IMH

All perfectly understandable reactions.

It is indeed in many ways sad that we're seeing this little wave of takeovers. There's enough sameness out there already without IHG, Marriott and Accor getting even bigger. But once we accept that the industry consolidation is happening it is hard to think of a better outcome for both FRHI and Accor customers.

Swissôtel and Fairmont regulars could conceivably have preferred Starwood, but they have to be happier with Accor than if they'd seen FRHI sold to Marriott or Hilton. And Accor regulars should be pleased to see an acquisition that raises the average standard of Accor properties and sensibly expands the reach of LCAH.

My hope is that some of the Fairmont and Swissôtel culture rubs off and Accor realises that having customer service in house and empowered is long overdue.