AccorHotels has made a new signing at London Stansted Airport.

The Novotel London Stansted has been signed under a franchise agreement and will be operated by Arora Hotels a division of the Arora Group which acquired the property in 2016.

It is anticipated that the hotel, which will comprise 239 rooms, a restaurant, bar, meeting and leisure facilities, will open in summer 2017.

The hotel will undergo a major renovation programme over the coming months which will include transforming rooms to the new Novotel ‘N room’ concept launched in 2016.

This will be AccorHotels’ third partnership with Arora Hotels, which also operates Sofitel London Gatwick and Sofitel London Heathrow.

Launched in 1967, Novotel is a four-star international midscale brand for business and leisure travellers, with hotels located in the heart of major international cities, business districts and tourist destinations.

Two other Novotels are set to open in the UK in the coming months – the flagship hotel at Canary Wharf, London, and Novotel London Heathrow Bath Road.

Speaking of the signing, Thomas Dubaere, managing director of AccorHotels UK & Ireland, commented: “The Novotel network in the UK is showing strong growth, with this signing complementing two more important openings for the brand in the coming months.

“We are seeking further growth and our development team is actively seeking new opportunities to add to our portfolio across our brands, particularly in the economy and midscale segments. We’re very happy to be expanding our successful partnership with Arora.”

Novotel currently has 33 hotels in the UK which will have increased to 36 by summer 2017.

Stansted

At the same time, London Stansted’s complimentary Wi-Fi service has been extended so passengers can now enjoy up to four hours free of charge as part of the airport’s on-going customer service improvement programme.

The upgrade has been introduced alongside enhancements to improve airport coverage with the free service available in all the main passenger areas including check-in, the departure lounge, arrivals hall and at the gate. 

Passengers can also charge their mobile devices at the many free to use points available in most bars and restaurants at the airport as well as the built-in charging points in the ‘red box’ seating areas within the departure lounge.

Daniel Gallo, Stansted Airport security and customer service director, said: “Delivering great customer service and facilities is at the forefront of our on-going investment programme to transform Stansted and create the best possible passenger experience.

“It’s clear from our customer feedback and our own surveys what really matters to passengers when they are at the airport and which services they value the most, including access to reliable and convenient free Wi-Fi, so it’s vital we are able to respond positively and meet those expectations.”