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.”


Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Bihar with New Gaya Property

Lemon Tree Hotels Expands in Bihar with New Gaya Property

By Hariharan U

Published on September 18, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of its latest property Lemon Tree Hotel, Gaya, Bihar. The upcoming hotel will feature 56 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, banquet and meeting facilities, along with a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, and other public spaces. The property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, the management arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited.

Strategically located, the hotel offers easy access to both Bodhgaya Airport (14 km) and Gaya Railway Station (6 km), while being well-connected by road for public and private transport.

Commenting on the signing, Kapil Sharma, Executive Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With this signing, we further enhance and strengthen our footprint in Bihar, where we operate one hotel and have one more upcoming. This aligns with our strategy of expanding our brand across the country to delight our guests with comfortable options.”

Lemon Tree Hotels has steadily grown since its first 49-room property in 2004. Today, the group welcomes over 1.5 million guests annually across 110+ operational hotels in 75+ cities in India and overseas, with a pipeline of 110+ upcoming properties. Its network spans metro hubs such as Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, along with tier II and III cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Kochi, and Indore. Internationally, Lemon Tree Hotels is present in Dubai, Bhutan, and Nepal.

With the new signing in Gaya, Lemon Tree continues to build on its reputation for comfort, consistency, and refreshing hospitality — serving both business and leisure travellers alike.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Hits 20-Property Milestone with The Hoften Lotus Court, Greater Noida

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Hits 20-Property Milestone with The Hoften Lotus Court, Greater Noida

By Hariharan U

Published on September 16, 2025

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has reached a new milestone with the addition of The Hoften Lotus Court in Greater Noida West, Uttar Pradesh, marking the 20th property in its growing portfolio. The launch strengthens ALIVAA’s footprint in a key market and aligns with its ambitious expansion strategy.

Operating under The Hoften brand, the hotel is designed for modern travellers seeking smart, efficient service combined with comfort and convenience.

Akash Bhatia, CEO of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise Business), said, "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Hotel Lotus Court into The Hoften family and the wider ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection. Greater Noida is a dynamic destination, and this partnership enables us to offer our guests an even broader range of exceptional experiences. Hotel The Hoften Lotus Court perfectly embodies the unique charm and high standards of our brand, and we're confident it will be a valuable asset to our expanding portfolio."

Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the strategic significance of Greater Noida, "As we strive to become a leading national player, Greater Noida holds a critical position in our roadmap. This signing establishes our foothold in the country's growing corporate hub. The upcoming Jewar Airport will be a game-changer, boosting business and leisure travel and creating immense opportunities for us."

Arjun Singh, owner of The Hoften Lotus Court, shared his excitement, "Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing Hotel Lotus Court under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion for us. Their deep expertise and commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision. This is our second property with the same brand, reflecting our confidence and commitment. We look forward to delivering memorable experiences to our guests."

This milestone reinforces ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts’ dedication to expanding its portfolio, delivering exceptional stays, and creating unforgettable experiences across India’s key travel destinations.

About ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts:
ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic hospitality group focused on creating exceptional guest experiences. Operating under the ALIVAA and The Hoften brands, the company emphasizes quality, innovation, and guest delight, offering memorable stays across established and emerging destinations.


Treat Hotels & Resorts Expands to Rajasthan and Maharashtra with Two New Properties

Treat Hotels & Resorts Expands to Rajasthan and Maharashtra with Two New Properties

By Hariharan U

Published on September 13, 2025

Treat Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in North India with the addition of two new premium properties in culturally and historically significant destinations, Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra.

The first, Treat Aranya Resort, Kumbhalgarh, marks the brand’s debut in Rajasthan. Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Hills and close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kumbhalgarh Fort, the resort offers a tranquil escape where heritage and modern comfort come together. Guests can expect spacious rooms, landscaped lawns, panoramic views, and a setting ideal for those seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.

The second property, Treat Imperial, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is positioned at the city’s heart and designed as an upscale venue for weddings, corporate retreats, and family getaways. With regal architecture, expansive banquet spaces, gourmet dining, and premium hospitality services, it caters especially to large-scale weddings and events while reflecting the cultural spirit of Sambhajinagar.

These launches mark a new chapter in our journey,” said Mr. Alok Mundra, Managing Director, Treat Hotels & Resorts. “We’re not just building properties; we’re creating destinations that celebrate India’s diversity in architecture, cuisine, and celebrations, without compromising on luxury.”

Adding to this, Devendra Singh, General Manager, Development & Acquisitions, noted, “These developments are a testament to our vision of expanding thoughtfully into destinations that hold cultural, historical, and economic significance.”

With these upcoming launches, Treat Hotels & Resorts strengthens its position as one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality brands. Both properties uphold the brand’s philosophy of offering meaningful celebrations, memorable escapes, and enriching experiences — all while preserving India’s timeless heritage.

For inquiries and partnerships, visit www.treatresorts.com.

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