Novotel Hotel brand debuts in Japan

Accor's best-known hotel brand, Novotel, has made its debut in Japan when the former Koshien Miyako Hotel was rebranded to Novotel Koshien Osaka West following a major upgrade of all the hotel's rooms, function facilities and public areas. 

The Novotel is a very strategic addition for Accor in Japan, giving a highly visible presence in the Kansai district. Osaka is Japan's second largest city with a day population of over eight million, and industry in the Osaka-Kobe belt - in which the Novotel is located - is one of Japan's most important economic engines. 

The hotel is located minutes from Osaka CBD by train, with convenient access to both Kansai International and Osaka Itami airports, the Shinkansen bullet train, the newly opened Universal Studios Japan theme park and the famous port city of Kobe.

The Novotel will cater for a mix of business, conference and leisure guests. All 200 rooms and suites are spacious and offer superb views of the Rokko Mountains and Osaka Bay.

Business travellers can make use of executive floors and an executive lounge, and there are extensive meeting and function facilities, with eight separate banqueting rooms. A variety of restaurants offer a choice of Japanese, Chinese and International cuisines.

The Novotel Koshien Osaka West is also perfectly positioned for leisure travellers, with the most extensive health club featuring a large indoor swimming pool, gym, aerobics studio, jacuzzi and relaxation salon.

The hotel is adjacent to Koshien Stadium, home of the Tigers baseball team, and a short distance from the popular tourist attraction, Universal Studios.

Commenting on the launch of Novotel, Accor Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific and Japan, Michael Issenberg said: "This is an outstanding Novotel and a great addition to the global network. With the Novotel branding we are confident that the hotel will reach a wider international audience to complement its strong position in the Japanese domestic business and leisure markets."

The Novotel is Accor's fourth hotel in Japan. Accor operates a Sofitel in Tokyo and two Formule 1 hotels in Isesaki and Numazu.

To celebrate the opening, the Novotel is offering a 40% discount off rack rate. The Novotel opening rate is Yen 11,250 (rack rate is Yen 18,370) single and Yen 15,000 (rack rate is Yen 25,740) double occupancy and includes daily buffet breakfast and 10% service charge, but 5% tax is excluded. 10% commissionable to travel agents. Valid till: 28 February, 2003 (conditions apply).