Novotel is a mid-scale, full service hotel chain in the Accor hotel group. It’s one of the older Accor brands, started in 1967 and has focused on business travelers, more recently opening up to families and leisure travelers. They only have one property in the US – so who are they and what can you expect from a stay? Read my overview to find out!
So, who are they? Novotel might be small in the US, but they are the third largest brand in the Accor portfolio and have over 400 hotels worldwide, with over 60% in Europe and 24% in Asia, so you are likely to see them in all the big cities there! They are a mid-scale brand that has traditionally focused on business travelers, offering meeting rooms and services as well as 24h catering. More recently they have catered to families and leisure travelers, introducing XBOX game consoles and free stays and breakfast for kids. They are positioned below the more upscale, stylish Pullman brand and above Mercure – and their design is a usually a little more subdued than either one.
In their own words, “Born in 1967, Novotel is a 4-stars International midscale brand for business & leisure travelers with hotels located in the heart of major international cities, business districts and tourist destinations.”
I think Novotel is still geared towards business, but offering family-friendly options to fill weekends and slow periods. But that is not really a issue from my perspective: I don’t think there is a downside in a “business hotel” for leisure travelers, as long as they are in a location convenient for your trip and they have the amenities, like a pool, that you are looking for!
So, why should I care? Novotel is a lot more common in Europe and Asia than most of the US brands, so if you have trip planned to a major (or some not so major) city there, you are most likely to see one! Accor is consistent with their brands, comparable to Marriott, so disappointments are rare. Their prices tend to be more in sync with the local market than US brands, so you generally get a better deal than at you might at a Sheraton or Marriott in the same town.
Their interior design is more modern than those US brands, but not as bold and bright as Mercure. They do have contemporary touches like photographic art or glass partition to the bathroom in some newer or renovated properties. I do like their style and you consider Mercure “loud” instead of “bold”, you probably will like Novotel better!
Novotel participates in Accor’s LeClub rewards program with almost 4,000 hotels worldwide. While it is a revenue based program, they do offer frequent promotions with great sales rates as well as bonus points, which can make Accor stays a great deal. If found that especially true for off-season stays or weekend stays in the cities!
To get a better idea of the experience you can expect, you can read my reviews of Novotel properties:
Novotel Vilnius