Mercure Celebrates 1,000th Hotel Milestone as Global Expansi

Mercure Celebrates 1,000th Hotel Milestone as Global Expansion Continues

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 5, 2024

Mercure Hotels, part of Accor’s portfolio, has reached a major milestone with the opening of its 1,000th hotel worldwide. This achievement showcases Mercure’s growth and reinforces its position as a key midscale brand within Accor’s extensive collection. With a focus on authentic, locally inspired experiences, Mercure continues to play an essential role in Accor’s strategy of providing diverse lodging options that connect guests with their destinations.

The milestone was marked by recent openings across various global markets. New additions include Mercure London Earls Court in the U.K., which features 282 rooms infused with British pop culture themes; Mercure Chandigarh Tribune Chowk in India, blending modern amenities with local flair; and Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa in Japan, emphasizing relaxation and scenic beauty.

Jean-Jacques Morin, Accor’s Group Deputy CEO, highlighted the brand’s achievements, noting, “2024 has been a transformative year for Mercure. The opening of our 1,000th destination confirms the status of a brand that has one of the largest international midscale hotel portfolios. We look forward to seeing how far this attractive and energetic brand will go over the next fifty years.”

The Mercure brand has evolved significantly since the opening of its first hotel in Saint-Witz, France, in 1973. Acquired by Accor in 1975, Mercure expanded rapidly in Europe and internationally, reaching markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East by the 1990s. The brand celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023 by doubling down on its “Discover Local” program, which encourages guests to engage with local culture through specially curated experiences and regional culinary offerings.

Recent developments include Mercure's expansion in Asia, particularly in Japan and China. In Japan, the brand opened 11 new properties in 2024, such as Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa, showcasing the blend of tradition and modernity. In China, Mercure strengthened its presence with properties like Mercure Nantong Renmin Road, combining contemporary design with local influences.

Mercure's emphasis on local culture is evident in new openings such as Mercure Dubai Deira in the UAE, which offers 152 rooms and a rooftop pool, featuring locally inspired cuisine. In Europe, the Mercure London Earls Court integrates British cultural elements into its design, appealing to both tourists and locals.

Camil Yazbeck, Chief Development Officer for Accor's Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division, emphasized the brand’s strong partnerships, stating, “It is our valuable partnerships with Mercure hotel owners that fuel the brand’s dynamism and give life to a community of passionate hoteliers.”

Looking forward, Mercure has over 200 properties in development, reflecting the brand’s popularity and demand in the midscale hotel segment.

SaffronStays Introduces ‘X Series’—A New Benchmark in Ultra-Luxury Villas

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 22, 2025

Luxury travel in India just got an upgrade with SaffronStays’ new X Series, a curated collection of ultra-luxury villas designed to offer unparalleled experiences for milestone events. Whether it’s a landmark birthday, an intimate wedding, or a private getaway, these villas provide privacy, exclusivity, and tailor-made services, making each stay unforgettable.

Beyond Luxury: A New Experience in Private Stays

Unlike traditional luxury accommodations, the X Series focuses on creating lasting memories rather than just offering high-end lodging. Each villa is situated in a breathtaking location, combining architectural elegance, interior sophistication, and world-class hospitality.

"The growing demand for luxury stays in India has led us to introduce the X Series, designed to offer distinctive experiences and redefine the luxury stay concept for today’s travellers," says Devendra Parulekar, Founder of SaffronStays.

Signature Villas That Define Exclusivity

Every property in the X Series is a destination in itself, offering unique charm and character:

SaffronStays SATORI – A serene retreat overlooking Lake Mulshi, offering panoramic views and peaceful surroundings
SaffronStays Stella Maris – A stunning beach house near the Maharashtra-Goa border, perfect for seaside luxury and relaxation.
Seven Doors House – A restored 1932 Portuguese villa in Goa, blending heritage charm with modern indulgence.

Tailor-Made Luxury & Bespoke Services

Each villa is designed to offer a seamless fusion of comfort, elegance, and personalized hospitality, featuring:

Chef-curated gourmet meals
World-class amenities
Tranquil settings for relaxation
Exclusive privacy for intimate celebrations

With a commitment to quality and immersive experiences, SaffronStays’ X Series is set to redefine India’s luxury hospitality landscape, ensuring every stay is extraordinary and deeply personal.

InterGlobe Foundation Celebrates India's Cultural Legacy with 'Tangible Conversations, Intangible Heritage'

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 22, 2025

InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, has unveiled its annual 10-day exhibition, Tangible Conversations, Intangible Heritage, at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi. The event, inaugurated by Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, and Dr. Monica Banerjee, Head of InterGlobe Foundation, is a celebration of India's rich cultural legacy and the efforts of individuals dedicated to its preservation.

