New hotel openings 2016
Jan 9, 2016, 12:49 am
#46
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: Accor Live Limitless, Accor Plus, World Of Hyatt
Posts: 475
Honestly, I'm a Singaporean and if you ask me personally, I would love to see Raffles change to Soiftel Legend or managed by Soiftel Legend. BUT, if we do that, I can somewhat say that it will receive alot of backlash from locals. Local Singaporeans feel that Raffles is a Singapore brand and icon and would't really be keen on the change of name.
Plus, if we change Raffles Singapore to Sofitel, what happends to the other Raffles hotel around the world??
Plus, if we change Raffles Singapore to Sofitel, what happends to the other Raffles hotel around the world??
Jan 9, 2016, 7:10 am
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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I don't dispute that at all. But for a company, it may be different.
I don't think Accor would want to go down the route of Hilton for example which has too many sub brands. And on the face of it, IMO, the Pullman brand holds a stronger name than Swissotel. They are very similar in concept so having both brands would simple double up costs for marketing/products etc.
I don't think Accor would want to go down the route of Hilton for example which has too many sub brands. And on the face of it, IMO, the Pullman brand holds a stronger name than Swissotel. They are very similar in concept so having both brands would simple double up costs for marketing/products etc.
1. The trend now is to have lots of brands. Aside from Hilton, look at Marriott. In their public statements about Starwood so far they say they are excited to operate 12 brands. I think the hotels have figured out how to deal operationally with all these brands and from a sales and marketing standpoint they see some real advantages.
2. While Swisshotel was obviously not as good as their peers when it came to sales and marketing, they do run pretty good hotels. The Swiss are highly respected in the hotel industry and I think for that reason the name will stay.
These are just my guesses. We'll see what happens.
Jan 10, 2016, 5:39 am
#48
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: LeClubAccorhotels Platinum, M&M FTL
Posts: 578
I really like the Swissotel brand and also echo the sentiment that "Swissness" stands for something in the hospitality industry.
That said, I don't think the Swissotel brand will survive.
Hotel companies create brands for two reasons:
1. To create some extra marketing value for a property, e.g. by providing a unique pre-defined set of features that travellers look for (e.g. free breakfast in some limited-service brands). Some brands can conceive ideas of "experiences" by cultivating a consistent profile, especially associated with luxury/lifestyle, with the image created by a few renowned "flagship" properties.
2. To protect the above while maintaining market share by keeping properties inconsistent with the "value-added" brands.
Reason 2. is e.g. why Accor originally unearthed Pullman, to facilitate Sofitel's upmarket rebranding while not dropping properties that were uneconomical to refurbish. By now, Pullman is finally getting some proper brand value of its own.
Back to Swissotel - the brand does not have anything that would put it in the 1. group. There are no iconic properties - the Zurich and Basel hotels are not much to write home about, and the Geneva ones have little to do with the rest of the network. There are no really distinguishable Swissotel features one would actively seek.
Since many Swissotels could use a refurb / update, I could see them being rebranded as they undergo "treatment". Accor has been working hard on giving identity and intrinsic value to the Sofitel (+subbrands), Pullman and MGallery brands. I can't see them developing a "Swissotel" identity, as it would fall anywhere within the territory of either of those three.
If there is geographic overlap, it's more with Sofitel than Pullman, plus the usual Swissotel is more like a Pullman - a slightly anonymous large business hotel with sizeable conference facilities. I would guess Accor will propose current Swissotel franchisees switching to Pullman in due course in most cases, with some properties perhaps becoming Sofitels or MGalleries.
That said, I don't think the Swissotel brand will survive.
Hotel companies create brands for two reasons:
1. To create some extra marketing value for a property, e.g. by providing a unique pre-defined set of features that travellers look for (e.g. free breakfast in some limited-service brands). Some brands can conceive ideas of "experiences" by cultivating a consistent profile, especially associated with luxury/lifestyle, with the image created by a few renowned "flagship" properties.
2. To protect the above while maintaining market share by keeping properties inconsistent with the "value-added" brands.
Reason 2. is e.g. why Accor originally unearthed Pullman, to facilitate Sofitel's upmarket rebranding while not dropping properties that were uneconomical to refurbish. By now, Pullman is finally getting some proper brand value of its own.
Back to Swissotel - the brand does not have anything that would put it in the 1. group. There are no iconic properties - the Zurich and Basel hotels are not much to write home about, and the Geneva ones have little to do with the rest of the network. There are no really distinguishable Swissotel features one would actively seek.
Since many Swissotels could use a refurb / update, I could see them being rebranded as they undergo "treatment". Accor has been working hard on giving identity and intrinsic value to the Sofitel (+subbrands), Pullman and MGallery brands. I can't see them developing a "Swissotel" identity, as it would fall anywhere within the territory of either of those three.
If there is geographic overlap, it's more with Sofitel than Pullman, plus the usual Swissotel is more like a Pullman - a slightly anonymous large business hotel with sizeable conference facilities. I would guess Accor will propose current Swissotel franchisees switching to Pullman in due course in most cases, with some properties perhaps becoming Sofitels or MGalleries.
Jan 10, 2016, 5:43 am
#49
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
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Posts: 7,581
Folks, we have a this lovely thread to discuss the Accor purchase of Fairmont and associates: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/accor...swissotel.html
Please restrict discussions here to new hotels opening in 2016. @:-)
starflyergold
Le Club Accorhotels forum moderator
Please restrict discussions here to new hotels opening in 2016. @:-)
starflyergold
Le Club Accorhotels forum moderator
Jan 15, 2016, 1:26 am
#50
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
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Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort
On 1 April Accor will take over the Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach and rebrand it as Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort.
http://ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=26509
CARLSON Rezidor Hotel Group will no longer be operating the Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach from April 1 as AccorHotels takes over management of the property set to be rebranded as Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort.
