This summer, Mercure launched the expansion of its Discover Local guides, now available in over 50 sought-after destinations across Europe, from Belgrade (Serbia) to Oxford (UK), Düsseldorf (Germany) to Tbilisi (Georgia), The Hague (Netherlands) to Almaty (Kazakhstan) and more.
Vincent Moskovtchenko, Vice President Marketing Manager Midscale Brands at Accor Europe North Africa, said: “Mercure hotels offer far more than just a place to sleep – they are a gateway to the destination, a warm invitation to discover and explore the locale, creating an immersive experience for our guests. Europe is a treasure trove of different cultures, history, and culinary flavours, and with the expansion of our Discover Local programme, we are bringing even more opportunities for our guests to travel and feel like locals.”
Mercure introduced the Discover Local programme last year to celebrate its 50th anniversary and has now revealed a new series of guides for destinations across Europe for guests to explore neighbourhoods like a local. The initiative is designed to offer guests an immersive experience of the unique culture, cuisine, and attractions that surround each Mercure address. Regional specialties and cultural stories are selected by experts at participating Mercure hotels, enhancing the travel experience by connecting guests with the local treasures of their destination. The expansion of the Discover Local guides in Europe is in collaboration with Alpaca Maps, a digital mapping tool that creates personalised travel guides, itineraries, and must-see lists.
Mercure, part of Accor, boasts one of the most dynamic and fastest growing networks in Romania. The brand currently counts 9 hotels and is set to rapidly expand its network over the coming years. The existing hotels are spread across the country, in Bucharest, Sighișoara, Sibiu, Timisoara, Mediaș, Galați, Cozieni, Ilfov.
The Mercure portfolio in Romania grew in 2023 with two prominent openings: Mercure Conacul Cozieni and Mercure Sibiu Arsenal.
Located just 20 minutes outside Bucharest, in the natural landscape surrounding the Pasărea Monastery, Mercure Conacul Cozieni features a mix of 73 modern and artistically designed rooms enriched with beautiful paintings and stylized traditional Romanian design motifs, alongside the Elements restaurant, and four conference rooms accommodating up to 250 guests. These spaces are ideal for hosting business meetings, seminars, corporate events, or even weddings. Guests can immerse themselves in relaxation and rejuvenation at the wellness centre, featuring saunas, fitness, and outdoor swimming pool.
Opened in October 2023, Mercure Sibiu Arsenal comprises 121 thoughtfully designed rooms that provide a comfortable stay for guests travelling for leisure or for business. The hotel offers easy access to the city’s rich medieval history and architectural wonders. It is located on 48 Victoriei Boulevard, across the street from Sub Arini, the city’s most endeared park.
The next hotel to join the Mercure family in Romania is Mercure Bucharest Cantemir. The hotel will offer travellers coming to Bucharest and the local community 40 exquisitely designed rooms, a restaurant, a bar and a conference room, divisible into two separate meeting rooms. All facilities will be hosted by a refurbished building on the popular Dimitrie Cantemir Blvd., the avenue which connects the Unirii Square to Tineretului Park and other key destinations in the Southern Part of Bucharest.
The extended pipeline includes hotels in five new cities, scheduled to open over the coming two years: Mercure Portile de Fier, Mercure Alba Iulia Cetate, Mercure Bacău, Mercure Oradea, Mercure Brașov Old Town, Mercure Brașov Cubix.
Acting as a perfect collection of destinations for discovery on your doorstep, new adventures and explorations await in Europe with Mercure. A selection of what to expect is included in a round-up below with visitors guaranteed a unique insight in to how to live like a local in each city.
Belgrade, Serbia
Wander through Belgrade’s historic streets, where the past and present seamlessly converge. Indulge your taste buds in the diverse and mouthwatering offerings of Belgrade’s culinary scene. From traditional Serbian delights to modern gastronomic creations, every dish tells a story of the city’s culinary heritage.
Where to stay: Mercure Belgrade Excelsior
Belgrade Map: Discover Local in Belgrade
Gdansk, Poland
Stroll through the cobbled streets where the past comes alive. Explore iconic landmarks like St. Mary’s Basilica and the historic Gdańsk Crane, each telling tales of a city steeped in maritime history. Delight in the delectable array of flavours that Gdańsk has to offer.
Where to stay: Mercure Gdansk Stare Miastro
Gdansk map: Discover Local in Gdansk
Brighton, UK
Eclectic and artsy, with a calming coastal atmosphere, Brighton is a small city that is ideal for discovering on foot. Wander through the historic Lanes, adorned with quirky shops and boutiques, or stroll along the iconic Brighton Pier, where the seaside bustle intertwines with stunning ocean views.
Where to stay: Mercure Brighton Seafront
Brighton Map: Discover Local in Brighton
Oxford, UK
Explore the city’s illustrious heritage by visiting the historic colleges or wandering through the serene Botanic Garden. Delve into the academic ambiance that permeates the city’s streets and be captivated by the stories hidden within its ancient walls.
Where to stay: Mercure Oxford Eastgate
Oxford Map: Discover Local in Oxford
The Hague, The Netherlands
Begin your exploration in the vibrant Zeeheldenkwartier district, where artistic expression meets local charm in its boutiques and art galleries. Delve into the city’s history at the historic Van Kleef Distillery, where the aroma of spirits tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship.
Where to stay: Mercure Hotel Den Haag Central
The Hague Map: Discover Local in The Hague
Düsseldorf, Germany
Explore historic Cologne’s more artsy neighbour, Düsseldorf, and discover the Medienhafen district, which is a testament to the city’s evolution from an industrial place into a thriving media, fashion, and design hub.
Where to stay: Mercure Düsseldorf City Centre
Düsseldorf Map: Discover Local In Düsseldorf
Bucharest, Romania
Named as one of the prettiest places to visit in Romania, the capital city of Bucharest is full of magnificent monuments and lush green spaces. One of the most photographed places is Pasajul Victoriei, otherwise known as the Umbrella Street. The vibrant umbrella canopy attracts visitors from all over the world looking for an Insta-worthy shot. Bucharest’s rich history can be uncovered at the Palace of the Parliament, the world’s heaviest structure and a labyrinth of never-ending hallways. After a day of seeing the sights, wind down with a coffee at the Macca-Vilacrosse passage, a beautiful arcade filled with cosy cafés.
Where to stay: Mercure Bucharest City Center
Bucharest Map: Discover Local in Bucharest
Timișoara, Romania
Nicknamed ‘Little Vienna’, Timisoara is a great destination for those seeking historical monuments, beautiful outdoor spaces and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can make their way into the heart of the city and explore Piața Victoriei, meaning ‘Victory Square’, which features a plethora of charming shops, restaurants and museums. Locals particularly recommend visiting the Orthodox Cathedral in the area for its spectacular architecture. For history enthusiasts, the Natural History Museum and the reconstructed medieval village at Muzeul Satului Bănățean are well worth a visit. For the foodies, there is no better way to try Banat cuisine then a tasting tour around the city centre and travellers cannot leave without trying the traditional dish of Mâncare de brozbe.
Where to stay: Mercure Timisoara
Romania Map: Discover Local in Timisoara