Mövenpick goes large with new 1,530-room hotel

If you enjoy your hotels small and cosy then you've come to the wrong place. 

 
Global hotel giant Accor has just unveiled the world's largest Mövenpick brand hotel with the signing of Manila Bay Westside in partnership with Megaworld, the Philippines' largest township developer. 

The new Mövenpick hotel will have 1,530 rooms, marking a significant milestone in Accor's growth strategy in Asia. It is a re-branding of the Grand Westside. 

The revamp of the hotel will feature a sky bridge connecting it to the Westside City integrated casino and entertainment complex and the Grand Opera House.

Swiss-born, Mövenpick has evolved into a global brand "meeting the rising demand for high-quality, experience-driven hospitality among discerning travellers".

The hotel will be located within Megaworld's Westside City Township Development in Parañaque, a quarter offering a mix of retail, entertainment, business, and leisure attractions.

To re-open in mid-2026, Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside will offer a range of dining experiences including a specialty Filipino restaurant, an international all-day dining venue, and a signature bar. 

Guests will also be also enjoy Mövenpick's iconic Chocolate Hour, an immersive, complimentary experience offered every afternoon.

The hotel will offer modern, flexible meeting and event spaces. 

“Across Asia, we continue to grow sustainably by collaborating closely with our partners and ensuring we bring the right brand to the right market," says Andrew Langdon, Chief Development Officer, Asia, for Accor. 

"This reflects our owner-centric approach, our adaptability, and the strength of ALL Accor in amplifying the visibility of our premium brands." 

Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, said: “The opening of the world's largest Mövenpick is a powerful testament to our group's efforts to scale our world-class offerings and meet the demands of the broader international market. 

"It reflects our commitment to building the right facilities, empowering local talent, and reinforcing our readiness to welcome the rest of the world. 

"This partnership reflects our shared belief that the Philippines is ready to stand as a distinct global destination. As we rebrand Grand Westside Hotel into the world's largest Mövenpick, we continue to generate more jobs, help drive stronger tourism activity, and open doors for communities to grow alongside this development.”

The opening of Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside will see Accor become the largest international hotel operator in the Philippines with 13 hotels and more than 4,700 keys across eight brands. 

European style in Hanoi's French Quarter

Mövenpick: a well-priced hotel brand that ticks a lot of boxes for me. And Hanoi: by far the most interesting city in Vietnam.

The Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre has announced its re-opening following a serious project.

Situated within the vibrant French Quarter - the best part of Hanoi for visitors - Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre is located just a few minutes away from iconic landmarks and is a precinct where traditional colonial buildings co-exist harmoniously with modern buildings.

Within a short drive are Hoan Kiem Lake (another district with good hotel choices), Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, St Joseph's Cathedral, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, and Temple of Literature.

"We are delighted to embark on this new chapter for Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre," said Garth Simmons, CEO of Accor’s Premium, Midscale and Economy Division, Asia (helluva job title).

"Drawing from Mövenpick's rich heritage in gastronomic innovation and commitment to deliver extraordinary service, we will continue to prioritise culinary excellence and heartfelt hospitality.

"Our offerings have been thoughtfully evolved to cater to those seeking a balanced life, whether it be finding solace in tranquil spaces or energising social interactions while on the go for work."

All 155 rooms and suites have been revamped. Each room features king-sized, or twin beds, eco-friendly amenities, tea-and-coffee-making facilities, a smart TV, complimentary high-speed wifi, and a pillow menu.

Some room categories offer in-room espresso machines while guests staying in executive rooms and suites can also enjoy exclusive access to the executive lounge, along with a range of additional benefits.

On site are the Kinetic Gym & Wellness Studio, which offers a variety of cardio machines, weight training equipment, spa treatments and sauna facilities, while the new Cabana Club Pool is the spot for enjoying Latin tunes and a cocktail.

The hotel has four restaurants and bars and regulars will know not to miss Chocolate Hour.

There are also two equipped meeting rooms and a spacious ballroom, in the unlikely event you should need such an amenity.

"This remarkable hotel encompasses everything one desires," says seriously enthusiastic GM Nicolas Josi,

"There is a prime location in the heart of the city, refined décor, exceptional amenities, and, most importantly, a distinct character that sets it apart. It truly embodies the Mövenpick spirit."

