HUE, Vietnam, 17 August 2011 -- Eight decades after French architects imagined an exquisite mansion in the heart of Vietnam, their vision is now fulfilled as La Residence Hue Hotel and Spa joins the elite MGallery Collection -- a collection of memorable and unique hotels by Accor.

Introduced in 2008 by Accor, the largest international hotel operator in Vietnam, the hotels and resorts in the MGallery Collection are chosen from thousands of upscale properties on the basis of outstanding design, vision, history or location. World-traveller and actress Kristen Scott Thomas is the ambassador for the MGallery portfolio of properties, which numbers 45 unique hotels on 5 continents with the inclusion of La Residence Hue.

The 81-year-old boutique hotel is the third property in Vietnam to become a member of the MGallery Collection, and the first in the country to join the MGallery roster of "historic" hotels, alongside time-honored establishments such as the Covent Hotel in Amsterdam, the Grand Hotel Beauvau in Marseilles, and the Hotel Frances in Santo Domingo.

Besides its heritage background, the hotel also boasts strong design connections borne of its architectural roots. At the height of the art deco movement in 1930, the mansion at 5 Le Loi in Hue was built as part of the French Governor's official residence in the former colony of Annam.

Over time, the hotel, with its distinctive bowled façade, long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, has become a Hue landmark and a destination in its own right. With 200m of frontage along the south bank of the fabled Perfume River, the hotel's terraces, gardens and ample banks of windows offer outstanding views of Hue’s Flag Tower bastion and Truong Tien Bridge.

Inside, the hotel's age-old ambiance is evoked by a fusion of art deco styles. In three, linked buildings, the hotel's 122 guest rooms and suites blend old-world charm with Asian opulence. Nostalgic touches like louvered shutters, hardwood floors and lofty ceilings evoke the romance of the Indochine era, encouraging guests to take a step back in time.

The Signature Suites -- including the palatial, 76-square-metre Resident's Suite -- are a collection of individually designed and uniquely decorated spaces.

In the centre of the hotel's main building is Le Gouverneur Bar, where a spectacular mural by Roland Renaud arches over the room, depicting scenes of Vietnamese daily life. The hotel's fine-dining restaurant, Le Parfum, serves up a blend of Mediterranean cuisine with strong French overtones, plus traditional Vietnamese dishes.

Celebrated throughout the region as one of the few monumental hotels still operating in Vietnam, the MGallery distinction is not the first time La Residence Hue has been lauded by industry experts.

In 2009, La Residence Hue received special recognition by the Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report. The review singled out the hotel's "exceptionally inviting" 30m saltwater swimming pool, its "beautiful, custom-made furniture," and its "engaging and efficient" service.

La Residence Hue also earned a spot on the prestigious Conde Nast Hot List in 2007 -- an award typically won by newly-opened properties -- while the hotel's wellness facility, Le Spa, was named one of Conde Nast’s Hot Spas for 2007.

About MGALLERY
MGallery is a collection of upscale hotels notable for their personalities, which will appeal to individual travellers seeking distinctive services or looking for a place with more soul.

In the city centre as well as in tourist hotspots, each hotel in the collection offers a distinctive environment in which to fulfil an authentic experience that revolves around a philosophy of pleasure.

A collection of hotels like so many different worlds.

Launched in September 2008 by Accor, it now covers five continents and will grow to over 100 locations by 2015.

Everything you need to know about MGallery hotels can be found at the mgallery.com website.

About Accor
Accor, the world's leading hotel operator and market leader in Europe, is present in 90 countries with 4,100 hotels and close to 500,000 rooms.

Accor's broad portfolio of hotel brands - Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Suite Novotel,  Mercure, Adagio, ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1, hotelF1 and Motel 6, and its related activities, Thalassa sea & spa, and Lenôtre - provide an extensive offer from luxury to budget. With 145,000 employees worldwide, the Group offers to its clients and partners nearly 45 years of know-how and expertise.