Accor announces the arrival of a newcomer to its exceptional network: Handwritten Collection, an international portfolio of establishments with unique charm and offering a hotel experience as intimate as it is refined. Accor registers more than 110 prospects for Handwritten worldwide, totaling more than 11,500 rooms, including 12 addresses already signed, including 5 which should make their debut in the first quarter of 2023.
The addresses that will join the Handwritten collection in the coming months include the Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental , Handwritten Collection, in Shanghai (China), the Saint-Gervais Hotel & Spa, Handwritten Collection, in Saint-Gervais (France), the Wonil Hotel Perth , Handwritten Collection, in Perth (Australia), the Hotel Morris , Handwritten Collection, in Sydney (Australia), and the Le Splendid Hôtel Lac d’Annecy , Handwritten Collection, in Annecy (France). These properties will be joined by the end of the year and later by Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Center , in Toulouse (France), Oru Hub Hotel , Handwritten Collection, in Tallinn (Estonia), Square Lodge Hotel La Roche-sur-Yon , Handwritten Collection, in La Roche-sur-Yon (France), the Sunrise Premium Resort , Handwritten Collection, in Hoi An (Vietnam), the Paris Montmartre Sacré Cœur, in Paris (France), without forgetting establishments located in Bucharest, Madrid or Paris. The Handwritten collection portfolio should thus exceed 250 hotels by 2030.
“Handwritten Collection enriches the Accor group’s offer in the segment of collection brands, by integrating a selection of charming hotels, one of a kind. Our objective, beyond the authentic experience that we offer our customers, is to support the growing number of owners of independent hotels and boutique hotels seeking to strengthen their international visibility, to attract a wider audience and increase their revenue, without losing their identity,” says Alex Schellenberger, Global Marketing Director for Premium, Midscale and Economy Brands, Accor.”The establishments that will integrate Handwritten Collection will be those popular with travelers looking for human experiences and a welcome that is both traditional and modern, as well as those run by hoteliers proud of the uniqueness of their address but wishing to benefit from the support from a world-class partner. »
With the creation of Handwritten Collection, Accor is expanding its unrivaled portfolio of brands and its offer of midscale hotels, and seeks to replicate the success achieved, in a different segment, by the group’s other collection brands. These include MGallery Hotel Collection, a selection of high-end establishments steeped in history, which now includes more than 100 hotels around the world, or the Emblems Collection, Accor’s first luxury collection brand, a collection of hotels sorted by the shutter, emblematic of their destination, their creator or their place in history.
Deploying a similar tailor-made approach, Handwritten Collection will bring together hotels with their own personality, reflecting all the character and warmth of the hospitality of the hoteliers who bring them to life on a daily basis. The personal touches provided by each of these hoteliers will be discreetly integrated throughout the customer journey. Friendly reception, small talk, freshly baked snacks… every hotel or stay will be different.
Designed for independent hoteliers
The Handwritten Collection brand is designed to meet the needs of independent hotel owners. Given the current conversion rate of 80 per cent, most of the establishments that will join Handwritten Collection will be made up of brand changes rather than new hotels, which will simplify the process of transition and ramp-up, for a growth model and more sustainable development. Brand standards are designed to be flexible, non-binding and easy to meet. In addition, Handwritten Collection offers a direct return on investment and the opportunity for owners to maximize their income through immediate access to the power and reach of Accor’s sales, distribution and loyalty platforms,
“In 2022, Accor signed more than one hotel per day on average and opened nearly one hotel per day worldwide. We want to continue this growth by anticipating the needs of our customers and aligning ourselves with the investment criteria of our partners and owners,” said Camil Yazbeck, General Manager of Premium, Midscale and Economy Brand Development, Accor .”Independent hotels are increasingly looking to leverage the power of Accor’s sales, distribution and loyalty structure to increase their revenues and optimize their costs, while maintaining their own identity and offering a product, high quality service and experience. Handwritten Collection offers them the ideal solution, offering the possibility of concluding a franchise agreement accompanied by a flexible and profitable level of investment. We look forward to collaborating with new owners and partners to add new international addresses to this exceptional collection. With more than 110 establishments and 11,500 rooms under negotiation, including 12 hotels already signed, we are aiming for more than 250 addresses by 2030.”
SOME NOTABLE ADDRESSES OF HANDWRITTEN COLLECTION
Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental, Handwritten Collection, Shanghai, China
Opening January 19, 2023
Located near the Sheshan National Park, the Hotel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental is surrounded by more than 124,000 m2 of landscaped gardens and their outdoor swimming pool with submerged beach, for an unforgettable “urban resort” experience. The first hotel in the Handwritten collection, the establishment provides a team dedicated to coffee breaks and offers tailor-made culinary discoveries.
Le Saint Gervais Hotel & Spa, Handwritten Collection, Saint Gervais, France
Opening on January 19, 2023
Designed as a chic and arty holiday home, the Saint-Gervais Hotel & Spa brings the spirit of the Art Nouveau movement up to date in this beautiful historic residence. Ottoman culture will also be present throughout the customer experience, through elements such as the library corner, Turkish coffee, or even the infusions offered in the spa.
Wonil Hotel Perth, Handwritten Collection, Perth, Australia
Opening in February 2023
Situated on the banks of the Swan River, close to Kings Park and minutes from Perth CBD (Central Business District), the Wonil Hotel offers a chic and contemporary setting. Guests will appreciate this elegant haven, from which they will explore a dynamic city, renowned for its generous sunshine and its superb beaches.
Hotel Morris, Handwritten Collection, Sydney, Australia
Opening in February 2023
Occupying a magnificent Italian Renaissance-style building, the Hotel Morris, with its 82 beds, reopens its doors under the Handwritten Collection flag after a complete renovation, blending European elegance with Australian character, a tribute to the historical roots of the hotel.
Le Splendid Hotel Lac d’Annecy, Handwritten Collection, Annecy, France
Opening in April 2023
Close to the city center and Lake Annecy, the Splendid Hotel has an original Art Deco layout and an architectural touch from the 1950s. The interiors of the hotel, designed by the famous designer Thierry D’Istria, are embellished with eclectic works, sculptures and vintage art objects.
Hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Center, Handwritten Collection, Toulouse, France
Opening in May 2023
Located on the most beautiful avenue in the historic center of the city, the hotel Les Capitouls Toulouse Center invites you to discover its refined and warm setting. This former private mansion charmingly and elegantly combines pink brick arches from Toulouse, modern comfort and new eco-responsible interior fittings.
Oru Hub Hotel, Handwritten Collection, Tallinn, Estonia
Opening in May 2023
Centrally located in Tallinn, in the historic Old Town and a short drive from the seashore, Oru Hub Hotel features a yoga room and a tea room. After two years of in-depth renovation, the hotel will launch a unique concept of customer experience combining leisure, work and gastronomy.
Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur, Handwritten Collection, Paris, France
Opening Spring 2024
With its typically Parisian facade and its intimate and comfortable rooms, the Paris Montmartre Sacré Cœur is located a few minutes walk from the Sacré-Coeur basilica and the cobbled streets of the beautiful Montmartre district. The hotel will serve as your ideal base for exploring the French capital and all it has to offer.
Accor aims to bring together 250 addresses by 2030 within the Handwritten Collection, and is therefore actively seeking new addresses located in the most popular destinations in the world.