To celebrate its re-opening, Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre has a special offer starting at $260++ per night (VND 4,200,000++).

The deal includes breakfast for two, daily complimentary Chocolate Hour at Lounge 83, complimentary wifi access, complimentary parking (should you be crazy enough to drive), and a credit of $62 (VND 1,000,000) net per room per day to spend on hotel services like food and beverage, transportation, laundry and spa treatments.

But the offer is only available for stays until March 31.
Don’t think I’ll get there in time but have added it to my wish list. 

See: MÖVENPICK HOTEL HANOI CENTRE DEAL

Swiss hospitality skills shine at Bali family resort

I am a big fan of the Movenpick hotel brand - as regular readers will probably be aware.

I have stayed in Movenpick properties in Melbourne, Hobart, Bangkok and in Europe, and always been impressed by the adult-but-fun vibe and the polished Swiss-inspired service.

My most recent Movenpick stay was at the Movenpick Resort and Spa Jimbaran Bay in Bali. 

There is a different feel here as this is first and foremost a family-friendly resort - but there is the same attention to detail with food and drink.

There is a wellness vibe, too, with the resort fewer than five minutes walk from Jimbaran Beach. and the choice of relaxing poolside in one of the swim-up hammocks, or perhaps unwinding with a massage at the Arkipela Spa.

When it comes to food think excellent buffet breakfasts, the same chocolate hour sweet treats you find each afternoon at every Movenpick, and a dinner menu with something for everyone whether your tastes extend to western dishes or Asian flavours. 

The casual Anarasa restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and guests can choose between eating indoors or al fresco.

Anarasa overlooks a tropical garden and pool and offers Asian dishes, artisanal Balinese specialities and international favourites.

Guests can choose between visiting live cooking stations, a la carte service or buffets depending on the time of day.

There is a dedicated children's dining zone - as well as a kid's club - which means parents can enjoy some "me time" while wining and dining.

Anarasa offers vegetarian, dairy free and gluten free menu options so there is something for everyone. So if you want wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas or a range of deserts you are well catered for. 

I stayed Asian with a tasty wonton soup, kung pao chicken (above) and a non-alcoholic cocktail (below).

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There is an Indonesian buffet every Wednesday evening for guests to get a taste of local flavours like sizzling satay selections and tasty nasi goreng. A taste of the Indonesian street food scene without leaving the resort.

Each Monday, the Jejala Pool Bar and Anarasa Restaurant feature a "buy one get one free deal" on a range of cocktails made from the local arak rice spirit.



The reception-level bar also showcases cocktails that feature drinks made by the local East Indies distillery.

There is also a Movenpick Café in the adjacent shopping centre, providing tasty treats throughout the day, as well as tasty western breakfast options (below).

 

The shopping area also contains several other dining options; from ice cream to Korean fried chicken or Balinese spare ribs.

Open just five years ago and with a "new" feel, the hotel offers a range of different room and suite options, depending on how many there are in your party and what your priority is.

All rooms feature air conditioning, hair dryer, ironing board and iron, alarm clock, coffee/tea-making facilities, bottled water and hair dryer, as well as a fridge. The alarm clock is important as you don't want to sleep through the afternoon and miss your free chocolate treats (below).

Close to the airport, but unaffected by noise, the Movenpick overlooks local beaches (a shuttle buggy is a convenient option), with local fish markets and seafood beach eateries, Uluwatu temple and several surf beaches nearby.

The only glitch during my stay was when my room was not available for my on-time arrival. But the staff reacted with immediate concern - a tribute to their training. I spent a short time working at the complimentary computer kiosk in the lobby and I was soon installed.

I was also impressed by the efficiency of my post-stay transfer to the airport.

For full details see https://movenpick.accor.com/en/asia/indonesia/bali/jimbaran-bali.html

Book Accor Hotels via All.com

# The writer was a guest of Movenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bay and flew to Bali as a guest of airasia Superapp.

New Zealand gets a taste of Switzerland

Accor’s Swiss-born hospitality brand, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, today launched its first property in New Zealand with the official opening of Mövenpick Hotel Auckland.

With a heart-of-the-city location, the Auckland property will be followed by a Wellington counterpart to launch in July.

