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.”


Golden Tulip to Debut in Virat Nagar, Jaipur

Golden Tulip to Debut in Virat Nagar, Jaipur

By Hariharan U

Published on January 10, 2026

SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting has successfully brought together Green Oasis Hospitality Pvt Ltd and Sarovar Hotels to introduce Golden Tulip in Virat Nagar, Jaipur. This strategic brand partnership marks an important addition to Rajasthan’s growing hospitality landscape, with the upcoming property positioned as a premium four-star hotel.

Planned as a 110-room development, Golden Tulip Virat Nagar is designed to serve a balanced mix of business and leisure travellers, while also emerging as a preferred destination for large-format social gatherings. Located on the outskirts of Jaipur, Virat Nagar has been identified as a high-potential micro-market, particularly for destination weddings, corporate offsites, and upscale retreats.

SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting played a key role in aligning the hospitality asset with the right brand to unlock long-term value. By bringing Golden Tulip, part of the Sarovar Hotels portfolio, to the project, Green Oasis Hospitality gains access to a strong global distribution network and professional hotel management expertise, setting the stage for sustained revenue growth from the outset.

Highlighting the vision behind the partnership, Sandeep Roy, Founder & CEO, SeaHorse Hospitality Consulting, said, "Jaipur’s periphery is evolving into a powerhouse for high-end social events and leisure retreats. Facilitating this partnership between Green Oasis and Sarovar Hotels ensures that Virat Nagar gains a premier asset designed to capture the growing demand for large-format weddings and upscale staycations."

Golden Tulip Virat Nagar, Jaipur is being thoughtfully planned with a strong focus on events and premium guest experiences. The hotel will feature 110 spacious luxury rooms, each with a minimum size of 400 square feet, including a select number of exclusive plunge pool rooms.

The property’s food and beverage offerings will include a signature all-day dining restaurant and a contemporary lounge bar, catering to both resident guests and event attendees. For social and corporate functions, the hotel will house a grand banquet hall spanning 6,500 square feet, supported by multiple conference halls suited for meetings and MICE requirements.

One of the key highlights of the development is its expansive outdoor event infrastructure. The hotel will offer multiple landscaped lawns, with the largest covering 13,000 square feet, specifically designed to host large-scale destination weddings and celebratory events. Additional amenities will include a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym and spa, and a dedicated kids play area, ensuring a complete leisure experience for families and groups.

With this signing, Virat Nagar is set to gain a landmark hospitality asset that aligns with Jaipur’s evolving demand for premium stays and large-format event venues, further strengthening the region’s appeal as a luxury wedding and leisure destination.


ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts Expands Footprint with The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar

By Hariharan U

Published on January 10, 2026

ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts has announced the strategic addition of The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar to its growing portfolio, further strengthening its presence in Uttarakhand. With this partnership, the hospitality group now operates three properties in the state, underlining its long-term commitment to India’s most visited spiritual and leisure destinations.

Haridwar holds a special place in India’s cultural and spiritual landscape. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the holy Ganges enters the plains, the city continues to draw pilgrims and travellers from across the country. As part of Devbhumi, Uttarakhand’s appeal goes beyond faith, with a rising demand for comfortable, well-managed stays that cater to both spiritual visitors and leisure travellers.

The inclusion of The Hoften Vibranta allows ALIVAA to address this evolving travel need, combining the calm of a spiritual destination with THE HOFTEN’s guest-first approach and refined comfort. The region’s natural beauty and cultural depth offer an ideal setting for a hospitality experience that balances tradition with modern expectations.

Sharing his thoughts on the expansion, Akash Bhatia, CEO of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, said,"The addition of The Hoften Vibranta Haridwar is a pivotal milestone in our growth strategy. Uttarakhand is a core market for us, and Haridwar’s unique position as both a spiritual epicentre and a gateway to the Himalayas makes it an invaluable asset. We are committed to bringing our high standards of operational excellence to this historic city."

