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.”

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.

image

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.”


Lemon Tree Hotels Announces New Signing in Jaipur, Expands Rajasthan Portfolio

Lemon Tree Hotels Announces New Signing in Jaipur, Expands Rajasthan Portfolio

By Hariharan U

Published on December 8, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of its latest property, Lemon Tree Hotel, Pacific Mall, Jaipur. Managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the hotel further strengthens the group’s growing footprint in Rajasthan, catering to both business and leisure travellers looking for a refreshing, value-driven stay.

Located in the heart of the Pink City, the new hotel brings guests closer to Jaipur’s mix of royal heritage and modern vibrancy. From iconic landmarks like Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal to colourful bazaars filled with handicrafts, jewellery, and traditional Rajasthani flavours, visitors can enjoy the charm that makes Jaipur one of India’s most-loved destinations.

The upcoming property will feature 124 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant and lounge, a meeting room, and recreational facilities including a swimming pool and fitness centre. Conveniently located, the hotel is around 8 km from Jaipur International Airport and 8.4 km from Jaipur Railway Station, with smooth connectivity across public and private transport.

Sharing his thoughts, Vilas Pawar, CEO — Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With this signing, we will expand our leisure and business portfolio in Rajasthan, where we have 12 operational and 9 upcoming properties in addition to this one. The state, with its booming commerce, distinct culture and testament to India’s rich heritage, is the perfect destination for hospitality. This signing aligns perfectly with our vision of offering refreshing and comfortable stays across all destinations.”

With this addition, Lemon Tree Hotels continues to strengthen its presence across tiered cities, reinforcing its commitment to accessible, comfortable, and modern hospitality.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Earns EarthCheck Silver Certification for 2025

Hyatt Regency Chennai Earns EarthCheck Silver Certification for 2025

By Hariharan U

Published on December 8, 2025

Hyatt Regency Chennai has achieved a major sustainability milestone by securing the EarthCheck Certified Silver status for 2025, reinforcing its commitment to responsible and eco-friendly hospitality in Tamil Nadu.

EarthCheck is one of the world’s leading certifications for environmental and social responsibility in the tourism sector. Earning Silver status requires rigorous assessments, benchmarking, and continuous improvement across areas such as energy use, waste management, community impact and cultural preservation.

image

The hotel’s achievement reflects its ongoing efforts toward green operations. Over the past year, Hyatt Regency Chennai has strengthened its sustainable practices with initiatives such as EV charging facilities, water refill stations, reduced plastic usage and improved eco-efficiency measures. These steps not only support environmental goals but also enhance the guest experience with planet-friendly choices.

image

This recognition also aligns closely with Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s global ESG platform, World of Care, which focuses on environmental stewardship, community wellbeing, and responsible business operations. Hyatt has already shown global progress, meeting its target of reducing per-square-meter greenhouse-gas emissions by 25% under its 2020 framework ahead of schedule, a testament to the brand’s long-term sustainability commitment.

As part of the certification, Hyatt Regency Chennai will receive the official EarthCheck Certified Silver digital certificate and will gain permission to use the EarthCheck Silver logo, following the organisation’s branding guidelines. EarthCheck has also shared a Communications Toolkit to help the hotel highlight this achievement to guests, partners and the wider Chennai community.

This milestone reinforces the hotel’s vision of creating a more sustainable future for hospitality in South India, while encouraging travellers to choose responsible stays without compromising on comfort or experience.


Hilton Opens Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, a 20-Acre Urban Retreat

Hilton Opens Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, a 20-Acre Urban Retreat

By Hariharan U

Published on December 8, 2025

Hilton has officially opened Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, marking the brand’s entry into Hyderabad and expanding its footprint in South Asia. Strategically located in India’s Biotech Hub, the resort combines Hilton’s signature hospitality with a design inspired by Telangana’s rich Kakatiya architectural heritage.

Set across 20 acres of greenery with a natural creek, the resort features 115 guest rooms, including 13 pool villas and six suites. Every element, from locally sourced stone and wood to native flora, reflects a commitment to sustainability while creating spaces that honour the region’s culture.

image

Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, South Asia, Hilton, said, “This resort brings Hilton’s signature hospitality to a new destination and offers a multi-dimensional experience to guests. From dynamic spaces and energizing environments to exceptional culinary experiences and revitalizing amenities, this property is poised to set a new benchmark for leisure-meets-lifestyle experiences in India.”

The resort is ideal for grand weddings and corporate events, offering 89,000 sq. ft. of versatile event spaces, including pillarless ballrooms, meeting rooms, expansive lawns, and a creekside mandapam. Open-air courtyards, bespoke interiors, and earthy tones provide guests a sense of the Deccan landscape.

Vincent Ong, Vice President, Full Service Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton, added, “Every element of the resort reflects our dedication to hosting guests with charisma, culture and confidence. We are proud to bring Hilton’s global legacy to Hyderabad.”

Wellness and recreation are central to the property. The resort debuts eforea Spa, Hilton’s global spa brand in India, with eight treatment rooms, a sauna, steam and ice shower, and a no-device relaxation zone. Families and guests of all ages can enjoy basketball, pickleball, cricket, futsal, mini golf, tennis, a dedicated children’s arcade, Junior Chef’s Club, farm-to-table experiences, and guided mixology sessions at Grid 78.

Srinivas Chintala Reddy, Managing Director, C.K.R Resorts Pvt. Ltd., said, “Partnering with Hilton to bring this resort to life has been deeply fulfilling. Hyderabad is home to a globally connected community that values culture, wellness, and access, and this resort delivers on all three.”

With the opening of Hilton Hyderabad Genome Valley Resort & Spa, Hyderabad now boasts a world-class urban retreat that combines luxury, culture, and sustainable hospitality, offering both leisure and business travellers a unique destination in the heart of the city’s biotech hub.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.