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.”


Eco Hotels Signs First Boutique Property in Udaipur

Eco Hotels Signs First Boutique Property in Udaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on February 3, 2026

Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited has announced the signing of its first boutique property in Udaipur, marking a key milestone in the company’s brand expansion strategy and its entry into India’s growing boutique hospitality segment.

Located in the city of Udaipur and set amid the Aravali mountain range, the upcoming property will feature 20 thoughtfully designed rooms. According to the company, the rooms will be crafted with artistic elements and attention to detail, offering guests a blend of comfort, elegance and a serene, immersive environment complemented by scenic mountain views.

A major highlight of the property will be GG’s, a pure vegetarian, double-decker rooftop restaurant. Designed with both open-to-sky and covered dining spaces, the restaurant will offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, positioning it as a distinctive culinary destination aligned with Eco Hotels’ focus on quality and innovation.

The Udaipur signing also marks the launch of Eco Hotels’ fourth brand, The Eco Boutique, following its existing brands -The Eco, Eco Xpress and Eco Value. The new boutique brand is aimed at travellers seeking premium, experience-driven stays in culturally rich and scenic leisure destinations.

Commenting on the development, Vinod Kumar Tripathi, Chairman, Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited, said, “With the Eco Boutique Udaipur, we aim to deliver a refined hospitality experience that reflects the cultural richness and natural beauty of the region. This expansion is part of our broader strategy to strengthen our footprint in high-growth markets while maintaining our commitment to sustainability, guest comfort, and operational excellence.”

Sharing a financial and growth perspective, Vikram Doshi, Director – Finance & CFO, Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited, added, “The signing of our first boutique property in Udaipur reflects our focused approach toward expanding into high-demand leisure markets with strong revenue potential. This property is expected to strengthen our portfolio by offering a differentiated guest experience while maintaining operational efficiency and financial discipline. We remain confident that such strategic expansions will contribute positively to the company’s long-term growth trajectory.”

The property is scheduled to go live in March 2026 and is expected to further strengthen Eco Hotels’ presence in India’s leisure hospitality landscape, while offering guests a distinctive blend of comfort, elegance and scenic charm.


The Leela Palace Jaipur Celebrates India’s Literary Spirit at Jaipur Literature Festival 2026

The Leela Palace Jaipur Celebrates India’s Literary Spirit at Jaipur Literature Festival 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 30, 2026

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts partnered with the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) 2026, as Jaipur once again emerged as a vibrant meeting point for literature, art, and culture. The festival, held from January 15–19, brought together leading Indian and global writers, thinkers, and cultural voices for five days of dialogue, debate, and celebration. Anchoring this collaboration was ‘A Literary Sojourn’, a thoughtfully curated festival stay that combined privileged access with The Leela’s signature hospitality.

During the five days of the festival, The Leela Palace Jaipur hosted the Author’s Lounge, designed as a calm and refined cultural retreat. The space became a hub for writers, thinkers, and creators to engage in meaningful conversations away from the bustle of the festival grounds. Guests experienced a blend of literary discussions, music showcases, and storytelling sessions, while a wellness corner by Aujasya Spa by The Leela offered moments of relaxation, balance, and mindfulness.

Sharing her experience, Ila Arun, celebrated Indian TV personality and Rajasthani folk-pop singer, said, “At the Jaipur Literature Festival, my most lovable stop was The Leela’s Author’s Lounge, so artistic, so slick, and bursting with positive energy. You walked in and your mood instantly lift. The food was delicious, but also so thoughtfully planned, healthy, well-selected, and never so heavy that it would slow you down. It’s the perfect pause before you step right back into the next session feeling happy. And that’s classic Leela, hospitality with heart. Warm, attentive staff, and a chef who takes personal interest, coming table to table to make everyone feel comfortable. You feel genuinely cared for, and you carry that warmth back into the festival with you.”

Commenting on the experience, Tripti Pandey, tourism expert and cultural writer, said, "As I walked into the Author's Lounge, it took me by complete surprise as it was so much more spacious, with the addition of a spa that elevates the entire experience. The Leela team truly echoes excellence in hospitality, and the flute performance added a special touch to the ambiance. The Writers Ball 2026 was absolutely lavish and grand, our international guests were completely overawed by the entire experience."

As part of ‘A Literary Sojourn’, guests were also invited to explore an elaborate culinary journey across The Leela Palace Jaipur’s dining destinations. The Aravalli Dining Room showcased Indian, Rajasthani, and Western cuisines in a global dining format. Modern Asian small plates at The Amber Terrace were paired with root-to-fruit inspired cocktails reflecting Rajasthan’s botanical heritage. The Leela’s signature seven-course fine dining experience celebrated royal Indian kitchens in an elegant, candlelit setting. Guests could also unwind at The Peacock Lounge with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and seasonal beverages, while the Jharokha Bar offered refined drinks and light bites in a heritage-inspired atmosphere.

The partnership reached its grand finale with the Writers’ Ball on January 19, hosted at The Leela Palace Jaipur. The evening brought together literary figures and cultural icons for conversations, live performances, and immersive experiences. A live performance by Kutle Khan added to the atmosphere, complemented by The Leela’s hallmark hospitality and curated culinary offerings.

Through its association with Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, The Leela Palace Jaipur reinforced its role as a custodian of India’s cultural and literary heritage, creating experiences that celebrated storytelling, creativity, and thoughtful engagement in a setting that felt both meaningful and memorable.


Hilton Bengaluru Launches ‘Republic Retreats’ for One-Night Getaways

Hilton Bengaluru Launches ‘Republic Retreats’ for One-Night Getaways

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 24, 2026

Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park have launched Republic Retreats, an exclusive one-night stay package designed for urban travellers and staycation enthusiasts. Available for stays between 24 January and 1 February 2026, the offer combines flexibility, curated dining, and exceptional value.

Republic Retreats invite guests to unwind with thoughtful inclusions such as buffet breakfast, buffet lunch or dinner, and 24-hour check-in and check-out. Guests can also enjoy 50% off during Happy Hours at the bar (12 p.m. – 6 p.m., IMFL) and hotel credits on food & beverages, including alcohol, as well as laundry services (spa excluded).

At Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, the package includes dining at F5 and generous hotel credits, while Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park offers dining at Neo Kitchen along with attractive hotel credits.

With flexible timings, enticing dining options, and lifestyle perks, Republic Retreats make it easy to enjoy a quick getaway, celebrate a special occasion, or simply take a relaxing break. Bookings are now open for stays between 24 January and 1 February 2026.

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