A shift towards automatic writing. In three years, since its launch in January 2023, Accor’s Handwritten Collection has reached around forty hotels in operation and more in development, with 45 establishments expected in France or internationally. Among the latter are a second address in Bucharest, the Tacadra hotel, but also a new capital added to the brand's network after Vienna last January – Tirana, with the Adorn Hotel – in addition to leisure hotels in Taormina or Kala Nera, in the Peloponnese.
Yet, it is France that is driving the development of this brand, conceived as a collection of hotels designed to attract characterful hotels into the fold of large groups without undue loss of their independence. "The rise of Handwritten Collection in France, with 9 openings in 2026, demonstrates the strength of a flexible model, capable of adapting to urban projects as well as secondary and seaside destinations. ", emphasised Katell Bourgeois, Vice President of Development France & Benelux for Accor's Premium, Midscale and Economy brands.
La Maison Louise in Vieux-Lille, the Grand Hôtel des Brotteaux in Lyon, and the Hôtel Faubourg Galant in Paris's 9th arrondissement: these establishments joined last year. Other urban hotels will follow this year, with the Hôtel Le Galliane in Parisian suburb Levallois-Perret next June, and the Hôtel 56 in Bordeaux, opening in 2025 along the Garonne, opposite the MECA, near the Saint-Jean station. Then, from September, the Handwritten Collection will offer a new address in Lyon, the Hôtel Keystone & Spa, featuring 99 rooms in the Confluence district.
This expansion is also affecting secondary cities. Recently, at the beginning of April, Grenoble saw one of its main establishments, opened in 1961 and located in the city centre just a few steps from the Parc Paul Mistral, come under the Handwritten Collection brand: the Park Hotel. This boutique hotel, formerly under the MGallery banner, offers business travellers 49 rooms and suites and two private lounges for seminars, business or private meals. At the same time, the brand is also taking advantage of its development agreement with the YOU Famille Hôtelière group to expand its urban offering with a contemporary address in Amiens since January, the YOU Hôtel Amiens boasting 98 rooms, coworking spaces and a cinema. While we wait for Rennes next year, the YOU brand and the Handwritten chain will be making a joint debut this summer in Valence with a four-star YOU Hôtel de France, offering 50 rooms and a coworking space, as well as a sunny terrace.
Other more leisure-oriented establishments complete the expansion of the Handwritten Collection in France. Last March, Château de Mazan joined the brand, this 31-room and suite château-hotel located at the foot of Mont Ventoux, in what was once the historic home of the Marquis de Sade's family, which is now accustomed to hosting business groups for seminars surrounded by nature and heritage. This summer, it will be followed by Domaine des Grands Sables and its 65 eco-lodges on the island of Groix and, with a more mountainous spirit, the Grand Hôtel Hermitage in Font-Romeu.
Built of ashlar at the beginning of the 20th centurye In the 20th century, this establishment accompanied the rise of the Pyrenean resort and enjoyed its golden age between the wars, hosting artists and celebrities such as Dali, Picasso, Trénet, and the Spanish royal family. It then became a residence in the 1970s before returning to its hotel roots, offering travellers a four-star setting for stays enhanced by moments of relaxation and fine dining, as well as a studious atmosphere with its meeting room capable of accommodating up to 35 people.
