Accor, the leading international hospitality group in the region, is set to significantly expand its footprint in Japan. The group announced its acquisition of the Daiwa Resorts portfolio, which will add 23 properties and over 6,000 rooms to its nationwide network.
All these hotels are slated to open their doors in the second quarter of 2024, with reservations starting from 6 November 2023.
The expansion will mark the debut of the Grand Mercure brand in Japan. Grand Mercure is renowned for its “Proudly Local” premium hotels, which immerse guests in local celebrations and multi-sensory experiences curated by local hosts. Alongside this, the Mercure brand will offer locally inspired, high-quality midscale hotels designed to ignite travelers’ passion for exploration.
Two standout properties in the portfolio are the Grand Mercure Yatsugatake Resort & Spa, nestled in the picturesque mountainous region of Yatsugatake, and the Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort, which boasts proximity to the pristine Zanpa Beach. Both resorts will undergo comprehensive renovations, encompassing common areas like lobbies, restaurants, and onsen (hot springs). Notably, the Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa is also set to feature one of the largest swimming pools in the Okinawa prefecture.
Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer for Accor’s Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division in Asia, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion. He emphasized the unique local experiences these properties would offer, given Japan’s allure as a tourist destination. He also expressed gratitude to Japan Hotel Reit Advisors, the asset manager for Daiwa Resort, for entrusting Accor with this significant project and the introduction of the Grand Mercure brand to Japan.
Koji Mayanagi, President & CEO of Daiwa Resort Co., Ltd., highlighted the ambitious challenge of rebranding and launching 23 hotels simultaneously under the Mercure and Grand Mercure brands. He believes this initiative will spotlight lesser-known rural areas in Japan and address the overtourism challenge. Mayanagi emphasized the collaboration’s potential to cater to diverse travel needs and revitalize local communities.
Grand Mercure and Mercure Hotels joining the network in Q2 2024
Grand Mercure Okinawa Cape Zanpa Resort
Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Yatsugatake Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Nara Kashihara
Grand Mercure Ise-shima Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Lake Biwa Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Minamiboso Resort & Spa
Grand Mercure Wakayama Minabe Resort &Spa
Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park
Mercure Kyoto Miyazu Resort & Spa
Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa
Mercure Saga Karatsu Resort
Mercure Wakayama Kushimoto Resort & Spa
Mercure Toyama Tonami Resort & Spa
Mercure Kochi Tosa Resort & Spa
Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa
Mercure Tottori Daisen Resort & Spa
Mercure Urabandai Resort & Spa
Mercure Noto Resort & Spa
Mercure Fukuoka Munakata Resort & Spa
Schedule of Renovations
Renovations of the properties will begin in Q4 2023 and are expected to be completed by Q2 2024, after which the properties will operate under the Grand Mercure and Mercure brands.
Accor currently operates 21 properties (5,085 keys) in Japan under several brands, including Pullman, Swissôtel, Mercure, Novotel, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis Budget. In addition to the hotels signed within this agreement, there are five more properties (1,147 keys) currently in Accor’s pipeline.
