FORMULE 1 METAMORPHOSISES WITH NEW COCOON ROOMS

Formule 1, the brand that revolutionized budget travel, has introduced its new "Cocoon" room concept into Australia, with F1 hotels in Canberra, Campbelltown and Wentworthville the first to showcase the new rooms. F1 Campbelltown was the very first Formule 1 in Australia, and its refurbishment is well timed as Accor celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.

The Cocoon Room provides a more stylish, more restful room with soft colours, rounded edges and soothing lighting, as well as extra storage space. With wood-look floors, flat screen TVs with extra channels, internet connections and a strong focus on sustainability, the Cocoon Room won Best Interior Design at the European Hotels Design Awards and represents a real metamorphosis for the brand, which was first introduced in 1984.

The new rooms have strong environmental credentials, with water-efficient showers and toilets, recyclable materials used throughout and energy efficient lighting.

"The Formule 1 brand really revolutionised budget travel by offering ensuite rooms that could comfortably sleep one, two or three people at an affordable price," said Simon McGrath, Vice President Accor Australia. "The introduction of the Cocoon Room concept is another revolution for the brand and highlights how much the brand has upgraded to meet the increasingly sophisticated needs of today's travellers.

"With these new rooms, we believe Formule 1 offers the best value for money sleep in the market."

The Cocoon Rooms will be rolled out to all 20 Formule 1 hotels in Australia over the next few years.

Popular with families, sporting groups and couples on a budget, Formule 1 hotels cost less so you can spend more on the attractions, restaurants or events in your destination. They are typically located near airports or key transport hubs and increasingly in major cities, with more than 80 hotels across five continents including Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan and South Africa.  In Europe, the Formule 1 brand concept comes under the ETAP brand which includes a network of 420 hotels.

An Accor budget brand, Formule 1/ETAP Hotels offer customers the best in low-cost hotels with well-designed rooms for one, two, or three people, round-the-clock room access and an all-you-can-eat breakfast. Located near major roads and airports – and increasingly in cities – the hotels deliver highly competitive value for money.

www.accorhotels.com