Fabrice Collet emphasizes: “I’m very proud of the work we’ve accomplished and very enthusiastic about what remains to be done.
The origins of B&B HOTELS: an entrepreneurial adventure in Brittany
The story of B&B HOTELS began in 1990 with a bold gamble by the Branelec family. At the time, Accor was already the world leader in hotels, but a small Breton group with no financial resources decided to enter the hotel business by creating a network that combined simplicity and quality.
The concept is based on a fundamental intuition: customers are looking for basic products, but without compromising on quality. This vision comes at a time when brands such as Ikea and McDonald’s are booming, offering affordable, reliable products. The idea of offering a fair price for impeccable quality has enabled B&B HOTELS to find its audience.
“It’s this revolution that B&B OTELSH is capturing, with an offer that makes no compromises on quality. That’s what our customers are telling us today.” adds Fabrice Collet
The early years: gradual growth and challenges to overcome
In 1990, the first hotels were opened in Saint-Malo and Brest. Despite a difficult start, the group managed to hold its own. The company grew steadily, with a major investment of 10 billion euros, first in a Breton network, then nationally and internationally. After a takeover in 2005, the company continued to expand, but not without encountering difficulties. These challenges are overcome with the support of investors and teams, who have always worked in the interests of preserving the group’s independence.
Values and the future : Uncompromising growth
B&B HOTELS stands out for its strong corporate culture, based on the values of entrepreneurship and independence. Hoteliers, often from backgrounds far removed from the industry, become entrepreneurs in their own right, setting up their own companies…
