Mercure Kathmandu officially opens

The recently established five-star hotel 'Mercure Kathmandu' has officially opened for operations. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the hotel.

Mercure Kathmandu, with an investment of 3 billion Nepali Rupees by tourism entrepreneur Deshbandhu Basnet, is managed by the French hospitality management company, Accor Group.

The hotel operates under the international hotel brand 'Mercure' by Accor. Basnet is the first to introduce this hotel brand to Nepal.

During the hotel inauguration event, Prime Minister Oli expressed confidence that this hotel would contribute to promoting Nepal as a tourist destination for French visitors. He also hoped that the hotel would bring a new flavor to the hospitality industry, encouraging growth in the sector. Oli further stated that the government would facilitate the development and promotion of this industry.

Mercure Kathmandu is located in Sukedhara Heights in Kathmandu and is owned by Basnet, a tourism entrepreneur, and a member of the executive committee of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). He also serves as the chairperson of the FNCCI's Tourism and Aviation Committee.

The hotel targets high-spending 'quality tourists.' According to the hotel management, Mercure Kathmandu offers a total of 104 rooms, including luxury and suite rooms. The hotel has five restaurants: 'Dine,' 'Jaika,' 'Sopra Italiano,' 'The Cove,' and 'Shukra Bar.'

Additionally, the hotel offers banquet halls named 'AB Suite-1,' 'AB Suite-2,' 'Ballroom-1,' and 'Ballroom-2,' as well as modern facilities like a gym, steam room, sauna, and a wellness center.

Basnet, the operator, mentioned that Mercure aims to further promote Nepal in the international tourism market while offering guests a blend of modern luxury and Nepali cultural experiences.

Basnet has brought the French hotel management and operation group 'Accor Group' and its brand 'Mercure' to Nepal for the first time. Founded in 1967, Accor Group currently manages over 5,400 hotels in more than 110 countries.

Accor operates over 40 hotel brands, including Mercure, Novotel, Pullman, Raffles, Sofitel, and Ibis. Currently, Accor manages and operates approximately 810 hotels under the Mercure brand across more than 60 countries.

According to Basnet, the hotel currently provides direct employment to 180 people. With plans to expand by adding new banquet halls and other facilities, the number of jobs is expected to increase to 220.

The hotel has set a minimum price of $125 per room per night.