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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 Nishang Narayan
Published on July 9, 2025
Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) continues to build on its growth momentum in Maharashtra with the launch of Regenta Central Shivani, Solapur. Strategically located in the MIDC area on the scenic Bhima and Seena river basins, the new property marks ROHL’s 13th hotel in the state and the fourth launch this year.
Regenta Central Shivani features 65 well-appointed rooms, including three accessible rooms, designed with a Rajasthani theme that blends local character with modern comfort. Thoughtfully crafted to cater to both business and leisure travellers, the hotel offers a range of amenities such as a swimming pool, spa, and gym.
The property stands out with the largest common area in Solapur, housing ROHL’s signature all-day dining restaurant that accommodates 170 guests, a cozy lobby cafe, and a vibrant poolside bar with 40 covers. For events, it provides versatile spaces including a 1000 sq ft meeting room, an expansive 8600 sq ft banquet hall, and a sprawling 25,000 sq ft lawn, making it ideal for everything from small gatherings to medium-scale celebrations.
Speaking on the launch, Chander Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director of Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd., shared, “We are thrilled to expand our presence in Maharashtra with our 13th property in the state, addressing the growing demand for tourism and business accommodations. Solapur, with its rich tradition of textiles, handicrafts, and leather goods, serves as a strategic commercial hub with excellent connectivity to cities like Hyderabad and Pune. This expansion aligns with our plans to penetrate micro-markets with properties ranging from upscale hotels to value stays. We are excited to partner with Mathura Agro for Regenta Central Shivani, Solapur.”
Venugopal Karwa and Lavesh Karwa, MDs of Mathura Agro Industries, added, “This collaboration with ROHL is an exciting milestone for us. With the introduction of the Regenta brand’s fresh and vibrant energy to Solapur, we look forward to offering our guests a distinctive and exceptional experience.”
Located just four hours from Pune and Hyderabad, Solapur is known as the textile city and is surrounded by iconic temples such as Tuljapur, Pandharpur, and Akkalkot, adding cultural richness to its commercial appeal.
With this launch, ROHL continues to strengthen its footprint in key micro-markets across India, offering a blend of upscale hospitality and value-driven stays.
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a new greenfield hotel in Jaipur, Rajasthan, under its Vivanta brand. The 160-key Vivanta Jaipur will come up in Jagatpura, making it the closest hotel to the newly renovated Terminal 1 of Jaipur International Airport.
This upcoming property will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a specialty rooftop restaurant, a fully equipped gym, swimming pool, health club, and state-of-the-art conference facilities. Designed to cater to both leisure travellers and the growing business and MICE segments, it aims to deliver a world-class hospitality experience.
Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Fuelled by major infrastructure developments, Jaipur has rapidly evolved as a key regional hub, significantly boosting demand from business and MICE segments apart from the long-established leisure segment. This signing aligns with IHCL’s strategy to expand presence in such high-growth micro markets of metros and state capitals across India. We are delighted to collaborate with Dinesh Choudhary, Vivek Choudhary and Rajat Choudhary for this project.”
The project is a collaboration with Wonder Build Developers Private Ltd. Speaking on the partnership, Vivek Choudhary, Director, Wonder Build Developers, shared, “We are proud to partner with IHCL to bring the Vivanta brand to Jaipur. This collaboration will contribute to the city’s growing hospitality landscape and offer a world-class experience to travelers. With IHCL’s expertise and the strong brand recognition of Vivanta, we are confident that the hotel will emerge as a preferred destination.”
With this addition, IHCL’s portfolio in Rajasthan will grow to 31 hotels, including 8 under development. Wonder Build Developers, led by Dinesh Choudhary and his sons Vivek and Rajat, has a diversified business portfolio spanning infrastructure development, real estate, NBFC, and hospitality.
Published on July 7, 2025
Marriott International has signed an agreement with Vardhman Amrante, an Oswal Group venture, to bring its premium wellness-focused Westin brand to Ludhiana. The Westin Ludhiana is slated to open in the last quarter of 2030, marking the brand’s debut in Punjab’s industrial and cultural hub.
Planned as part of a vibrant mixed-use development, the new hotel will feature 200 keys alongside retail outlets, a multiplex, and a gaming zone, adding fresh energy to Ludhiana’s growing urban landscape.
Highlighting Marriott’s strategic expansion into high-growth markets, Ranju Alex, regional vice president – South Asia, Marriott International, shared, “Through this collaboration, we aim to redefine guest service while unlocking Ludhiana’s potential. The Westin Ludhiana will empower guests to be the best version of themselves, maintaining their well-being even as they travel.”
Echoing the excitement, Adish Oswal, chairman of Oswal Group, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Marriott International to bring the acclaimed Westin brand to Ludhiana. This development is set to become a landmark, offering a wellness-driven luxury experience that matches the city’s growing stature as a regional powerhouse.”
The Westin Ludhiana promises a robust mix of experiences — from multiple dining venues and a chic Lobby Bar to the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin, and an outdoor pool. Business and leisure travellers alike will benefit from the expansive banqueting spaces, lush outdoor lawns, and an exclusive Executive Club Lounge.
With its focus on holistic wellness, the upcoming hotel underscores Marriott’s continued commitment to cater to evolving traveller needs and further strengthen its footprint across India.
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