The resort is located on a beachfront at Makham Bay, and offers 211 rooms and villas, with facilities including four F&B establishment, two swimming pools, a spa, fitness centre and seven function rooms.
The resort is located on a beachfront at Makham Bay, and offers 211 rooms and villas, with facilities including four F&B establishment, two swimming pools, a spa, fitness centre and seven function rooms.
Jan 15, 2016, 5:54 am
#51
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sunshine Coast, Australia
Programs: Accor Diamond, Qantas Platinum
Posts: 485
On 1 April Accor will take over the Radisson Blu Plaza Resort Phuket Panwa Beach and rebrand it as Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort.
http://ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=26509
http://ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=26509
Jan 15, 2016, 2:10 pm
#52
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Marriott & SPG Plat, HH Diamond, Accor Plat, ex-Fairmont Plat, ex-Swissotel Eleva
Posts: 710
It is great to see Accor expanding in many parts of Asia, and some places like Singapore, they are expanding to like having the biggest presence!
However, could they do something to Japan urgently (I think, Swissotel Osaka will become their best property there! After the merger that is.), and expand their presence in Taiwan as well. (Only at the airport now - interestingly so)
However, could they do something to Japan urgently (I think, Swissotel Osaka will become their best property there! After the merger that is.), and expand their presence in Taiwan as well. (Only at the airport now - interestingly so)
Jan 17, 2016, 1:02 am
#53
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SIN
Programs: TK-G | Accor P | SQ-G | Marriott T
Posts: 3,828
Honestly, I'm a Singaporean and if you ask me personally, I would love to see Raffles change to Soiftel Legend or managed by Soiftel Legend. BUT, if we do that, I can somewhat say that it will receive alot of backlash from locals. Local Singaporeans feel that Raffles is a Singapore brand and icon and would't really be keen on the change of name.
Plus, if we change Raffles Singapore to Sofitel, what happends to the other Raffles hotel around the world??
Plus, if we change Raffles Singapore to Sofitel, what happends to the other Raffles hotel around the world??
Jan 19, 2016, 5:42 am
#55
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Lancashire, UK
Posts: 2,096
Just read this in the news:
“AccorHotels already has signed three new UK ibis and Novotel properties at London Heathrow, London Luton and Birmingham this year.
They are Novotel Heathrow Bath Road, ibis Styles Birmingham, formerly the Portland Hotel and ibis Budget London Luton Airport. The two ibis properties are under construction.
Thomas Dubaere, managing director AccorHotels UK & Ireland said: “Our expansion plans demonstrate our commitment to strengthening the portfolio across our budget and midscale brand segments and are another important step in our ambitious 30 per cent increase for our UK network.”
http://www.impactpub.com.au/micebtn/...news&Itemid=50
The Novotel Bath Road will be welcome because their current hotel at Heathrow is not cheap to get to unless you use the Hotel Hoppa. I assume they are taking over a current property.
“AccorHotels already has signed three new UK ibis and Novotel properties at London Heathrow, London Luton and Birmingham this year.
They are Novotel Heathrow Bath Road, ibis Styles Birmingham, formerly the Portland Hotel and ibis Budget London Luton Airport. The two ibis properties are under construction.
Thomas Dubaere, managing director AccorHotels UK & Ireland said: “Our expansion plans demonstrate our commitment to strengthening the portfolio across our budget and midscale brand segments and are another important step in our ambitious 30 per cent increase for our UK network.”
http://www.impactpub.com.au/micebtn/...news&Itemid=50
The Novotel Bath Road will be welcome because their current hotel at Heathrow is not cheap to get to unless you use the Hotel Hoppa. I assume they are taking over a current property.
Jan 26, 2016, 11:00 pm
#56
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SIN
Programs: Accor Plus Platinum l Best Western Diamond l Discovery Platinum l HHonors Diamond
Posts: 54
Mercure Singapore Middle Road - Opening March 2016.
rooms size are small, 15sqm to 25sqm with loft room & seems like there will be a club lounge too
rooms size are small, 15sqm to 25sqm with loft room & seems like there will be a club lounge too
Jan 26, 2016, 11:49 pm
#57
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP
Posts: 1,799
Jan 27, 2016, 5:31 am
#58
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,041
Does anyone know which hotel that is
a 159-room hotel.
http://www.travelmole.com/news_featu...ews_id=2020284
Jan 27, 2016, 5:59 am
#59
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Lancashire, UK
Posts: 2,096
Does anyone know which hotel that is
a 159-room hotel.
http://www.travelmole.com/news_featu...ews_id=2020284
a 159-room hotel.
http://www.travelmole.com/news_featu...ews_id=2020284
http://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/docu...l%20Report.pdf
It's a safe bet that's the one. So they're converting office space to a hotel.
HEATHROW POINT WEST 234 BATH ROAD HEATHROW
If you're heading west along Bath Road, that's just before the Radisson Blu Edwardian.
Jan 30, 2016, 8:16 am
#60
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,041
A bit of googling has revealed this:
http://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/docu...l%20Report.pdf
It's a safe bet that's the one. So they're converting office space to a hotel.
HEATHROW POINT WEST 234 BATH ROAD HEATHROW
If you're heading west along Bath Road, that's just before the Radisson Blu Edwardian.
http://modgov.hillingdon.gov.uk/docu...l%20Report.pdf
It's a safe bet that's the one. So they're converting office space to a hotel.
HEATHROW POINT WEST 234 BATH ROAD HEATHROW
If you're heading west along Bath Road, that's just before the Radisson Blu Edwardian.
So this building, accross the street from the Renaissance hotel.
With a (public) bus stop just in front of it.
