How did MGallery begin?
MGallery's first chapter was written in 2008 when Accor launched this groundbreaking concept as the first boutique hotel collection of its kind. The brand was unveiled by Gilles Pélisson, then Accor's Director and CEO, who stated, "Launching the MGallery label opens a new horizon for Accor. We will prove that we have the requisite legitimacy and know-how, using in particular the Group's expertise and experience as springboards to conquer the market of upscale, individual hotels with a marked identity. We are aware that a growing number of our clients want their hotel to have that extra bit of character that will make their stay unique and unforgettable." Founded on the revolutionary vision that every place has a soul, MGallery broke with traditional hotel standards to offer a collection of intriguing hotels, each with a unique story to tell – stories inspired by their history, distinctive design, remarkable setting, or cultural vision. The first eight MGallery member hotels were unveiled in 2008, carefully selected from Accor's existing Sofitel and Grand Hotel Mercure networks for their distinctive character: the Baltimore in Paris (France), the Le Royal in Lyon (France), the Grand Hotel Beauvau in Marseille (France), the Rotary in Geneva (Switzerland), the Continental in Zurich (Switzerland), the Hotel am Konzerthaus in Vienna (Austria), the Hotel St Moritz in Queenstown (New Zealand), and the Grand Hotel Melbourne in Melbourne (Australia). From this foundation of eight establishments, Accor announced its intention to expand the MGallery label to over 40 hotels in 23 countries by the end of 2010. The collection would develop through conversion of existing Accor Group hotels, as well as acquisition or construction of new establishments, selecting only venues that possessed a distinctive character because of their setting, design, vision, or history. Today, the MGallery Hotel Collection brings together more than 120 luxury boutique hotels worldwide, from global capitals to off-the-beaten-path destinations, each property a gallery of unexpected art, beauty, and stories offering authentic and intriguing experiences.
What makes MGallery different from other boutique collections?
MGallery stands for "Memorable & Meaningful Luxury" that not only moves guests but also moves progress forward. The brand believes in a new, more mindful way to travel, attending to every detail to meet what matters to each and every guest. Each MGallery boutique hotel is a one-of-a-kind characterful and distinctive venue – these are not cookie-cutter properties following a standardized template. Through their unique design and story, MGallery properties give guests the chance to collect memorable experiences that turn fleeting moments into lasting memories. The MGallery experience is designed with a focus on the stories to be unearthed, not the other way around. Whether reimagined heritage treasures (historic buildings breathing new life into their character and history), serene sanctuaries (wellness-focused retreats), or visionary signature properties (bold architectural statements), inspired design is always at the heart of the MGallery experience. Creativity fills the air, bringing vibrancy to every corner. Renowned designers and architects have contributed to the collection, including MKV Design (Athens Capital Center Hotel with Greek marble and street art blending ancient and modern Athens), Giros & Coutellier (inspired by Auguste Bartholdi's fascination with gigantism), and twins Irina and Olga (treasure trove filled with greenery, beauty, and cultural references combining timeless minimalism with emotional maximalism). MGallery hotels are the beating heart of their communities – a crossroads where people, stories, and ideas meet to spark enriching dialogue within a virtuous circle. These are places that locals proudly call their own, with this ethos coming to life on Heritage Days when hotels throw open their doors to welcome all and share their memorable stories. Each property sources much of its food and inspiration from its region, from bars and restaurants to spas and décor, proudly integrating and valuing local know-how, growers, craftsmanship, and artists.
What are MGallery's signature M Moments?
