Accor has announced two new Mercure hotels in the UK – in Northampton and Thurrock, Essex – building upon the Group’s already strong UK footprint. Both signings will be a joint venture between real estate fund manager Frogmore and C1 Capital Partners.

Mercure Northampton will be operated under a franchise agreement. The existing 146-room hotel located in the heart of Northampton, will join the Mercure brand following a renovation. Business travellers will be able to use the hotel’s 12 meeting rooms – with a combined capacity of up to 600 guests – and the hotel’s business centre.

Mercure Stifford Hall, which will also operate under a franchise agreement, will offer 97 bedrooms, alongside seven meeting rooms; a restaurant and bar; and a library area for guests to enjoy. The 18th-century Georgian hotel, which will undergo a renovation prior to opening as a Mercure, is set in a prime location, surrounded by 6 acres of landscaped gardens and located adjacent to the Mardyke Valley Golf Club.

Both hotels are set to open later this year following the Mercure rebranding. The latest signings will bring the Mercure portfolio in the UK to 81 hotels.

Philip Lassman, Vice President Development, Accor Northern Europe commented: “It is great to see the continued expansion of the Mercure brand across the UK. These signings are the latest announcements within a strong pipeline across Europe, signifying the strength of the internationally-recognized Mercure brand and industry-leading services to boost revenues for hotel owners, alongside the ability to retain the individual style and character of a boutique hotel.”

John Matthews, Director of Asset Management, Frogmore commented: “These hotels offer great amenities for both business and leisure travellers. They are ideal properties for the Mercure brand and will benefit greatly from the power of Accor’s distribution and other services. Following the renovations, we look forward to working with Accor and seeing the success of both hotels.”

Accor’s portfolio of hotels totals 5,400 properties across 110 countries. Alongside Mercure, its 40 brands include Raffles, Fairmont, ibis Styles, Sofitel, Novotel and others.