10 Focus Hotels to become Mercure Hotels

Focus Hotels is to operate ten of its existing properties under Accor's Mercure brand. The ten hotels, with 763 rooms, will see Mercure's UK network increase to 43 properties in the first quarter of this year.

Mercure has more than 700 hotels operating in over 50 countries.

The latest franchise agreement forms part of Accor's 'aggressive expansion strategy' to increase its UK offering to 300 hotels by 2015.

Focus Hotels has upgraded its product over the past few years, investing in refurbishment and training with a view to identifying suitable franchising partners.  

Jean-Jacques Dessors, chief operating officer of Accor UK and Ireland, said:
'We have ambitious plans for the UK and we are totally committed to extending our Accor network and bringing our expertise in all segments from economy, midscale, upscale and luxury to the UK market.'

Peter Cashman, chief executive of Focus Hotels, added:
'Our strategy in taking on these hotels, many of which were in administration, was to bring them up to a high standard and make them profitable, with a view to finding the right 'home' for them.  
'Mercure will allow them to maintain their individuality and character whilst offering the credibility of one of the most respected international hotel brands.'

Guests will see new evidence of the changes as the staff training, uniforms and signage within the hotels are upgraded, and regular guests can benefit from the Accor loyalty club and other special offers. Corporate customers will also be able to access the hotels through the Accor national sales agreements and sales force.

The rebranded hotels are the: Mercure Altrincham Bowden Hotel; Mercure Blackburn Ribble Valley Hotel; Mercure Chester North Hotel; Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel; Mercure Hull Royal Hotel; Mercure Stafford South Penkridge Hotel; Mercure Swindon East Hotel & Spa; Mercure Telford Hotel; Mercure Wigan Oak Hotel; and Mercure Wolverhampton Hotel.