Mercure to open at Narita, Japan

Mercure launches in Japan this week with the rebranding of the former Hotel Lets Narita to Mercure Hotel Narita. The hotel signals the first step in Mercure's long-term plans to establish itself in Japan as it continues its expansion throughout the Asia Pacific region.

The 250-room hotel, owned by private equity fund Lone Star group, was closed during the multi-million dollar renovation program and with the effects of SARS and the Iraq war now abating, the hotel will be in a strong position to capitalise on the expected upturn.

"Narita was chosen as the perfect launch city for Mercure in Japan because it is the key gateway to the country," said Michael Issenberg, Accor Asia Pacific's Managing Director. "At its pre-SARS peak, more than 65,000 people fly in and out of Narita every day, making this the busiest airport in the country with more than 25 million passenger movements per year.

"Like all airports, Narita has suffered as a result of SARS and the Iraq conflict, but there is renewed optimism throughout the region and Narita is expected to return to near-capacity by the end of the year. It is an ideal time to introduce the Mercure brand to Japan.

"We are very happy to be returning this important hotel to Narita's tourism infrastructure and to be bringing an affordable international hotel to Japan's busiest airport. With over 50 airlines operating out of Narita, the Mercure is also looking to become the preferred hotel for airline crews

 "Accor now offers an extensive range of hotels in Japan, including Formule 1, Mercure, Novotel and Sofitel, and over the next few years we expect strong growth across all brands."

Mercure Hotel Narita is located next to the train station, providing easy access to Narita Airport (just five minutes), and downtown Tokyo (55 minutes), and a hotel shuttle bus is available for guests arriving into Narita Airport.

The Mercure is expected to be a major conference hotel, with facilities for up to 500 delegates, smaller meeting rooms and a chapel for weddings are also available.

An all-day coffee shop operates on the ground floor of the hotel and later in the year Japanese, Chinese and Yakatori cuisine restaurants will open.

Also opening in the future will be a fully equipped gymnasium, and a medically supervised massage service.

While principally a business hotel, the Mercure's proximity to Narita Temple and the golf courses in Chiba will also help to make it an attractive base for leisure travellers.

A special introductory rate, offering a 50% discount, will be available till the end of September, 2003. Rates start at 4500yen for a single room.

The Mercure's Manager is Ohnishi Sumio.