CABLE BEACH GOES GRAND WITH NEW GRAND MERCURE APARTMENTS

Accor has added the Grand Mercure Apartments Cable Beach Resort to its fast-growing franchise network, with the former Broome Sanctuary Resort (originally opened by Rendezvous) rebranding from 1 March. The resort comprises 150 studios and self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom villas, some with private plunge pools.

To celebrate the rebranding the Grand Mercure is offering a special relaunch offer of 20% off when you stay five nights, valid from 1 April to 31 May 2011 across all room types.

Set around a huge tropical lagoon-style pool and located just a short walk from what is arguably Western Australia's most beautiful beach, the Grand Mercure Apartments are close to all the attractions of Broome and provide a gateway to the Kimberley region.

All apartments have covered courtyards or balcony areas and feature modern décor which draws on the rich colours of Broome. The resort features five swimming pools including a kids' pool, Pindan restaurant and bar and Sorbet, one of Broome's premium Day Spas which offers extensive water therapies and body treatments. There are also conference facilities for up to 100 delegates.

Gail Gower, General Manager of Grand Mercure Apartments Cable Beach Resort said she is excited to be working with Accor to relaunch the property

"To be able to access the extensive network of support services that Accor offers is very valuable and we have no doubt we will see an increase in business through the exposure of the property, especially to Accor's loyalty programs such as Advantage Plus and A|Club members," she said. "It is a real benefit for Broome as a premier tourism destination to have another well-recognised luxury brand coming into the town."

Cable Beach is renowned as one of the most stunning beaches in the world, with 22 kilometres of powdery white sand fringing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Situated in the State's north, Broome is an oasis of colour, culture and characters, with a relaxed vibe and a vibrant landscape. It boasts a lively arts scene, sophisticated dining and plenty of attractions from the famous "Staircase to the Moon' and a rich pearling history to dinosaur footprints said to be 130 million years old.

Accor also manages the 136-room Mercure in Broome, which has been performing very strongly thanks to a booming economy in the far north of Western Australia.

Grand Mercure is Accor's upscale apartment brand, designed to meet the requirements of long-stay business guests, families and groups who prefer the 'home away from home' comfort found in an apartment. Located in major city, regional and resort locations, Grand Mercure provides stylish apartments and villa-style accommodation, often with extensive leisure facilities.

The deluxe brand targets discerning travels with the best in boutique-style accommodation and convenience of self-contained facilities. The new branding will help to bring more international visitors to Broome and attract more business tourism to the area.

With 22 hotels across Australia, the Grand Mercure brand is also represented in New Zealand, China and Thailand, with than 4800 rooms globally. Grand Mercure Cable Beach Resort joins other apartment hotels in the Hunter Valley, the Whitsundays, Melbourne's Docklands, Hervey Bay, Townsville and other key locations.

For bookings go to www.accorhotels.com