Sofitel announces expansion into Africa with new luxury flagship in Benin

Sofitel’s expansion into Benin is part of the brand’s broader vision for Africa, a continent that is undergoing rapid transformation. Africa’s urbanization rate is the fastest in the world, with booming cities emerging as economic and cultural hubs. By 2050, the population of Africa is projected to double to over 2.5 billion, with an increasingly youthful and dynamic workforce driving this growth. The rise of the middle class and increasing domestic and regional tourism highlight the continent’s vast potential for hospitality investment. As a market leader, Sofitel remains committed to reinforcing its leadership position across key African cities. Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa marks the brand’s 16th hotel on the continent and sets the stage for ongoing growth.

Cotonou: Gateway to West Africa’s Business and Tourism Growth

Located in Cotonou, Benin’s economic capital and one of the most dynamic hubs in West Africa, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is strategically positioned near key landmarks, including the highly visited Esplanade of the Amazons and the Route des Pêches. With a politically stable environment and a deep cultural heritage, Benin is positioning itself as a major tourism and business destination in the region, focusing on coastal and memorial tourism. As part of the country’s broader economic strategy, the development of a national tourism identity, “Benin: A World of Wonders,” aims to attract more international visitors and elevate Benin on the world stage. With its proximity to the bustling Port of Cotonou and its five-minute distance from Cotonou International Airport, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa offers unparalleled convenience for both business and leisure travelers. Set on a 29-hectare estate in lush parkland, the hotel is a seamless blend of local Beninese culture and Sofitel’s worldrenowned French zest.

“This project reflects the vision of a modern and thriving Benin. As the first five-star hotel in the country, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa embodies luxury and refinement at every level and in every detail. A true cultural institution, the hotel features a remarkable collection that celebrates the richness of local arts and traditions. It is a shining example of what the African continent has to offer today.” said Mehdi Morad, Vice-President of Operations Africa for Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems.

Unmatched Luxury and Cultural Immersion

Guests at Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa will enjoy a variety of premium amenities, including five bars and restaurants offering an international culinary journey. Each of the 198 rooms guestroom, including fourteen suites and five duplex suites with private pools, provides stunning views of the ocean and the vibrant cityscape. With hotel spaces progressively debuting between September and December 2024, notable venues include: Vivo, a vibrant restaurant serving up the rich flavours of Levantine cuisine, Corniche, the pool bar and Mediterranean restaurant, Muse, the lobby cafe & bar, L’ami, a French-style gastronomic bistro with Beninese influences, with a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Georgiana Viou, and Byblos, the free minds Club offering Asian fusion cuisine, refined cocktails and chic clubbing. Another of the hotel’s main features is the Pavillon, which will house two cinemas operated by Canal Olympia, a Partouche casino. The property also features a 1,000 square-meter spa in partnership with KOS Paris, offering wellness treatments that fuse local and Parisian influences. For business travelers, the hotel features the largest convention center in Cotonou, with nine flexible meeting rooms. These include the Les Collines room, with a capacity of up to 400 people, and the Dôme, Cotonou’s only International Conference Centre, which has been tastefully renovated and can accommodate 700 guests. A concierge service and events management team will be on hand to meet guests’ needs.

“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.” says Juliette Peron, General Manager of the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa.

This new flagship not only solidifies Sofitel’s reputation as a leader in luxury hospitality in Africa but also aligns with the broader strategy of the brand’s parent company Accor to meet the growing demands for tourism, business travel, and infrastructure development in the region.