A Dialogue on Cultural Conservation

The exhibition launch featured an insightful panel discussion on Cultural Continuity: Conserving, Mapping, Documenting Heritage. Moderated by Ratish Nanda (CEO, Aga Khan Trust for Culture), the discussion brought together prominent voices in the field:

Laila Tyabji (Chairperson and Founder Member, DASTKAR)
Soity Banerjee (Journalist & Responsible Tourism Strategist)
Tara Sharma (Director, Jungwa Foundation)

The conversation emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring that India’s rich traditions continue to thrive for future generations.

An Immersive Heritage Experience

Tangible Conversations, Intangible Heritage serves as the annual showcase for the InterGlobe Heritage Fellowships, a program dedicated to exploring and documenting India's often-overlooked cultural treasures. The exhibition features:

Photographs & Photo Essays capturing India's diverse heritage
Artistic Installations showcasing tangible and intangible cultural assets
Community Engagement Initiatives focused on heritage preservation

With society, tangible heritage, and intangible heritage as its core themes, the exhibition aims to spark conversations about India's architectural marvels, craftsmanship, and traditions.

Public Access & Engagement

Venue: Sunken Gardens, Sunder Nursery, New Delhi
Dates: March 21 - March 30, 2025
Timings: 11 AM - 7 PM

Visitors can experience a visual and intellectual journey through India’s cultural landscape and gain a deeper appreciation of the country’s rich artistic and historical traditions.

A Vision for Heritage Preservation

Speaking at the event, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, shared:
"Through the InterGlobe Heritage Fellowships, we aim to empower individuals to explore and document hidden narratives, traditions, and craftsmanship. By celebrating the remarkable work of our Fellows, we hope to ignite a larger movement towards heritage preservation."

InterGlobe Foundation’s Commitment to Cultural Conservation

InterGlobe Foundation has been instrumental in several heritage conservation initiatives, including:

Restoration of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi
Cultural mapping of 14 cities under the ‘My City My Heritage’ campaign
Revival of historic sites such as Indra Kund Stepwell in Delwara & Qutb Shahi Mausoleum’s tile restoration

By engaging local communities, mapping cultural assets, and restoring heritage sites, the foundation continues to strengthen India's cultural identity while fostering sustainable development.

For more information, visit www.interglobe.com/foundation.

InterGlobe Hotels and Accor Unveil ibis Mumbai BKC in Bandra Kurla Complex

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 22, 2025

InterGlobe Hotels, in partnership with Accor, has launched their latest venture with the opening of ibis Mumbai BKC, adding a new address to Mumbai’s bustling Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This marks the 23rd property under their joint venture in India.

Positioned strategically in BKC, one of Mumbai’s most vibrant business districts, ibis Mumbai BKC offers excellent connectivity to major business hubs and the airport. The property is tailored to meet the demands of both corporate and leisure travelers seeking modern convenience and comfort.

JB Singh, president & CEO of InterGlobe Hotels, shared his thoughts on the launch: “We are delighted to announce the opening of ibis Mumbai BKC, marking another milestone in our growing portfolio in India. From thoughtfully designed public spaces to well-appointed rooms and curated dining, every aspect has been carefully crafted to enhance the guest experience.”

The hotel stays true to ibis’ global brand values, focusing on inclusivity and smart design. “Designed to match the lifestyle needs and aspirations of modern travellers, the hotel offers a seamless blend of style and convenience,” Singh added, highlighting the company’s commitment to guest-centric experiences and high-quality design.

Tejus Jose, director of operations, ibis India, said, “Pioneering accessible travel since 1974, ibis has redefined economy hospitality with forward-looking design and a vibrant guest experience. ibis Mumbai BKC embodies this vision, offering contemporary comfort, quality service, and exceptional value.”

The property features 206 guestrooms designed with functionality and comfort in mind. Each room is equipped with the brand’s signature 'Sweet Bed', spacious wardrobes, modern furnishings, and workspaces. Guests can also enjoy integrated digital amenities, including OTT entertainment and digital menus.

For culinary options, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Spice It, serves an array of local dishes and international favorites, alongside a selection of beverages and bar snacks. Guests looking to stay active can access a fully equipped gym, while a dedicated indoor games area adds a fun, social element to the stay.

InterGlobe Hotels, a joint venture between InterGlobe Enterprises Private Limited and Accor Asia Pacific, has been expanding its footprint since 2004 and now operates 23 ibis properties across India.

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