Venice Joins Shanghai, Melbourne, New York, Paris, and More in Accor’s Explosive 2026 Hotel Openings—A Stunning Global Expansion That Will Change How We Travel Forever!

Published on December 15, 2025

Accor is making waves in the global hospitality scene with an ambitious 350 new hotel openings in 2026. From the romantic canals of Venice to the fast-paced streets of Shanghai and the cultural hotspots of Melbourne, New York, and Paris, Accor is set to offer an unparalleled array of accommodations. This expansion will allow Accor to enhance its presence across luxury, lifestyle, and midscale brands, catering to all types of travellers.

Accor’s continued growth underscores its commitment to redefining global travel, bringing new and exciting stays to some of the world’s most iconic and emerging destinations.

Global Expansion Spanning Iconic Cities and Emerging Markets

Accor’s 2026 portfolio includes some of the most anticipated hotel openings in some of the world’s most sought-after locations. This expansion will take Accor to new urban landscapes as well as scenic leisure destinations. The key destinations in 2026 include:

• Venice, Italy: Where Accor is transforming the 15th-century Palazzo Donà Giovannelli into a luxurious Orient Express hotel, offering guests a blend of historic elegance and modern luxury.
• Shanghai, China: Accor is opening several new hotels in this global business hub, catering to both leisure and business travellers.
• Melbourne, Australia: A city known for its vibrant coffee culture and artistic flair, Melbourne will see several new Accor properties that embrace both style and comfort.
• New York: The Big Apple, one of the most iconic cities in the world, will feature new Accor hotels that offer convenience, luxury, and a prime location for visitors.
• Paris, France: As a top destination for tourists, Accor’s new openings in Paris will offer a luxurious escape, with properties designed to immerse guests in the city of light’s charm.

Other cities and regions will also see exciting new developments, expanding Accor’s presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Redefining Luxury with Iconic Brands

Accor continues to solidify its leadership in the luxury hotel segment with several prestigious brand openings scheduled for 2026. These high-end brands will provide exclusive stays for travellers seeking indulgence and exceptional service.

• Orient Express: Known for its legacy in luxury travel, the Orient Express Venezia will bring guests to Venice with a lavish blend of history and elegance. This project promises to be a historic hotel, offering a truly unique experience.
• Fairmont and Raffles: These luxury giants will expand into top global destinations, including New York and Paris, offering world-class amenities and unmatched luxury.
• Sofitel: Expanding in key international cities, Sofitel will continue to deliver the very best in French luxury, combining style with comfort.

These new luxury properties will offer travellers the best in refined elegance and personalized service in destinations like Venice, Shanghai, Melbourne, and New York.

Lifestyle Brands for a New Generation of Travellers

Accor’s lifestyle brands are designed to appeal to the modern traveller seeking something beyond traditional luxury. These brands offer a fun, vibrant, and immersive experience—perfect for those who value authenticity and creativity in their travel experiences.

• Mama Shelter: Known for its eclectic charm and affordable luxury, Mama Shelter will be opening new properties in vibrant cities like New York and Melbourne, where guests can enjoy both comfort and excitement.
• Mondrian and Delano: These lifestyle brands are expanding into key destinations like Shanghai and Paris, offering bohemian luxury and innovative design to appeal to younger, trend-conscious travellers.
• Rixos: This luxury resort brand will expand its footprint in scenic destinations, combining local culture with contemporary style.

These brands are all about offering more than just a place to stay—they promise a memorable experience, with a strong focus on design and local immersion.

Midscale and Economy Brands for Every Traveller

Accor is expanding its range of midscale and economy brands to cater to a broader audience. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveller or just looking for a convenient and reliable stay, Accor has you covered with brands like Ibis, Novotel, and Mercure. These new hotels will offer a mix of affordable comfort and modern amenities.

• Ibis: A staple for travellers seeking quality at an affordable price, Ibis will expand its reach in both urban areas and tourist-friendly destinations.
• Novotel and Mercure: These midscale brands will offer contemporary accommodations for families, business travellers, and tourists looking for great value in cities like New York, Paris, and Shanghai.

These midscale options ensure that Accor remains accessible to all types of travellers without compromising on quality or comfort.

Sustainability at the Heart of Accor’s 2026 Expansion

Accor’s commitment to sustainable travel is a cornerstone of its 2026 expansion. Many of the new hotels will incorporate green building designs and eco-friendly technologies, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.

• Energy-efficient systems and sustainable practices will be implemented across all new properties.
• Accor’s Planet 21 program will continue to guide sustainability efforts, making sure that each hotel opening aligns with the group’s eco-friendly vision.

With travellers increasingly seeking green travel options, Accor’s sustainability initiatives ensure that new properties contribute positively to the environment.

The Future of Travel: Expanding Accor’s Loyalty Program

The opening of 350 new hotels will significantly enhance the value of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, the brand’s loyalty program. Members will have access to a wider selection of destinations to earn and redeem points, offering even more travel rewards.

• Exclusive offers, personalized services, and special promotions will be available for loyal guests.
• With new hotels in destinations like Venice, Shanghai, and New York, ALL members will enjoy increased access to global experiences.

Accor’s loyalty program ensures that frequent travellers continue to receive the best service, rewarding them with tailored benefits that enhance every stay.

Conclusion: Accor’s 2026 Vision for the Future of Global Hospitality

Accor’s expansion in 2026 is more than just an increase in hotel numbers—it’s a bold vision to reshape the future of hospitality. With 350 new properties planned in destinations like Venice, Shanghai, Melbourne, New York, and Paris, Accor is setting new standards for luxury, lifestyle, and affordable travel.

The company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and guest satisfaction makes it clear that Accor is not just expanding—it’s evolving to meet the needs of the modern traveller. From luxury escapes in Venice to affordable stays in Shanghai, these new openings are set to redefine the travel experience worldwide.

Image: Accor