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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on September 29, 2024
Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa in Benin, marking a significant step in the brand’s growth across Africa. Located on Benin’s scenic coastline, this new addition showcases Sofitel’s blend of French elegance and local Beninese culture. As the brand’s 16th property in Africa, this hotel represents Sofitel’s commitment to expanding its presence on the continent, where the hospitality sector is rapidly growing.
Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems, shared her excitement about the opening: “A pioneer of French luxury hospitality for 60 years, Sofitel today embodies refined and committed luxury, blending French elegance with a strong local presence. I am delighted to announce the opening of this first Sofitel in Benin, where I hope each of our guests will discover the magic of the French art de vivre, enriched by Beninese culture. I would like to warmly thank everyone who contributed to the opening of this flagship, which also marks our commitment to expanding on the African continent, a market with immense potential.”
Sofitel’s entry into Benin is part of its larger strategy to expand in Africa, a continent experiencing fast-paced urbanization and economic growth. With cities emerging as cultural and economic hubs, Africa is attracting increased interest from the hospitality sector. By 2050, Africa’s population is expected to exceed 2.5 billion, driving growth in tourism and business travel. Sofitel’s new hotel in Benin aligns with the brand’s focus on providing luxury experiences in key African markets.
Benin is positioning itself as a top destination for both tourism and business, with its rich cultural heritage and stable political environment. The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of Cotonou, the country’s economic capital, near landmarks such as the Esplanade of the Amazons and the Route des Pêches. The hotel’s prime location, just five minutes from Cotonou International Airport, makes it ideal for business travelers and tourists alike.
The government of Benin has launched the national tourism identity, “Benin: A World of Wonders,” to attract more international visitors. This initiative aims to highlight the country’s natural beauty and cultural significance. Sofitel’s new hotel is set to play a key role in supporting this vision, offering world-class amenities and services that cater to both domestic and international guests.
The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa features 198 luxurious rooms, including 14 suites and five duplex suites with private pools. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean and city, along with top-tier facilities such as five dining venues, a 1,000-square-meter spa, and a state-of-the-art convention center.
Dining options include Vivo, which serves Levantine cuisine, and Corniche, a Mediterranean restaurant and pool bar. For a more refined experience, L’ami offers French-inspired dishes with a Beninese twist, prepared by Michelin-starred chef Georgiana Viou. The hotel’s Pavillon also boasts two cinemas and a casino, adding to the entertainment options for guests.
Business travelers can take advantage of the hotel’s large convention center, featuring nine meeting rooms, including the newly renovated Dôme, Cotonou’s only international conference center, which can host up to 700 guests.
With the opening of this flagship hotel, Sofitel not only strengthens its luxury brand presence in Africa but also supports Benin’s growing role as a cultural and economic hub in West Africa. The hotel will also contribute to the local economy by recruiting 90% of its staff from Benin, reflecting the brand’s commitment to supporting the local community.
Juliette Peron, General Manager of Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, noted: “Together with our institutional partners, we have been able to recruit 90% of our talent from Benin. The quality and attention to detail that we have developed will make this hotel a unique location that will contribute to strengthening the brand internationally and promoting Benin as a prime destination.”
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By Hariharan U
Published on July 25, 2026
Novotel Vijayawada Varun has reinforced its commitment to sustainable hospitality practices on the occasion of World Nature Conservation Day, observed on July 28, by highlighting its ongoing initiatives focused on environmental responsibility, resource conservation, and responsible tourism.
Aligned with this year's theme of “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature,” the hotel continues to integrate sustainability into its daily operations through cleaner energy solutions, waste reduction practices, and responsible resource management.
One of the key sustainability initiatives undertaken by the property was the transition from diesel to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for boiler operations used in laundry steam generation. Implemented in March 2023, the initiative has contributed to an estimated annual reduction of approximately 98 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions while eliminating sulphur dioxide emissions associated with diesel-based operations.
The hotel has also expanded its renewable energy adoption through solar power. Since early 2025, solar energy has contributed approximately 33 to 44 per cent of the property's monthly electricity requirements, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of around 1,476 to 1,968 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Beyond operational efficiencies, Novotel Vijayawada Varun has incorporated sustainability into the guest experience through initiatives such as complimentary electric vehicle charging stations, encouraging cleaner mobility among travellers. The property has also eliminated single-use plastics as part of its efforts to minimise waste and promote environmentally conscious practices.
Commenting on the initiative, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said, "World Nature Conservation Day reminds us that every organization has an opportunity to contribute towards a healthier planet through meaningful action. We remain committed to adapting responsible practices that create a positive environmental impact while delivering a seamless experience for our guests."
