Oravel Stays, the parent company of OYO, has expanded its high-end hotel brand, Sunday, into the UK market. The brand's first UK property, Sunday Lansbury Heritage, is located in London’s Canary Wharf. The hotel is housed in a restored Grade-II listed building from 1628 and features 35 rooms, each with double-height ceilings and views of either the Canary Wharf skyline or the property's heritage gardens.

Room options at the hotel include the Octagonal Tower Chamber, offering 360-degree views of London’s skyline, and mezzanine rooms with split-level bathrooms and living areas. Guests also have access to a gym, spa, and an on-site restaurant.

Puneet Yadav, head of Oravel’s UK operations, stated, "The launch of Sunday Lansbury Heritage Hotel marks a significant milestone for Oravel Stays in the UK market – our data indicates a growing demand for premium, experience-driven accommodations. This strategic move allows us to tap into the luxury segment while maintaining our commitment to delivering value across all price points."

The Sunday brand was initially launched in May 2023 in India, as part of a joint venture between Softbank and Oravel Stays. The brand currently operates three properties in India, with plans to expand to 25 by March 2025. In addition to its presence in India and the UK, Oravel Stays has announced plans to bring the Sunday brand to Malaysia and the UAE.

In the UK, Oravel has also partnered with Sojo Stays to introduce Belvilla by OYO, a collection of over 300 high-end apartments and homes located in major cities across the country.

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.