Inder Pal Batra, Co-Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, added, "Our goal has always been to bridge the gap between traditional hospitality and sophisticated modern living. With our third property in Uttarakhand, we are creating a seamless circuit for travellers looking to explore the beauty and divinity of the North. The Hoften Vibranta embodies the spirit of Haridwar while maintaining the contemporary refinement THE HOFTEN is known for."

Welcoming the collaboration, Mr. Anubhav Siwach, Owner of Vibranta Hotels & Resorts, said, "We are thrilled to join forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts. Their expertise in management and brand positioning is exactly what we were looking for to elevate the guest experience at The Hoften Vibranta. Together, we aim to set a new benchmark for distinguished hospitality in Haridwar."

Mr. Deepak, Owner of Vibranta Hotels & Resorts, also highlighted the shift in traveller expectations, stating, "Haridwar is evolving, and today’s traveller seeks more than just proximity to the temples; they seek quality and reliability. Partnering with ALIVAA ensures that The Hoften Vibranta will become a preferred destination for discerning guests visiting Uttarakhand."

Based in Gurugram, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts continues to focus on curated travel experiences through strategic growth across key leisure and business markets. The brand blends local character with international service standards, aiming to deliver consistency and comfort across destinations.

Located in the heart of Haridwar, The Hoften Vibranta offers modern amenities paired with traditional warmth. With well-appointed rooms, multi-cuisine dining options, and contemporary facilities, the property is designed to suit both pilgrims and modern explorers looking for an elevated yet dependable stay.


Sterling Expands Presence in North-East with Launch of Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok

Sterling Expands Presence in North-East with Launch of Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok

By Hariharan U

Published on January 10, 2026

Sterling Holiday Resorts has strengthened its presence in North-East India with the launch of Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok, a contemporary city hotel located in the heart of Gangtok. The new opening marks Sterling’s second property in Sikkim and its fourth in the North-East, reinforcing the brand’s growing regional portfolio.

Designed for travellers seeking connectivity and central access, Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok caters to business travellers, professionals on short stays, and leisure guests who prefer to stay close to the city’s commercial and cultural hubs. The property complements Sterling’s existing leisure resort in the destination, Sterling Gangtok Orange Village, which is located in a quieter setting outside the city.

Situated in Development Area, Gangtok’s business and administrative district, the hotel occupies an elevated location offering views of the city skyline. Its proximity to government offices, business centres, and the popular MG Marg shopping promenade makes it a convenient base for work trips as well as short urban getaways.

As travel to the Eastern Himalayas increasingly blends business, leisure, and onward journeys to destinations such as Darjeeling and Kalimpong, the hotel adds an urban dimension to Sterling’s regional presence. It is positioned for travellers looking to maximise their time in Gangtok for meetings, sightseeing, shopping, or brief exploratory stays.

Commenting on the launch, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said, The launch of Sterling Mount Olive Gangtok strengthens our presence in the North East with a hotel that is purposefully designed around location and accessibility. Gangtok attracts both business and leisure travellers throughout the year, and this property addresses the need for a centrally located, high-quality stay that allows guests to engage closely with the city while enjoying Sterling’s signature comfort and service.”

The hotel features well-appointed rooms with private balconies and warm, contemporary interiors, suited for short business trips, extended stays, and small families.

Dining is led by Latitude 27, the hotel’s all-day restaurant inspired by the Himalayan latitude running through the region. The menu blends global comfort food with regional specialities such as Masyang ko Dal, Baans ko Tusa, and Thentuk, emphasising seasonal ingredients and relaxed dining.

The property also offers convenient access to attractions including Tashi View Point, Do Drul Chorten, and Banjhakri Falls, with longer excursions to Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir easily planned as day trips. Well connected via Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri railway station, the hotel ensures smooth access for travellers.

With this launch, Sterling continues to expand its portfolio of experience-led properties, offering guests a choice between serene resort destinations and centrally located city hotels while strengthening its footprint across Sikkim and the wider North-East region.

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