Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, announced on March 5, 2026 the signing of a franchise agreement with Romanian investor MKS PROD for the opening of a new Mercure hotel in Craiova, the second-largest city in southern Romania. Mercure Craiova, a brand-new hotel built from the ground up, will be located near the city center, providing easy access to shopping areas and main local attractions, just 10 minutes from Craiova International Airport.
Founded in 1973, Mercure built its identity around a simple conviction: meaning is born from local specificities and gains depth when shared with care. Today, with over 1,000 hotels across 70 countries, the brand maintains a global presence while remaining deeply anchored in local communities. Mercure develops hotels that reflect the character of their location and offer guests an authentic sense of belonging.
Mercure continues its accelerated expansion pace, with over 200 hotels in various stages of development. In 2025, the brand was named International Brand of the Year at the European Franchise Awards, a recognition that solidifies its position as one of the most important midscale hotel brands globally.
This new investment in Craiova adds to Accor’s growing presence in Romania, where the Group currently operates 25 hotels and has 40 properties under development across several portfolio brands.
Frank Reul, Vice President of Development, Accor Premium, Midscale & Economy Eastern Europe, Balkans, Italy & Greece, stated:
“The signing of the Mercure Craiova project represents a key moment in our expansion into Romania’s most dynamic regional centers. This project strengthens the Mercure brand’s position as a leader in the midscale segment and confirms our commitment to expanding Accor’s footprint in partnership with local investors. At the same time, it contributes to strengthening the country’s tourism and business infrastructure. The focus on local specificity, care, and connection resonates strongly in markets like Craiova, where hotels play an essential role in supporting economic activity and community life.”
Simona-Mihaela Pîrjol, owner of the project, MKS PROD, added:
“The partnership with Accor marks the beginning of an important strategic journey for us. We are convinced that Accor’s global expertise and solid operational model will bring value to our future projects, starting with Craiova, and will contribute to increasing the region’s attractiveness for both business and leisure travel.”
Mercure Craiova will include 78 rooms designed for comfort and functionality. The hotel will offer flexible workspaces, a contemporary design inspired by local cultural landmarks, a modern meeting room, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar, fitness facilities, and private parking.
Craiova is gaining increasing international recognition as a rising leisure destination, supported by an ever-richer cultural calendar and a strong regional identity. Recently, the city’s Christmas Market was named the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe for 2025 by European Best Destinations, following votes received from over 140 countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the new Mercure hotel in Craiova located?
The hotel is being built from the ground up in a strategic location near Craiova’s city center, just 10 minutes from the International Airport.
What facilities will Mercure Craiova offer?
The hotel will feature 78 rooms, flexible workspaces, a modern meeting room, an all-day restaurant, a lobby bar, fitness facilities, and on-site parking.
Who is Accor’s partner for this development?
Accor has signed a franchise agreement with the local Romanian investor MKS PROD, owned by Simona-Mihaela Pîrjol.