Sarah Derry, Accor Pacific Chief Executive Officer, said: “Mövenpick Hotel Auckland offers something different to the New Zealand market. Guests will receive a world-class hotel experience and enjoy the distinct moments and flavours of Mövenpick.”

Guests can expect a range of experiences including the daily Chocolate Hour with live demonstrations, from rolling truffles to icing cupcakes, staged every afternoon in the hotel lobby.

Mövenpick Hotel Auckland has 207 guest rooms and suites on-site, a signature restaurant and bar, a street-side café, a dedicated meeting and events conference room, valet parking and a library.

Eight function rooms feature full tech support, natural daylight, in-built audiovisual equipment and free wifi.

"Mövenpick is a brand name that New Zealanders are familiar with, which is associated with quality and luxury,” Derry said.

Mövenpick has over 110 locations across the globe, including Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, and Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer. 

Mövenpick Hotel Brisbane Spring Hill is scheduled to open in 2024.

Melbourne’s Swiss Hit is a major winner

There are certain hotels that have a special vibe - an undefinable warmth. 

I’ve experienced it at Mövenpick hotels in Bangkok, in Hobart and now in Melbourne. 

The Mövenpick grouop - built from a Swiss ice-cream business - is now part of the Accor empire but sets itself apart from the crowd, not least because of its daily free chocolate experiences for in-house guests. 

The Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer opened a few months ago and is home to Miss Mi, the excellent Asian fusion eatery reviewed here recently. 

It is Australia’s second Mövenpick Hotel and certainly has a great location - opposite Southern Cross Station and on the doorstep on Little Collins St. 

There is a real style and panache here; slick service in a colourful setting and a boutique feel.

The 172-room Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer forms the six-level podium of the striking 78-storey Premier Tower development at the meeting point of Spencer and Bourke Streets in the CBD.

An ode to Melbourne's vibrant arts scene, the hotel showcases a collection of works from outstanding local photographers including Steve Scalone and Sean Mcdonald. 

Located on levels one to six, each room - and mine was exceptionally quiet and comfortable -features premium linens and blackout curtains, a rain shower and amenities from YUNI Beauty.

From 3.30pm to 4.30pm daily, hotel guests can indulge in complimentary sweet treats, such as chocolate petit fours, churros, mini ice cream cones and ice cream sandwiches. I made certain to arrive in time! 

Celebrating Mövenpick’s 70-year gourmet history, the hotel houses both Miss Mi restaurant and bar and a Mövenpick Café that serves the brand’s signature ice cream alongside barista-made coffee and local artisan chocolates.

The hotel has a dedicated recreation floor featuring a 25-metre swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and well-equipped gynamsium. Open until 10pm, this is one of only a few hotels pools in Melbourne where guests can swim at night.

There is free wireless high-speed internet for those who need to work. 

https://www.movenpick.com/en/australia-pacific/australia/melbourne/hotel-melbourne-on-spencer.html

Swiss bliss opens up in Melbourne

Accor's newest Mövenpick Hotel, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer, is now open. 

It is Accor's second Mövenpick Hotel in Australia following the hugely successful Hobart debut earlier this year. 

The 172-room Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer forms the six-level podium of the striking 78-storey Premier Tower development at the meeting point of Melbourne's iconic Spencer and Bourke Streets in the CBD.

The hotel showcases a collection of works from outstanding local photographers including Steve Scalone and Sean McDonald. 

Located on levels one to six, each room features premium linens and blackout curtains, while modern bathrooms have a rain shower and amenities from YUNI Beauty.

Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer dedicates one hour each afternoon to 'Chocolate Hour' as a nod to the brand's Swiss origins. 

From 3.30-4.30pm daily, hotel guests can indulge in complimentary sweet treats, such as chocolate petit fours, churros, mini ice cream cones and ice cream sandwiches. 

Celebrating Mövenpick's more than 70-year-old rich culinary legacy, the hotel houses two unique gastronomic venues - Miss Mi restaurant and bar offers a taste of Asia, while a dedicated Mövenpick Café serves the brand's signature ice cream alongside barista-made coffee and local artisan chocolates.

The hotel has a wellness focus (don't they all nowadays?) with recreation floor featuring a 25-metre swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and gymnasium. 

