Accor is embarking on an extensive upgrade of its Mercure portfolio in Europe, which will see 24 new hotels added to its network over the next two years.
Including upgrades, refurbishments and contemporary designs, the move follows a growing trend for Australian travellers to upgrade their hotel preferences on the back of the strong Australian dollar.
It also follows an increase in the number of Australian guests travelling to Europe, with Mercure hotels in the UK recording a 19% increase in Australian guests in 2011 on the previous year.
The Mercure in France also saw a 27% in Australian travellers, positioning Mercure as one of Europe's "largest mid-market brands" for Australian travellers, Accor spokesperson Peter Hook said.
"Because it is so well known in Australia, Mercure is one of the most prominent brands used by tour companies selling in the Australian market," Hook said.
The Mercure Paris Suffren Tour Eiffel is the latest new-look hotel, which has undergone a full refurbishment and re-design in a contemporary style.
Australian Mercure properties will also receive major upgrades over the next two years, with the Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens the first property to undergo a refurbishment.
