Accor expands UK portfolio with two Mercure signings

Accor has continued to grow its UK portfolio through the signing of two new Mercure hotels in Northampton and Thurrock, Essex.

Both signings will be a joint venture between real estate fund manager Frogmore and C1 Capital Partners, and are set to open later this year following the Mercure rebranding.

Mercure Northampton will be operated under a franchise agreement, with the 146-room hotel joining the Mercure brand following a renovation. For business travellers, the hotel features 12 meeting rooms with a combined capacity of up to 600 guests, as well as a business centre. 

Mercure Stifford Hall will also operate under a franchise agreement. The site features 97 bedrooms, seven meeting rooms, a restaurant and bar, and a library area. The 18th Century Georgian hotel, which will undergo a renovation prior to opening as a Mercure, is surrounded by six acres of landscaped gardens and located adjacent to the Mardyke Valley Golf Club. 

Philip Lassman, vice president development, Accor Northern Europe said: “It is great to see the continued expansion of the Mercure brand across the UK. 

“These signings are the latest announcements within a strong pipeline across Europe, signifying the strength of the internationally-recognized Mercure brand and industry-leading services to boost revenues for hotel owners, alongside the ability to retain the individual style and character of a boutique hotel.”

John Matthews, director of Asset Management, Frogmore added: “These hotels offer great amenities for both business and leisure travellers. They are ideal properties for the Mercure brand and will benefit greatly from the power of Accor’s distribution and other services. Following the renovations, we look forward to working with Accor and seeing the success of both hotels.” 

Accor’s portfolio of hotels totals 5,400 properties across 110 countries. Alongside Mercure, its 40 brands include Raffles, Fairmont, ibis Styles, Sofitel, Novotel and others.