Open until 10pm, this is one of only a few hotels pools in Melbourne where guests can swim at night.

Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, said: “Melbourne is an ideal location for our Mövenpick Hotel brand and we couldn't be more excited to unveil our second Mövenpick Hotel in Australia. 

"This investment benefits the local community by providing a choice of even greater accommodation options for visitors to Melbourne and for loyal Accor guests."

Free wireless high-speed internet is offered throughout the property. 

Opening special prices start from $260 per night in a superior king or twin room plus a Mövenpick ice cream parfait for two on one afternoon of your stay. To book, visit all.accor.com 

 

Mövenpick hotel brand to debut in Brisbane

Global hotel group Accor has announced plans to open Brisbane's first Mövenpick hotel. 

The brand will make its Brisbane debut at 447 Gregory Terrace in Spring Hill, the city's oldest suburb, bordering the Brisbane CBD and the 65-hectare Victoria Parklands.

Accor will be working with private development group Keylin, 

The 96-room Mövenpick Hotel Brisbane Spring Hill will open in 2024 and will feature art deco-inspired interiors, a restaurant, bars, 25-metre swimming pool, fitness centre, daily Chocolate Hour and an assortment of other Mövenpick signature offerings. 

It will also include conference facilities with capacity for more than 100 guests.

Simon McGrath, CEO Accor Pacific, said that the property would be the third Mövenpick hotel in Australia and the first Mövenpick Hotel in Queensland.

“We are delighted to be bringing a Mövenpick Hotel to Brisbane, Australia's next Olympic city and one of the country's most sought-after lifestyle destinations,” said McGrath.

“The elevated heritage setting of this hotel, and its art deco-inspired design, is a perfect fit for Mövenpick, which has a rich history of creating culinary and hotel experiences dating back to the 1940s.

“Mövenpick Hotel Brisbane Spring Hill will contribute to the city's vibrant culinary scene with an outstanding restaurant and bars, while blending the brand's Swiss heritage with an unrivalled hospitality experience.”

Keylin managing director Louis Cheung said the arrival of the Mövenpick brand further cements Spring Hill's position as a premium inner-city destination and will deliver new culinary experiences, job creation and tourism infrastructure to the city.

“Keylin's partnership with Accor will deliver a premium hotel experience to Brisbane during a transformational time for the city as we prepare to host the 2032 Olympic Games, and we're thrilled to be working with such a trusted and celebrated brand,” he said.

The neighbouring Victoria Parklands is also undergoing an $83 million revitalisation that will make it one of the largest urban parks in the country.

The new Mövenpick Hotel Brisbane Spring Hill will open in 2024.

 

Swiss roll out. A second Mövenpick hotel in Australia

The first Mövenpick hotel in Australia proved a huge success when it opened in Hobart in January. 

Now Accor, together with Singapore’s Fragrance Group Limited, is to open Australia’s second Mövenpick hotel with the unveiling  of Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer next month. 

Situated at the meeting point of Melbourne’s Spencer and Bourke Streets in the CBD, the 172-room premium hotel will highlight  a dedicated cafe serving the brand’s signature ice cream, modern South East Asian cuisine at Miss Mi restaurant and bar (below) and a daily Chocolate Hour along with a 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, gymnasium, and a boardroom.

Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer will form the six-level podium of the striking 78-storey Elenberg Fraser architect-designed Premier Tower development.

 

Simon McGrath, CEO Accor Pacific, says: “We’re delighted to be bringing the Mövenpick hotel brand to Melbourne. This investment will benefit the local community by providing a choice of even greater accommodation options for visitors to the city and for Accor loyalty guests. 

"The city of Melbourne is the perfect location for a Mövenpick hotel, enriching Melbourne’s incredible culinary scene with an outstanding restaurant and bar, and masterfully blending the brand’s Swiss heritage with a top-quality hospitality experience.”

Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer is just a short stroll from Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Queen Victoria Markets and Marvel Stadium. 

With a Swiss heritage dating back to the 1940s, Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer joins some of the world’s finest hotels including Mövenpick Resort & Spa Jimbaran Bali, Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok, Grand Plaza Mövenpick Dubai Media City UAE, Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, Mövenpick Hotel The Hague and Mövenpick Hotel Hobart. 

