Novotel, a global brand under Accor, has opened its newest property, Novotel Nara, in Japan. Located along the scenic Saho River, the hotel is just minutes away from Shin-Omiya and Nara Stations, providing a peaceful base for visitors exploring the city's cultural heritage.

The hotel offers 264 guest rooms, including executive suites, blending European modernity with traditional Japanese aesthetics. This combination creates a welcoming space for both business and leisure travelers to rejuvenate while experiencing Nara’s rich history.

Novotel Nara acts as a bridge between tourists and the local community. Its prime location allows easy access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering guests both relaxation and cultural exploration. The hotel aims to connect visitors with Nara’s hidden charms and historical sites, away from the busy city atmosphere.

For dining, guests can enjoy Trattoria Ponte Nara, an all-day restaurant featuring a "slow food" philosophy. The restaurant serves authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients from Nara, including pizzas crafted with spelt flour from Katsuragi City. Guests can dine in an open-air setting, enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring.

Novotel Nara also provides several leisure spaces, such as the Social Lounge, designed for teatime and socializing. The Rooftop Terrace offers seasonal activities with stunning views of cherry blossoms in spring or the Wakakusa Yamayaki fire in winter. Modern conference facilities and banquet rooms make it an ideal venue for meetings and events.

The hotel emphasizes wellness with a fully equipped fitness center, a public bath, and a wellness lounge that includes a children’s area, ensuring guests of all ages can relax and enjoy their stay.

As part of the Novotel Oceans Initiative, a partnership with WWF, the hotel is committed to sustainability. It aims to reduce plastic use, carbon emissions, and promote sustainable food choices. This initiative highlights Novotel Nara’s dedication to protecting the environment and contributing positively to both the local community and the planet.

Garth Simmons, Accor’s COO in Asia, commented “The opening of Novotel Nara marks a significant milestone for Accor as we continue to expand our footprint in Japan, a country with a rich heritage and a growing demand for quality accommodations. Nara, with its historical significance and cultural depth, is an ideal location for Novotel to provide an experience that combines modern comfort with a deep respect for local traditions. This opening underscores our commitment to contributing to the growth of Japan's tourism sector and offering memorable stays to travellers from around the world.”

Mercure Katowice Centrum, located in the heart of Katowice, Poland, represents a major step forward in eco-friendly hospitality. The hotel is a prime example of how Accor, a global hospitality leader, integrates sustainability into its design and operations. Accor has made sustainability central to its business, embedding eco-conscious choices throughout the hotel, from design to daily operations.

Upon entering Mercure Katowice Centrum, guests are greeted by an impressive facade featuring two green walls. The larger of these, at 260 square meters, holds nearly 7,000 plants, making it the largest green wall in the city. This green wall doesn’t just enhance the hotel's aesthetic—it also improves the local microclimate by reducing heat, producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and capturing pollutants. Additionally, the lobby features a mural by a local artist, created during the COP24 climate conference, further reinforcing the hotel's ecological commitment.

Mercure Katowice’s design concept, “Green & Clean,” extends far beyond its appearance. The hotel incorporates advanced sustainable technologies, including photovoltaic systems, energy-efficient distribution, rainwater collection, heat recovery systems, and electric vehicle charging stations. All 268 rooms are designed with natural materials and calming colors to provide a serene atmosphere while adhering to the hotel's eco-conscious vision.

Since opening in 2021, the hotel has earned several awards for its sustainability efforts. These include the Green Building Award from the Polish Green Building Association, LEED Platinum certification, and top honors at the MP Power Awards.

In addition to its sustainable design, Mercure Katowice Centrum actively engages with the local community. The hotel collaborates with local suppliers for food and beverage services and regularly participates in local environmental campaigns, such as city clean-ups. With its strong commitment to eco-friendly practices and community involvement, Mercure Katowice Centrum is a leader in sustainable hospitality, inspiring others to follow its path.

Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) and Rabbit Holdings, an affiliate of BTS Group, are set to transform Bangkok's historic landscape with their latest venture, The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok. Scheduled to open in 2026, this new luxury hotel will be situated in the vibrant Bang Rak District, alongside the Chao Phraya River, and will serve as a symbol of both heritage and modernity.

The centerpiece of this ambitious project will be the city's historic Customs House, an iconic building erected in 1888. This neo-Palladian structure, designed by the renowned architect Joachim Grassi, will undergo meticulous restoration to reclaim its former grandeur. The building, known for its distinctive teak floors, majestic central staircase, and impressive four-story hallway, has a rich history as a gateway to Thailand and has hosted numerous significant events, including royal gatherings.

Adjacent to the restored Customs House will be a former post office, which will be repurposed to house a range of luxury amenities. Additionally, a modern structure will be built to accommodate the hotel’s 78 guest rooms. This blend of historical restoration and contemporary design aims to create a unique hospitality experience that honors the past while embracing the future.

The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok will offer a range of signature elements synonymous with The Langham brand. Guests can look forward to dining at an outpost of T’ang Court, the acclaimed three Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant from The Langham, Hong Kong. The hotel will also feature a distinctive destination bar and an outlet dedicated to serving exquisite pastries. To enhance the guest experience, The Langham's renowned Chuan Spa will provide a variety of rejuvenating treatments and wellness services.

Rabbit Holdings aims to create a world-class hospitality destination while enhancing the cultural and economic significance of the Bang Rak area. Kavin Kanjanapas, Director of Rabbit Holdings, said, "We are thrilled to appoint Langham Hospitality Group to manage the property. The company’s dedication to creating timeless luxury hotels and demonstrated success in heritage conservation makes it the ideal partner to further our vision to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region and honour the rich cultural heritage of Customs House and the Bang Rak District."

The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok will include an outpost of The Langham, Hong Kong's three Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, T'ang Court, a bar, a pastry outlet, and The Langham's renowned Chuan Spa. This luxury experience will honor the heritage of old Siam, blending traditional Thai elements with Western architecture.

LHG CEO, Bob van den Oord, expressed excitement, noting, "The Langham, Customs House, Bangkok exemplifies our strategy of incorporating cultural preservation into hotel development while concurrently creating unparalleled experiences for guests and the communities in which we operate."

This project is part of LHG's commitment to heritage conservation, following other successful restorations like The Langham in Boston, Chicago, and Pasadena.