Accor banking on Vietnam destinations

Leading global hotel operator Accor is very keen on the future of tourism in Vietnam. 

Accor and Sun Group, one of Vietnam's leading real estate and tourism developers, have strengthened a long-standing partnership with the signing of a strategic portfolio deal that will see the development of more than 5,300 rooms over the next five years.

Located in key destinations, including Phu Quoc and Danang, the new properties include hotels, resorts and serviced residences. 

Several Accor brands will also be introduced to the Vietnam market for the very first time including Sofitel Serviced Residences, Swissôtel Living and TRIBE as well as Ennismore's fashion-driven lifestyle brand SO/. 

The expanded partnership will also further strengthen the presence of established brands such as MGallery, Grand Mercure and ibis Styles.

Sébastien Bazin, Accor chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said: “Vietnam has emerged as one of Asia's most dynamic destinations, and this milestone agreement reflects both the strength of our partnership with Sun Group and our shared ambition to shape the long-term evolution of Vietnam's tourism sector. 

“We remain focused on expanding our network in destinations that offer travellers more meaningful ways to connect with the culture and natural beauty of the country. These developments will bring a diverse mix of brands and experiences to market, creating new opportunities for tourism and contributing to Vietnam's continued growth on the global stage."

Dang Minh Truong, chairman of the Board of Directors, Sun Group, was equally optimistic, saying: “Sun Group has been committed to creating world-class destinations that celebrate Vietnam's identity and unlock the tourism potential of remarkable places across the country. 

“This landmark agreement with Accor marks an important step in that journey. By bringing Accor's diverse hospitality ecosystems and new experiences to Vietnam, we are not only elevating hospitality standards but also enhancing the attractiveness and competitiveness of our destinations, generating economic opportunities, and contributing to the sustainable growth of Vietnam's tourism industry."

The first phase of the portfolio includes Bana Hills Hotel Danang - MGallery Collection; Ruby Beach Hotel - MGallery Collection, SO/ Phu Quoc Ruby Beach, Grand Mercure Phu Quoc Ruby Beach, TRIBE Hon Thom Phu Quoc and ibis Styles Hon Thom Phu Quoc. 

Berlin hits the heights with new hotel openings

Berlin is booming with a wave of new hotels scheduled to open throughout 2026.

The German capital currently has 93 hotel chains with a total of 197 hotels offering over 25,000 rooms.

By the end of the year that will increase to 95 brands and 205 hotels, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Among the new openings will be the Estrel Tower (top image), along the riverside promenade of the Neukölln shipping canal.

At 176 metres with 45 floors of accommodation, it will become Germany’s tallest hotel building. The property will offer 522 rooms, suites, and serviced apartments, alongside co-working areas, a gallery, spa facilities, and extensive meeting infrastructure.

Lifestyle-focused concepts also continue to drive Berlin’s hotel expansion. The Me and All Hotel Berlin East Side by Hyatt brings 227 rooms, co-working spaces, and a 24/7 fitness concept near the East Side Gallery along the Spree river.

Irish lifestyle brand Dean Hotels also entered the Berlin market with The Dean Berlin in Charlottenburg. The 81-room property focuses on "design-led hospitality and social dining", anchored by the all-day restaurant Benedict.

Another lifestyle-driven addition is Radisson RED Berlin Potsdamer Platz. The design-forward hotel is due to opening in late 2026 inside a listed former Siemens building. The 249-room property blends heritage architecture with contemporary branding.

The Cloud One, part of the Motel One Group, will open later in the year with 344 rooms and a rooftop bar. The hotel is targeting younger urban travellers seeking stylish yet affordable accommodation.

Several established properties are undergoing transformations. The former Novotel near Tiergarten will reopen as Clayton Hotel Berlin Tiergarten, a repositioned four-star property with 274 rooms.

Scandic Hotel Berlin City West will become the brand’s third Berlin property following an extensive renovation, with reopening slated for late 2026.

Hotel de Rome at Bebelplatz, meanwhile, is scheduled to relaunch in 2027 as Four Seasons Hotel Berlin.

Adaptive re-use is also prominent with The Knast, a boutique hotel currently under development in Lichterfelde, transforming a former prison into a hospitality experience with restaurant, bar, and event spaces.

Ocean Berlin at Rummelsburger Bucht is a large marine park featuring an aquarium and interactive exhibits. The complex will include a hotel with approximately 170 rooms, with the entire project expected to open at the end of 2026.

Near Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Berlin Airport will expand accommodation capacity with a new-build property offering 271 rooms.

Accor continues expansion in Thailand

Tourism numbers to Thailand may have suffered a recent blip, but global hotel group Accor is confident in the future.

Accor this week announced it is strengthening its footprint in Thailand with the signing of three new hotels in Bangkok and Phuket.

A partnership with Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited (BC) will mark the debut of the Handwritten Collection in Bangkok, introduce the first Mercure hotel in Phuket, and expand Mövenpick's presence with a new resort on Kamala Beach.

With 70+ hotels and over 16,000 keys currently in operation across Thailand, Accor leads the premium, mid-scale, and economy hospitality segments.

The three hotels are scheduled to open between 2025 and 2027, collectively adding 585 keys in the country.

Mercure Phuket Patong Journeyhub

Expected to open in late 2025, Mercure Phuket Patong Journeyhub will become the first Mercure-branded hotel on the island. Located minutes from the beach in the island's liveliest precinct, the 198-room hotel aims to cater to both international and regional tourists.

Mövenpick Resort Kamala Beach Phuket

Opening in late 2026, Mövenpick Resort Kamala Beach will be a new-build 197-key resort that promises to "embrace a holistic approach to sustainability, while supporting community engagement" in a fast-growing tourism destination.

JonoX Sukhumvit 5 – Handwritten Collection, Bangkok

Handwritten Collection is a collection of hotels "with a unique personality". The 190-room JonoX Sukhumvit 5 - Handwritten Collection will be a new-build hotel that will offer convenient access to shopping, nightlife, business hubs, and medical tourism services. Scheduled to open in 2027, it will mark the debut of Handwritten Collection in Bangkok.

Andrew Langdon, Accor's Chief Development Officer, Asia, said; “Thailand has long been a key market for Accor, and our network is expanding in a strategic and considered manner.

"The signings of these three hotels with Boutique Corporation Public Company Limited (BC) reflect our shared confidence in Thailand's continued growth, and the opportunity to introduce Accor's diverse brand experiences.

"Handwritten Collection, Mövenpick, and Mercure each bring unique hospitality concepts designed to meet evolving traveller expectations and celebrate Thailand's vibrant culture and unique offerings.”

Very boring image: Supplied