M Moments are unique experiences inspired by each destination, conveying the spirit and essence of every place – exclusive treasures touching the spirit that create singular moments, leaving in every guest a cherished memory to collect on each journey. These are not generic hotel activities but deeply rooted local experiences: a sacred mountain hike in Vietnam, a guided cellar visit in France's Champagne region, a peek behind the curtains of Vienna's concert hall, a ceramic craft experience at DongFengYun Hotel Mi'Le in China where guests create their own piece of pottery inspired by local indigenous pottery traditions that influenced the hotel's unique curved walls and dynamic design, gliding across the bay of Cagliari aboard a private sunset excursion with aperitivos while the skipper regales you with tales of Sardinia's capital at Palazzo Tirso Hotel Cagliari, or sampling various types of rum in the converted chapel at Domaine de la Reine Margot Paris Issy with musical accompaniment and ending with a baba au rhum. The MGallery mixology philosophy is inspired by local culture and flora, reflecting each hotel's unique story. Expert mixologists evoke the essence of place through sight, scent, and taste with a dash of imagination and theatre. Made with high-end and surprising ingredients, the menu includes innovative low- and no-alcohol alternatives – where nature's bounty meets the mixologist's craft, taste becomes art, the bar is the artist's studio, and the glass a masterpiece. Most MGallery hotels have their own signature spa experiences integrating local techniques and products linked to the property's history. Beyond the spa, MGallery makes mindfulness accessible for every guest through curated Mindful Walk maps in the hotel's local area and access to breathwork podcasts designed for morning, daytime, and evening, creating space for a mindful moment in every stay. The brand curates a collection of experiences inviting every guest to reconnect, awakening their inherent curiosity and fully embracing the present moment – rituals that restore, benefits that endure.
What exclusive perks do I receive when booking through WhataHotel
Booking through WhataHotel grants you access to exclusive Accor HERA (formerly STEP) Preferred Partner benefits at no additional cost – our rates reflect Accor's best available flexible rate. You'll receive complimentary daily breakfast for two guests per room (conditions defined at check-in, typically buffet breakfast or à la carte breakfast in the hotel's main restaurant or via in-room dining), a property credit of $50-$100 USD (or USD equivalent, with conversion rate determined by the hotel) to be spent during your stay on property amenities such as dining, spa treatments, or resort activities (redemption conditions defined at check-in, not valid toward room rate – the credit amount varies by property), priority room upgrade to the next room type category based on availability at time of check-in, early check-in and late checkout subject to availability, a VIP welcome including management greeting at arrival, personalized welcome amenities, and a welcome note co-signed by your travel advisor, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout your stay, and full recognition as a valued guest receiving enhanced service and attention. All bookings through the Accor HERA program are direct Accor reservations, which means you earn full ALL Rewards points (Accor's loyalty program) at a rate of 1 Reward point for every euro spent on the base room rate, accrue Status points toward elite tier qualification, and see the reservation in your ALL account where you can manage it as you would with other bookings. If you're already an ALL member with Classic, Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status, HERA benefits stack with your existing elite perks – for example, higher-tier members may receive additional points bonuses, automatic upgrades, or other enhancements on top of the HERA benefits. These exclusive amenities have been tailor-made to ensure guests receive best-in-class experiences at participating MGallery properties, providing VIP treatment and exceptional value at no extra cost beyond the standard flexible rate.
What is the ALL Rewards loyalty program?
ALL (Accor Live Limitless) is Accor's comprehensive loyalty program covering more than 5,700 properties in over 110 countries across Accor's 40+ hotel brands. The program is free to join and offers five membership tiers: Classic (entry level), Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. All members immediately save 10% on every booking made on ALL.com at more than 3,000 participating hotels worldwide, in addition to receiving exclusive offers from ALL and its affiliates. Each higher level of membership confers additional privileges such as extra points, automatic room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, dining and spa vouchers, and other benefits. Members progress from Classic to higher tiers based on the number of nights stayed or Status points earned per year, with each level building upon the previous one. The highest tier, Diamond, confers a host of privileges including suite upgrades, early check-ins and late checkouts, complimentary breakfasts, dining and spa vouchers, and the ability to grant Gold status to a person of the Diamond member's choosing. The more nights you stay, the faster you accrue points, and there are numerous other ways to earn them: dining at hotel restaurants, spa treatments, air travel with partner airlines, cultural events, purchases at ALL boutiques and partner retailers. Reward points can be redeemed for hotel stays, gastronomy experiences, shopping, modes of transport, and you can also support worthy causes by donating points to communities. For MGallery guests specifically, the program offers access to invitation-only events, sports in global capitals, VIP tickets and backstage access, and dazzling M Moments in MGallery destinations. Event organizers who hold seminars, galas, or conferences at MGallery hotels receive both Reward and Status points as recognition for their contributions to telling the MGallery story. When you book through WhataHotel's Accor HERA partnership, you earn full ALL Rewards benefits while also receiving the enhanced HERA amenities, allowing you to maximize value from every stay.
