FRENCH hospitality giant Accor Group has finally planted its first Mercure flag in the Philippines at the Andrew Tan-led Megaworld Corp.’s township development in Cebu.
The 550-room Mercure Mactan Cebu is operated by Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR) at Mactan Newtown, a master-planned coastal township in Cebu. The hotel was formerly known as Belmont Hotel Mactan.
In a news statement, Accor Asia’s Chief Operating Officer for Premium, Midscale and Economy Division Garth Simmons said, ‘Cebu is a destination on the rise. Introducing Mercure to the Philippines for the first time with the opening of Mercure Mactan Cebu marks a strategic expansion for the brand, as Cebu continues to emerge as a compelling gateway for travelers seeking culturally rich experiences.’
He added that Mercure Mactan is ‘designed to reflect the character of its surroundings [and] connects curious and passionate travelers to the stories, flavors, and energy that define Cebu. As demand grows for experience-led travel, we are excited to expand our presence in the Philippines and create more opportunities for travelers to connect with emerging destinations across Asia.’
For her part, MHR Managing Director Cleofe C. Albiso told the BusinessMirror that the company’s franchise agreement with Accor is ‘one deal only, just for Mactan.’ There are currently no plans to rebrand other Belmont Hotels to Mercures.
However, she said talks were ongoing on the possibility of partnering with Accor for its other brands. ‘Nothing final,’ she said.
Movenpick Westside in 4Q
MHR earlier announced its 1,530-room Grand Westside Manila Bay will also be managed by Accor, under the Movenpick brand, by the fourth quarter of the year. To be called Movenpick Westside, it will be Accor’s largest hotel under the brand.
Meanwhile, Accor said Mercure Mactan features 550 guestrooms and suites, including Standard Rooms, Privilege Rooms, and the Presidential Suite. Each room is designed with locally inspired touches, curated artwork, and vibrant accents that celebrate the colors and creativity of Cebu.
The food and beverage outlets showcase the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Cebu. ‘Pulô serves authentic Filipino and Cebuano cuisine with a fresh ocean-to-table approach, within interiors inspired by solihiya weaving, abaca craftsmanship, and the vibrant energy of the Sinulog Festival,’ the Group added.
Guests can enjoy cocktails, local brews, and light bites at Lingaw Pool Bar, while Zabana Bar and Lounge offers a relaxed setting for evening drinks, complemented by handcrafted Cebu guitars that pay tribute to the island’s musical heritage.
The hotel also features a fully equipped fitness center, separate steam and sauna facilities, spa treatments, a tranquil Garden Lounge, and an inviting swimming pool designed for relaxation throughout the day.
Flexible MICE spaces
For meetings, celebrations, and social gatherings, Mercure Mactan Cebu offers versatile meeting rooms and flexible event spaces designed for both corporate and social occasions, accommodating gatherings from 30 to 180 guests.
The hotel sits directly across the recently opened Mactan Expo, the area’s largest convention facility with a 3,000-seat theater capacity. This positions Mercure Mactan as an ‘ideal base for delegates attending large-scale conventions and exhibitions in Cebu.’
The hotel also provides exclusive access to Mactan Newtown Beach, featuring a picturesque Ceremony Garden for intimate occasions and an elegant Glass Pavilion overlooking the sea for larger celebrations and weddings.
‘At Mercure Mactan Cebu, we invite guests to experience more than just a destination. We invite them to feel Cebu,’ said hotel General Manager Gwen De La Cruz.
‘What truly defines Cebu is its people. Hospitality is innate and embedded in the Cebuano lineage, every stay is shaped by genuine warmth and connection. We want every guest to feel that this is a place they can return to, time and time again, because Cebu always feels like home,’ she added.
The Accor Group currently manages 12 hotels in the Philippines for various local developers: Movenpick Resort and Spa Boracay, Raffles Makati, Fairmont Makati, Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua in Mandaluyong, Admiral Hotel Manila-MGallery, Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao, Ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, Ibis Styles Subic in Zambales, Swissôtel Clark Philippines, Mercure Mactan, Movenpick Cebu, and South Palms Resort and Spa Panglao-MGallery.