Sofitel Expands into Africa with New Luxury Hotel in Benin

Sofitel Expands into Africa with New Luxury Hotel in Benin

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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”


Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Jodhpur Signing

Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Strengthens Rajasthan Presence with Jodhpur Signing

By Hariharan U

Published on January 5, 2026

Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Ltd. (ROHL) has announced the signing of a new leisure-focused property in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, further expanding its presence in culturally significant destinations across the country. The upcoming Regenta Hotel, Jodhpur will be operated under a hotel management agreement, in line with the group’s asset-light growth strategy.

The 200-key all-suite hotel is strategically located near the Jodhpur High Court at Shatabdi Circle on New Pali Road, offering convenient access to key commercial hubs as well as the city’s prominent heritage attractions. Spread across 3,623 square metres, the property is being developed as a destination-led leisure hotel designed for longer stays and immersive experiences in the Blue City.

Regenta Hotel, Jodhpur will feature expansive conference and banquet facilities, a lobby bar, an all-day dining restaurant, and a rooftop pool bar. With its versatile event infrastructure and leisure-driven amenities, the hotel is positioned to cater to destination weddings, celebrations, premium social gatherings, and corporate events alongside leisure stays.

The project is being developed in partnership with Jodhana Real Home Private Limited & Shreeyukt. The hotel will offer spacious suite accommodations, curated dining experiences, comprehensive banqueting spaces, and wellness-oriented amenities, making it well-suited for leisure travellers and high-end social and destination events.

Banquet facilities will include a 6,000 square feet banquet hall connected to a 4,000 square feet open terrace, an additional 4,000 square feet banquet hall, and three breakaway rooms measuring approximately 2,500 square feet each.

Commenting on the signing, Chander K. Baljee, chairman & managing director, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels Ltd., said, “Jodhpur continues to be a key market for us, driven by strong tourism demand and an evolving hospitality landscape. The signing of Regenta Hotel, Jodhpur aligns seamlessly with our vision of expanding high-quality leisure offerings in heritage cities through an asset-light model. We are confident this property will further strengthen our portfolio in Rajasthan and deliver a distinctive hospitality experience.”

Speaking on the association, Suresh Bharti, owner, Jodhana Real Home Private Limited, said, “We are delighted to partner with Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels for the Regenta Hotel project. Their proven operational expertise and strong brand credentials make them the ideal partner to introduce a premium all-suite leisure hotel in Jodhpur. Together, we aim to create a destination that blends comfort, elegance, and world-class service.”


Migsun Group Signs Clubhouse for 200-Key Hotel in Lucknow

Migsun Group Signs Clubhouse for 200-Key Hotel in Lucknow

By Hariharan U

Published on January 5, 2026

Migsun Group has signed hospitality brand Clubhouse to develop and operate a 200-key hotel at its mixed-use project, Migsun Janpath, in Lucknow. The agreement has been structured as a long-term 28-year revenue share lease, marking a strategic addition to the company’s growing portfolio of income-generating assets.

The hotel forms part of Migsun Janpath’s planned development mix, which brings together retail, commercial, and lifestyle components. With Lucknow witnessing steady growth in organised hospitality and mixed-use developments, the upcoming property is expected to cater to business travellers, social gatherings, and leisure demand.

Commenting on the development, Yash Miglani, Managing Director of Migsun Group, said, “The signing of Clubhouse is aligned with our strategy of adding stabilised, income-generating assets to our mixed-use developments. Lucknow has been witnessing consistent demand across business, social, and leisure travel, which creates a strong quality case for well-located hotels. The 28-year revenue share structure ensures long-term alignment between developer and operator while allowing the asset to respond to market changes over time. We believe this addition will strengthen the overall project ecosystem and contribute meaningfully to the city’s evolving hospitality landscape.”

The addition of Clubhouse is expected to enhance Migsun Janpath’s positioning as a destination that seamlessly integrates retail, leisure, and stay experiences, adding a strong hospitality dimension to the overall project.

Migsun Group has delivered over 40 projects across the NCR region and is recognised for its focus on quality, innovation, and timely delivery. With a robust pipeline of upcoming developments, the Group continues to expand its presence while strengthening its position in India’s real estate and mixed-use development space.


Suba Hotels Commences Operations of Click Collection Hotel in Gangtok

Suba Hotels Commences Operations of Click Collection Hotel in Gangtok

By Hariharan U

Published on December 31, 2025

Suba Hotels has officially commenced operations of Click Collection Hotel, Gangtok, marking its second landmark presence in the capital city of Sikkim. The new property strengthens the group’s growing footprint in the Northeast and reinforces its focus on delivering contemporary hospitality in emerging leisure destinations.

Strategically located at Bojoghari, Indra Bypass Road, near the helipad and within easy reach of popular attractions such as MG Marg and Tsomgo Lake, Click Collection Hotel Gangtok offers travellers a comfortable base to explore the city while enjoying scenic valley views. The hotel is designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers seeking modern comforts in a relaxed mountain setting.

The property features 42 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, blending functional design with warm interiors suited for today’s urban traveller. Guests can expect well-appointed amenities, attentive service, and a stay experience aligned with Suba Hotels’ signature standards of efficiency and comfort.

With its convenient location, contemporary rooms and focus on guest-centric service, Click Collection Hotel Gangtok aims to become a preferred choice for visitors travelling to Sikkim for holidays, business trips or short city getaways. The opening also reflects Suba Hotels’ continued expansion strategy across key tourism-driven and emerging markets in India.

As travel demand to Northeast India continues to rise, the launch of Click Collection Hotel Gangtok positions Suba Hotels to tap into the region’s growing popularity while offering travellers a reliable and comfortable hospitality option in the heart of Gangtok.

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