What are some iconic MGallery properties?
The MGallery Collection includes more than 120 remarkable properties worldwide, each with distinctive stories and character. Notable properties include Hotel Molitor in Paris (France's legendary Art Deco swimming pool complex transformed into a luxury hotel, featuring the original 1929 pools reimagined as the centerpiece), Santa Teresa Hotel in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil's romantic hillside retreat in the historic Santa Teresa neighborhood with panoramic views), Hôtel des Arts Saigon in Vietnam (where 1930s French Indochine glamour is reborn with contemporary flair as a living art museum featuring The Albion by Kirk Westaway and Saigon Kitchen, plus the Social Club Rooftop Bar with infinity pool and spectacular sunsets), Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection in Australia (front-row seats to the famous Manly Beach influenced by the local spirit and romance of Manly's iconic heritage), Athens Capital Center Hotel in Greece (designed by MKV Design blending ancient and modern Athens with Greek marble and contemporary street art), the 21c Museum Hotels in the United States (contemporary art museums combined with boutique hotels, including the Louisville flagship with its fantastic remake of Michelangelo's David and the Durham property in the former Durham Bank & Trust Company building designated as a Monuments Historique), Hôtel de la Cité Carcassonne in France (within the medieval walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site), DongFengYun Hotel Mi'Le in China's Yunnan province (unique curved walls and dynamic design inspired by local indigenous pottery), Elkonin Tel Aviv Hotel in Israel (bringing French sophistication to Tel Aviv while keeping the original spirit of the city's first hotel built in 1913, located in the fashionable Neve Tzedek district), and The Artisan Istanbul MGallery in Turkey (offering artisanal touches with breathtaking Bosphorus views from the Terrace Restaurant, representing Levantine, Sephardic Jewish, Greek, Armenian, Cretan, Balkan, and Ottoman cuisines). Each property maintains its unique identity while delivering the MGallery promise of memorable and meaningful luxury.
How does MGallery support women and communities?
Since 2008, the MGallery Hotel Collection has drawn inspiration from the strength and determination of women, actively contributing to their empowerment through employment, entrepreneurship promotion, and leadership opportunities. By employing and nurturing women and by promoting female entrepreneurship, MGallery forges a more inclusive and empowered future worldwide. The brand proudly showcases local talent and know-how, with many properties highlighting women entrepreneurs and artisans. For example, Stir Me Tea (proudly served at Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi - MGallery Collection) was founded by a local woman entrepreneur who sources tea leaves from plantations on Mount Kenya's foothills and blends premium teas in-house, preserving handpicked tea traditions while collaborating with sustainability partners to celebrate Kenyan tea culture. MGallery hotels serve as the beating heart of their communities – a crossroads where people, stories, and ideas meet to spark enriching dialogue. Shaped by and open to the diversity around them, MGallery properties are places that locals call their own, welcoming local traditions, time, and wisdom. The brand's commitment to giving back extends beyond women's empowerment to broader community engagement. MGallery invites every guest on a journey that delights with meticulous details and meaningful experiences, believing that at the heart of memorable luxury lies authentic connection to place and people. This philosophy of purposeful hospitality ensures that each stay not only enriches guests but also contributes positively to the communities where MGallery hotels reside, creating a virtuous circle of cultural exchange, economic opportunity, and social progress that extends far beyond the hotel walls.
