Etap Hotel, an Accor banner, has opened its 400th hotel in Europe, in Verdun, France, thereby confirming its segment leadership.

The opening of the 400th hotel attests to the banner’s strong growth momentum in Europe. Since 2004, a total of 100 new hotels have been opened and the network now comprises 34,000 rooms in 10 countries: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In France, the banner has 289 hotels. The goal is to expand the network to more than 500 hotels and 45,000 rooms in approximately 20 countries by 2011.

The all-new Etap Hotel Verdun features the banner’s new Etap Hotel Cocoon concept, launched in 2009 and already introduced in 30 hotels.

Cosy and well-lit, this latest-generation room includes new comfort features (a soft duvet, touch-sensitive reading lights and a spacious shower stall) as well as new functionalities, (de-compartmentalized living area, a flat-screen TV equipped with a multimedia dock, a bigger luggage storage area, and a full-length mirror).

Public areas have also been redesigned with a reception area and breakfast room that are bright and inviting.

Franchising is a driving force behind the banner’s expansion. The Etap Hotel Verdun is the brand’s 200th franchised unit to open in Europe, bringing the total percentage of Etap Hotels operated under franchising agreements to 50%.