Handwritten Collection celebrates its first anniversary in January 2024, with a burgeoning roster of charming and diverse hotels around the world.

The brand first launched in January 2023, with the purpose of bringing together small to mid-size hotels that authentically reflect the character and warmth of the people who love and look after them.

Since then, Handwritten Collection has opened 12 curated hotels in the space of just 12 months.

With around 25 hotels in the pipeline to open in 2024 and beyond and over 150 projects and leads under active investigation, Handwritten Collection is becoming one of the fastest-growing midscale collection brands in the world.

“Much like a handwritten note, the signature style of each host at a Handwritten Collection hotel is what guests remember and what really sets the brand apart,” global SVP (midscale brands), Accor, James Wheatcroft, said. 

“This resonates strongly with travellers who are eager to experience their destinations more fully.

“Handwritten Collection taps into a growing desire for unique hotels with charm and personality while delivering the assurance of Accor’s high standards of hospitality and globally renowned membership benefits.”

The hoteliers, or hosts, of the Handwritten Collection, are passionate people who welcome guests into their world ensuring the personal touches that each host shares with guests reflect their tastes, interests, and little quirks of their personalities.

Guests discover these touchpoints at various moments throughout their stay; a culinary specialty, a unique cocktail, a design motif, or the welcome of a friendly pet – these are just a few of the ways Handwritten Collection hotels express the personal traits and passions of their hosts.

“We designed Handwritten Collection to support the growing number of independent hotels in the midscale segment who are keen to leverage the powerful benefits of a leading global hotel group, while retaining the unique character they have curated,” global chief development officer (midscale & economy), Accor, Camil Yazbeck, said. 

“We are very pleased with the extremely positive response to Handwritten Collection from owners and partners in our first year, and we look forward to exploring many more new opportunities for Handwritten Collection across global markets, with high expectations for a fresh round of hotel signings in 2024.”

Collection brand hotels are proliferating around the world at a rate of 25 per cent a year, with one of the highest growth rates in the industry today.

Travel Weekly’s Picks:

Hotel Morris Sydney

Hotel Morris Sydney – Accor

Residing within a historic Italian Renaissance styled building, this Handwritten Collection is a rare example of the renowned Inter-War Palazzo style by architect, Virgil Dante Cizzio. The hotel has found new life as a boutique hotel with an evocative bar – poised like dusk, between old and new, light and dark, Italian design and Australian influence. Each venue represents a distinct but interlinked story and to move between the bar and hotel is to experience a transition in mood and design. Touchpoints of the host’s penchant for Italian culture include a refreshing Italian drink on arrival; a ‘Bar Morris bill ritual’ of dice for a chance at a complimentary Amaro nightcap; and a deck of ‘scopa’ playing cards placed in-room.

Wonil Hotel Perth

Room at Wonil Hotel Perth – Accor

A beautifully designed and picturesque hotel that radiates a sophisticated allure through its carefully curated interiors. The host, a director of the Forrest Research Foundation, shares his passion for knowledge and higher learning throughout the hotel.  The welcome letter to guests sets the tone, detailing fun facts about research projects happening in the area. With a focus on conservation and environmentally sustainable design, the hotel is named after the wonil – the Noongar name for ‘peppermint tree’, which grows on the riverbank where the hotel resides. Peppermint-infused cookies in each guestroom create a delightful association and sensory experience of the region.

Les Capitouls Toulouse Centre

Les Capitouls Toulouse Ctre – Accor

Fans of the 1970s-1980s Manchester music scene will find their vibe at this hotel! The pink brick townhouse features an inviting English-inspired decor and a steady stream of British New Wave. Guests are invited to enjoy English beers or cocktails under the glass roof of the Wilson bar, surrounded by posters, audio cassettes and memorabilia depicting the legendary era of Hacienda and Factory Records. Guestrooms feature record players and vinyl records for an authentic listening experience of the music that shaped a generation. Breakfast is also a hit at this comfy spot, with homemade dishes and a special after concert energising shot.

(Featured Image: Wonil Hotel Perth – Handwritten Collection)