What are booking terms and important details?
Accor HERA bookings through WhataHotel are made at Accor's best available flexible rate (equivalent to what you'd find booking directly on the hotel's website) and are fully prepaid, including a $10.95 booking fee. IMPORTANT: MGallery properties require a minimum 2-night stay to receive Accor HERA Preferred Partner benefits – this is a firm requirement for the MGallery brand along with certain other Accor luxury and lifestyle brands (including 21c, 25hours, Angsana, Banyan Tree, Mondrian, Mövenpick, Pullman, and Sofitel). Single-night stays at MGallery hotels can be booked but will not qualify for the HERA benefits package. Accor HERA is an invitation-only preferred partner program that cannot be joined directly by consumers – access is granted exclusively when you book through an accredited Accor HERA travel advisor such as WhataHotel. You pay the same public rates available online but receive elevated perks and exclusive privileges at no additional cost. The property credit amount ($50-$100 USD) varies by individual property, with redemption conditions defined at check-in by the hotel – the credit cannot be applied toward the room rate itself but can typically be used for dining, spa services, or other property amenities. Room upgrades are to the next room type category based on availability at the time of check-in and are not pre-confirmed – availability is subject to the hotel's occupancy and inventory on your arrival date. Early check-in and late checkout are also subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed, though HERA guests receive priority consideration for these requests. Cancellation policies vary by property and rate type – check your specific booking confirmation for exact cancellation terms and any applicable penalties. Because HERA bookings are direct Accor reservations made through their preferred partner program, all stays are fully eligible for ALL Rewards points and Status points, your reservation will appear in your ALL account, and you'll receive all applicable elite benefits if you're an existing ALL member (benefits stack rather than duplicate).
MGallery Properties Available Through WhataHotel (21 Hotels):
South America: Argentina (Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires - MGallery Buenos Aires), Peru (Manto Hotel Lima - Mgallery Lima), Uruguay (Hotel Costanero Montevideo - Mgallery Montevideo)
Australia & New Zealand: Australia (Fairmont Resort & Spa Blue Mountains Sydney, Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel Melbourne, Manly Pacific Sydney MGallery Collection Sydney - front-row Manly Beach views), New Zealand (Fable Auckland MGallery Auckland)
Europe - France: Hotel de la Cite Carcassonne Carcassonne (UNESCO World Heritage medieval walled city), La Cour des Consuls Hotel & Spa Toulouse Toulouse
Europe - Belgium & Greece: Belgium (Le Louise Brussels - MGallery Brussels), Greece (Athens Capital Center Hotel Athens - Greek marble meets contemporary street art by MKV Design)
Middle East: Turkey (The Artisan Istanbul MGallery Istanbul - Bosphorus views, artisanal kitchen, Madam Niça rooftop, Levantine and Sephardic Jewish cuisine), Turkey (The Galata Istanbul Hotel - MGallery Istanbul)
Asia - China & Thailand: China (DongFengYun Hotel Mi'Le - MGallery Yunnan - unique curved walls inspired by indigenous pottery, ceramic craft M Moment), Thailand (MGallery Bangkok Vie Hotel Bangkok, MGallery Hotel Baraquda Pattaya Pattaya, MGallery Phuket V Villas Phuket, MGallery V Villas Hua Hin Prachuap Khiri Khan, MGallery Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai Chiang Mai)
Asia - Indonesia & Vietnam: Indonesia (Amartera Villa Bali Nusa Dua - MGallery Nusa Dua Bali), Vietnam (MGallery Hanoi Hotel de L'Opera Hanoi - French Indochine heritage)
Storied Boutique Hotels: Each of the 21 MGallery properties available through WhataHotel offers a unique story inspired by history, design, setting, or cultural vision. From UNESCO heritage sites to contemporary art museums, Bosphorus palaces to Bali villas, every property embodies the MGallery philosophy that every place has a soul. Part of Accor's global collection of 120+ MGallery hotels worldwide.