The hotel's sustainability efforts have also received international recognition through the Green Key Certification, awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, acknowledging its commitment towards responsible environmental practices.
As sustainability continues to influence the future of travel and hospitality, Novotel Vijayawada Varun remains focused on creating a greener hospitality ecosystem through cleaner energy adoption, conscious operations, and responsible guest experiences.
Published on July 24, 2026
LaRiSa Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the signing and launch of two new Hotel Management Agreements for Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage, both joining the portfolio under the AM Hotel Kollection.
The additions mark another milestone in LaRiSa’s growth journey, taking its presence in India to 39 hotels while strengthening its footprint in the Kumaon region, which continues to attract travellers seeking peaceful, nature-led, and experiential stays.
Located near Nainital, both properties offer guests a quieter alternative to conventional hill destinations while retaining easy access to the region’s attractions. Rooted in their surroundings, Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage reflect LaRiSa’s focus on creating hospitality experiences that celebrate local character, heritage, and regional culture.
Ramgarh Vatika is a wooden chalet-style boutique retreat situated in the hills of Ramgarh at an altitude of over 4,500 feet. The property offers mountain-facing views, an in-house restaurant featuring freshly prepared cuisine and local Kumaoni specialities, along with curated experiences inspired by the natural surroundings.
Kumaon Cottage, meanwhile, carries a rich heritage legacy, having originated as a private home nearly 180 years ago. Over the years, the property has been transformed into a boutique stay while preserving its traditional charm through carved wooden doors, sheesham wood flooring, and handcrafted furniture created by local artisans.
The dining experience at Kumaon Cottage focuses on fresh organic ingredients and regional flavours, with in-house chefs creating dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of Kumaon.
Commenting on the new additions, Randhir Narayan, CEO, LaRiSa Hotels and Resorts, said, "Signing Ramgarh Vatika and Kumaon Cottage was not a move to add more hotels to our portfolio, rather a way to deepen our connection to a landscape and a way of travelling that feels quieter and more personal. Both hotels are rooted in their surroundings, and that is exactly what guides us when we grow: to build with intention, not just ambition."
With these additions, LaRiSa continues to strengthen its presence across India through its three brands, LaRiSa Resorts, AM Hotel Kollection, and 8fold by LaRiSa. The company focuses on developing professionally managed properties that combine warm hospitality, regional experiences, and a strong connection with their destinations.
The expansion into Uttarakhand reflects the growing demand for boutique mountain retreats and experiential hospitality, as travellers increasingly seek meaningful stays beyond traditional tourist destinations.
Published on July 22, 2026
Accor is inviting travellers to make their next getaway more rewarding with its Mid Year Sale, offering savings of up to 25% across more than 1,500 participating hotels in Asia Pacific, Africa, and beyond, including Novotel Vijayawada Varun.
The limited-time offer provides an opportunity for guests to plan city escapes, family holidays, business trips extended into leisure, and relaxing staycations at attractive value.
Bookings for the offer are open until July 31, 2026, with stays valid through September 30, 2026. Guests can enjoy 20% savings, while members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, Accor’s lifestyle loyalty programme, receive an additional 5% discount on their stays.
Commenting on the offer, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, said: "At Novotel Vijayawada Varun, we believe a memorable getaway should be both accessible and exceptional. Accor's Mid Year Sale gives travellers the perfect opportunity to experience our warm hospitality and distinctive dining experiences at even greater value. Whether it is a relaxing weekend staycation, a family break or a business trip extended into leisure, we look forward to welcoming guests for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Vijayawada."
Located in the heart of Vijayawada, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, the city’s only five-star deluxe hotel, offers contemporary accommodation combined with signature hospitality experiences. The property features 233 elegantly designed rooms and suites, a rejuvenating spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, and an infinity swimming pool overlooking the city.
Beyond accommodation, guests can explore the hotel’s diverse culinary offerings, including the live Teppanyaki experience at Red Bowl, international cuisine at Food Exchange, handcrafted beverages at Gourmet Bar, panoramic city views at Skydeck, and artisanal desserts from The Cake Factory.
The hotel also focuses on responsible hospitality through initiatives such as complimentary EV charging facilities for guests and sustainability-driven practices, enhancing the overall stay experience.
Travellers who are not yet members of ALL – Accor Live Limitless can join the programme free of charge to access exclusive member rates, rewards, and special offers throughout the year.
The Accor Mid Year Sale is available for bookings until July 31, 2026, with stays valid until September 30, 2026, subject to availability and applicable terms and conditions
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