Today’s news in brief – 24/10/23

Great Scotland Yard Hotel, a luxurious five-star establishment near iconic London landmarks, has been added to Internova Travel Group’s Curated Hotels and Resorts programme, known for its lifestyle properties. The hotel boasts 151 rooms, Michelin-starred dining by Niklas Ekstedt, and various bars and lounges. Internova clients receive benefits such as a $100 (£82) credit for stays of two or more nights and room upgrades.

Mercure Oxford Hawkwell House Hotel has welcomed chef Anthony Pitcher to revamp its dining experience. With over 15 years of experience, Pitcher aims to create a British ingredient-led seasonal menu at the hotel’s restaurant, Frank’s. The hotel also offers Sunday roasts during the winter months.

Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Aqueous Spa has been sold to a US-based private buyer by the Robert Parker Collection. The 13th-century castle, featuring 35 bedrooms, a spa, and a two AA rosette restaurant, was part of the luxury hotel group owned by Robert and Gina Parker.

Accor has expanded its Novotel Living brand, focusing on extended stay, serviced apartments, and private rentals. The brand now operates in Singapore, Bangkok, Saigon, and Kazakhstan, with plans for more locations. Accor is a global leader in extended stay with over 380 properties across 14 brands. The global extended stay market is rapidly growing, predicted to reach $166.5bn (£135.9bn) by 2032. Europe is a hub for serviced apartments, while the Asia Pacific region, particularly the UK, dominates corporate serviced apartment demand. Accor offers a range of extended stay options from economy to luxury, including Adagio, Mercure Living, and Novotel Living.

The company has also opened Pullman Living Dongguan Forum in China and celebrated Adagio’s 15th anniversary with new aparthotel openings. Accor’s extended stay offerings cater to various traveller types and are part of the ALL – Accor Live Limitless lifestyle loyalty programme. The rising demand for extended stay properties is a global trend, driven by travellers taking longer trips and blending business with leisure. Accor aims to provide diverse extended stay options to meet the evolving needs of travellers worldwide.