The prominent hotel on Havelock Road recently underwent a S$80 million upgrading and extension programme. A new wing was constructed with 135 new rooms, as well as additional conference, banqueting and leisure facilities. The hotel now comprises a total of 480 rooms. 

The remaining rooms will undergo an extensive refurbishment program, commencing with the upgrading of 180 of the existing rooms, which will be introduced to the market over the coming 12 months. 

The Novotel brand has been prominent throughout the Asia Pacific region since 1981, when Accor made its first entry into the region via the launch of a Novotel in Singapore. Since then, the Novotel network had grown to 53 hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific, with a further seven hotels under development. 

Accor Asia Regional Vice President Asia, Marc Steinmeyer, said that Accor viewed Singapore as a highly strategic centre for Accor and its global network. 

"It has been a priority for Accor to gain a quality international-standard hotel in Singapore, and we believe that with the Novotel's prominent location and its comprehensive facilities, it will make an excellent addition to the Accor group," said Mr Steinmeyer. 

"This agreement could not be more timely, as it occurs when the Asia Pacific region is clearly regaining its economic vitality. We anticipate that travel both to and from Singapore will grow sharply over the next few years, and the Apollo is set to benefit considerably from the Novotel's international brand recognition.  Particularly strong inbound markets to Singapore at present are the UK and Australia, which have both increased by 10% in the first eight months of this year over last year, and also Asian markets such as Korea." 

In addition to the hotel's 480 rooms and suites, the Apollo has extensive restaurant and function facilities, including a choice of Indonesian, Chinese, Korean and international restaurants, grand ballroom, an extensive range of meeting rooms, business centre. Recreation facilities include a swimming pool and tennis court. 

A highly experienced General Manager, Jean-Pierre Kaspar, has been appointed by Accor to manage the hotel. Kaspar was formerly GM of Sofitel Cambodiana in Phnom Penh. 

Novotel Apollo Singapore joins a worldwide network of 350 Novotel hotels and resorts. Accor is a worldwide leader in hotels and tourism, with 3,300 hotels, car rental, travel agencies, casinos, catering and other tourism services.   Ends