Hanoi, August 17, 2009 � Accor, the largest international hotel operator in Vietnam, announced today the debut of the Mercure hotel brand to Vietnam, with two new hotel openings in Hanoi and Hue. Both hotels will open in September 2009.

�The Mercure hotel brand is known globally for its comfort, service quality and hospitality which appeal to both leisure and business travelers. Vietnam offers a great opportunity for the brands expansion where it will fill a clear need in the mid-scale segment. Both of these Mercure hotels are distinct in their locations and charismatic in styling and built in harmony with their surroundings. To be able to launch both of the hotels in the same month is a pleasing achievement.� commented Mr. Patrick Basset, Accor Vice President � Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea and Japan.

Mercure Hanoi La Gare, opening on September 1, 2009, is the first newly built international 4-star hotel in the capital city of Hanoi. This modern mid-scale hotel reflects Hanoi�s history and culture, and is characterized by its contemporary design. The hotel is conveniently situated in the heart of the city centre on Ly Thuong Kiet, within the commercial precinct, foreign embassies, State companies, Government Ministries, opposite of the historic central railway station and within walking distance of Hanoi�s historic Old Quarter and the Hanoi International Exhibition Centre. Other tourist attractions such as the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), Hoan Kiem lake, and Hanoi Opera House are less than 15 minutes walk from the hotel.

All of the hotel�s 102 rooms are equipped with premium in-room amenities and wireless internet access. Double glazed windows in guest rooms help insulate external noise as well as maintain thermal comfort. Other hotel facilities include Brasserie Le Pavillion Restaurant serving Vietnamese and international cuisine, a fitness centre, a tour desk, family and connecting rooms, non-smoking floors and a business centre.

The 110 room Mercure Hu; Gerbera will benefit from its prime location on Le Loi Street where breathtaking views of Perfume River can be enjoyed from most of the guest rooms. Opening on September 9, 2009, the hotel�s facilities will include Calamus Restaurant serving Western and local specialties of Hu;, a lobby lounge and deli, a bar, a day spa, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. The hotel will also have extensive conference facilities providing the choice of a 450sqm ballroom featuring 2-storey floor-to-ceiling glass windows or a 300sqm dividable meeting room.

Hu a UNESCO heritage site, is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Perfume River and is approximately 1 hour flying time from Hanoi. Having undergone several periods of turmoil, Hu; has been left with many precious architectural sites. The main attractions include the Citadel and Forbidden City, the old Imperial complex, the pagodas, and many emperors� tombs in walled compounds containing palaces, temples and lakes.

Charlotte Gutte, Regional Director of Sales - Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea & Japan, says �Vietnam has needed high quality mid scale accommodation for a long time; these 2 hotels are a great start for both the Mercure Brand in the country and for fulfilling the needs of diverse travellers to Vietnam.�

Mercure Launch Packages - Mercure Hanoi La Gare: US$75++ for a Standard Room per night, valid during September 1 � 30, 2009 - Mercure Hue Gerbera : US$55++ for a Standard Room only per room per night, valid during September 9 � November 30, 2009

Reservation can be made now at www.mercure.com. *** Note to editor:

Accor operates 11 hotels throughout Vietnam under the Sofitel, Grand Mercure, Novotel hotel brands. Additional hotel committed to development include: 3 Pullman Hotels, 2 Novotels, 1 Mercure and 1 ibis hotel, further strengthening Accor�s commitment to the hotel sector in Vietnam and continuing as the largest international operator of hotels throughout the country. For more than 35 years, within the Accor Group, Mercure has exemplified expert hospitality and personalized service. Operating in more than 50 countries around the world, Mercure boasts hotels with distinctive personalities carefully preserved through the type of services offered and the decor, both of which vary from one hotel to the next. The hotel managers and staffs of the 690 Mercure hotels are hospitality professionals. Attentive and available, they are ready to listen and make sure their guests enjoy a stay full of genuine moments of pleasure and relaxation in a truly warm and comfortable setting. More information on Mercure hotels is available on mercure.com.

Accor Press Contact Porntina Tangsajjavitoon Director of Communications - SEA T : +66 2 659 4620 E : porntina.tangsajjavitoon@accor.com

Evan Lewis Vice President Communications � Asia Pacific T: +65 6408 8840 E : evan.lewis@accor.com