Companies

Paris AccorHotels takes over Malay-owned unit

HOTEL

Tune Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi. FILE PHOTO | NMG

French conglomerate AccorHotels has accelerated expansion of its local footprint with the takeover of Malaysian tycoon Anthony Fernandes-owned Nairobi hotel.

The hotel chain has taken over management of the property currently run under Malaysian budget brand Tune, which is rebranding barely a year into operation.

The agreement signed on Monday will see AccorHotels re-launch the existing property under the ibis Styles brand in the second half of the year.

“With this signature, we are expanding our commitment to leverage Africa’s enormous growth potential. Kenya is a strategic market for AccorHotels’ development in East Africa. It is a key window for the region where we see a strong potential for AccorHotels’ brands on all market segments with a positive and promising economic outlook,” said Steven Daines CEO of AccorHotels for Africa and Middle East.

The ibis Styles Nairobi Westlands will continue to target the budget segment of the market.

Tune is operated on a no-frills model similar to that of low-cost airlines Jambojet and Fastjet, where customers are charged for any add-on services.

The hotel’s no frills model, now a staple in developed markets, will be targeting local, foreign and corporate back-to-back travellers in Kenya and travellers who need solid, quality accommodation, but who are not interested in paying the extra for a lifestyle or luxurious experience.

The 280 rooms across the 11 floors of the hotel come with the option of double, twin, triple and family rooms. The standard design means no wardrobe storage.

AccorHotels is already present in Kenya with two lodges (Fairmont Mara Safari Club and Fairmount Mount Kenya Safari Club), and the Fairmont Norfolk in Nairobi. 

The conglomerate is also planning on opening Pullman Nairobi, also located in the Westlands area later in the year.

“We are delighted to be partnering with AccorHotels – they have a proven track record in Africa with strong brands and an excellent reservation system. We look forward to this property joining the ibis Styles portfolio and benefitting from AccorHotels’ management expertise and strong international marketing capability,” said Naushad Jivraj, CEO of Queensway Group.

This is the second rebrand in Nairobi, after Kamcan Properties Limited’s Best Western Premier became Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi, Hurlingham.