 

Opening Special: From $240* per night in a Superior King or Twin Room including a Chocolate Hour experience for two on one afternoon. To book, visit all.accor.com

 

The lowdown on Hobart's newest gourmet destination

The recent opening of the Mövenpick Hobart Hotel was double good news for the Tasmanian capital. 

Not only did it gain much-needed luxury rooms in the centre city, it also added Tesoro - a new gourmet destination for both locals and visitors. 

Mövenpick is a Swiss brand, known globally for its ice creams as well as its hotels, but this its first property in Australia.

There are 221 rooms over levels three to 18, but the hotel has a more boutique feel. 

The rooms feature Tasmanian artworks and have fast free wifi, while Tesoro uses local produce with an Italian spin. The staff are multinational and uniformly efficient - not always a Hobart strength. 

As is the case in all Movenpick hotels, there is a daily chocolate hour each afternoon with guests offered chocolate-inspired treats, drinks and cocktails. 

The lobby level is warm and welcoming with plenty of shared spaces, stunning art and plenty of power points, and flows into the hotel’s eatery, which boasts a broad selection of cocktails and local and imported wines (think names like Chatto, Holyman and Waterton Hall). Web check-in is available. 

Mövenpick Hotel Hobart boasts a flexible function space for up to 100 guests, which can also be divided into two.   

The rooms are stylish and spacious - even in their smallest iteration. The beds are comfortable and the design well thought out with plenty of plugs and USB ports at bedside, effective lighting and even a wireless charging port. 

TVs come with Chromecast so guests can cast Netflix or Stan from their own devices. Mini bars are "order only" in these Covid times, while the best views of the Hobart waterfront come from the higher levels - and were superb from 1801, where we were lodged. 

The Mövenpick entrance lobby (above) - and that of Tesoro - are in the Hobart bus mall precinct, however hotel guests can drive in their vehicles for valet parking under a "local traffic" exemption. There are several eating options within a couple of hundred metres, and the waterfront is just a short stroll away.    

Accor Pacific CEO, Simon McGrath, said: “Mövenpick Hotel Hobart transcends the traditional hotel experience by masterfully blending the brand’s Swiss heritage with a premium hospitality experience. 

"We’re so excited to share this stunning property with guests visiting Hobart from other parts of Tasmania and Australia. Accor is planning more locations for Mövenpick across the Pacific and we believe this premium brand will quickly gain recognition for its culinary and service excellence.”

Then there is Tesoro, quickly becoming a favourite with the locals.

The range of Cape Grim steaks, dry-aged in house, are a star attraction and bloody delicious, particularly alongside plates of grilled asparagus with black garlic, parmesan, truffle oil and poached egg. 

Risottos of locally foraged mushrooms and Tasmanian truffle oil are also popular, along with local seafood dishes. The dessert pannacotta with Prosecco and wild berries (below) was a perfectly judged end to our evening. 

Executive Chef Trent Whelan said: “For the team at Tesoro, it’s important we showcase the exceptional produce for which Tasmania is known, along with Italian cuisine.

"Simple food and ingredients sourced through local, sustainable and ethical producers – many of whom we know personally – form the foundation of our food ethos."

Tesoro is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. See www.tesorohobart.com.au.

And for sweet tooths, between 4pm and 5pm daily, a complimentary sweet treat, such as an éclair, brownie or truffle, is served with any chocolate-inspired cocktail, mocktail or affogato purchase. The hotel also offers an indulgent assortment of chocolate tasting packages available at any time of the day.

Surely I must have had some complaints? Well, the toilet paper could have been of a higher quality and the breakfast menu was a peculiar mishmash of dishes like breakfast pizzas and corn fritters. But I'm nitpicking.

I'm happy to report both the mushrooms with basil puree, goat's cheese and poached eggs; and scrambled eggs on toast with bacon were delicious and non trendy.   

Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, 28 Elizabeth Street, Hobart TAS 7000. Book before March 31 for an opening special of $325 per night in a classic king or classic twin room for two adults including a Tasmanian cheese platter and wine on arrival and a leisurely 3pm late check-out. To book, visit all.accor.com

The writer was a guest of Mövenpick Hotel Hobart