers and restrooms begin at $149 per night on select weeknights. Busier weeknights and weekends start at $350 per day. For more information or to book a stay at the Grand Canyon Glamping Resort, visit grandcanyonglampingresort.com.

Accor launches new collection of bespoke hotels

January 23, 2023 No Comments

 Accor has announced an exciting new addition to the Group’s unparalleled network of brands: Handwritten Collection, a global portfolio of charming bespoke hotels that offer an intimate and stylish hospitality experience.

Accor already has more than 110 Handwritten leads globally totalling more than 11,500 rooms, including 12 secured signings, with five properties expected to debut throughout the first trimester of 2023. 

Handwritten Collection properties opening over the next several months include Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Handwritten Collection in Shanghai, China; Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa, Handwritten Collection in Saint Gervais, France; 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*, Handwritten Collection in Paris, France as well as properties in Bucharest, Romania and Madrid, Spain.

The Handwritten Collection portfolio is expected to reach more than 250 hotels by 2030.

With the creation of Handwritten Collection, Accor is broadening its unrivalled brand portfolio and midscale hotel offerings and will look to replicate the success it has achieved with the Group’s other collection brands across other segments. This includes the MGallery Hotel Collection, a storied portfolio in the upper upscale brand segment that now counts more than 100 boutique hotels worldwide and Emblems Collection, Accor’s first luxury collection brand, a carefully curated selection of distinctive hotels that are emblematic of their destination, designer or place in history. With a similar bespoke approach, Handwritten Collection will bring together hotels with individual personalities, intimately reflecting the character and warmth of the people who love and look after them. Like a handwritten note, each host’s individual touches will be subtly encountered at select moments throughout the guest journey. From a warm welcome that cascades into conversation, to freshly baked treats that have guests sneaking seconds into their pockets, no two hotels or stays will be the same.

A host with passion

Handwritten Collection offers a variety of hotels that are so distinct, it’s as if each local hotelier were inviting guests into their charming and stylish homes.

The guest experience at Handwritten Collection brings to life the spirit of the host: their tastes, their passions and the little quirks of their personality.

Each local hotelier provides a charming presence that weaves their character and personality into the fabric of their hotel, engaging guests with local wisdom and delightful conversation, bringing a personalized energy to the guest experience.

Designed for independent hoteliers

The Handwritten Collection is also designed with the needs of independent hotel owners in mind.

With a current conversion rate of 80 per cent, 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.

The brand’s standards are designed to be flexible, light, and easy to attain. 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.

Upcoming openings

Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Handwritten Collection, Shanghai, China Opening 19 January 2023 

Close to Sheshan National Park, Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental has over 124,000 square meters of landscaped gardens, including an outdoor beach pool for an unforgettable urban resort experience. Opening as the first Handwritten Collection hotel, the property offers a dedicated service team to set up and manage tea breaks and create bespoke dining experiences for guests.

Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa, Handwritten Collection, Saint Gervais, France
Opening 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 will also come to life throughout the guest experience in elements such as a library corner, Turkish coffee and herbal tea infusions available in the spa.

Wonil Hotel Perth, Handwritten Collection, Perth, Australia
Early 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.

Hotel Morris, Handwritten Collection, Sydney, Australia
Opening February 2023

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, Annecy, France
Opening 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.

Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre, Handwritten Collection, Toulouse, France
Opening May 2023

In the heart of the city’s historic center, on the most beautiful avenue, the Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Center invites guests to discover its charming and warm-hearted atmosphere. Originally built as a historic private mansion, this hotel elegantly combines the charm of the Toulouse brick vaults with modern comforts and new sustainable design elements.

Oru Hub Hotel, Handwritten Collection, Tallinn, Estonia
Opening May 2023

Located in the center of Tallinn in the historic old town and a short drive to the coast, Oru Hub Hotel boasts Yoga facilities and a Tea Room. After two years of major renovations, the hotel will launch a new guest experience concept combining leisure, work and food in a unique way.

Paris Montmartre Sacré Coeur*, Handwritten Collection, Paris, France
Opening Spring 2024

With a typical Parisian facade and boasting intimate and cozy rooms, the Paris Montmartre 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 and all it has to offer.

With a plan to grow the collection to 250 properties by 2030, Accor is actively seeking new properties to be part of Handwritten Collection in popular travel destinations across the globe.