Sofitel Expands in Africa with New Flagship Hotel in Benin

Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa: fusion of Beninese culture and French zest

Sofitel is proud to announce the opening of Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, located in Benin, West Africa. This prestigious addition to Sofitel’s portfolio in Africa reflects the brand’s commitment to strengthening its presence on the continent. Blending luxury with local heritage, the hotel redefines luxury hospitality in the region and exemplifies Sofitel’s pillars of cultural connection and refined elegance.

” A pioneer of French luxury hospitality for 60 years, Sofitel today embodies refined and committed luxury, combining French elegance and a strong local presence. I am delighted to announce the opening of this first Sofitel in Benin, where I hope that each of our guests will discover the magic of the French art of living, enriched by Beninese culture. I would like to warmly thank all those who contributed to the opening of this flagship, which also marks our commitment to expand on the African continent, a market with immense potential. ” — Maud Bailly, General Manager Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems

Strategic development in Africa

Sofitel’s expansion into Benin is part of the brand’s broader vision for Africa, a continent undergoing transformation. Its urbanization rate is the fastest in the world, with booming cities becoming economic and cultural hubs. By 2050, its population is expected to double to over 2.5 billion, with an increasingly young and dynamic workforce. The rise of the middle class and the increase in domestic and regional tourism highlight the considerable potential for investment in hospitality. As a market leader, Sofitel is committed to strengthening its position in key African cities. The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa marks Sofitel’s 16th hotel on the continent and sets the stage for continued growth.

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

Located in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin and one of the most dynamic hubs in West Africa, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is strategically placed near major sites including the Esplanade des Amazones and the Route des Pêches. With a politically stable environment and rich cultural heritage, Benin is positioning itself as a major destination for tourism and business 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 just five minutes from Cotonou International Airport, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa offers a prime location for business and leisure travelers, set on 29 hectares of lush parkland.

“ This project reflects the vision of a modern and thriving Benin. As the country’s first five-star hotel, the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa embodies luxury and refinement at every level and in every detail. A true cultural institution, the hotel presents 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. ” — Mehdi Morad, Vice President of Africa Operations for Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems

Unparalleled luxury and cultural immersion

Guests at Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa will enjoy a variety of high-end amenities, including five bars and restaurants offering an international culinary journey. Each of the 198 rooms, including fourteen suites and five duplex suites with private pools, offers stunning views of the ocean and the city.

With spaces gradually opening between September and December 2024, the iconic venues include: Vivo, a restaurant offering the rich flavours of Levantine cuisine; Corniche, the pool bar and Mediterranean restaurant; Muse, the café and lobby bar; L’ami, the chic Brasserie with local touches, with a menu created by Michelin-starred chef Georgiana Viou; and Byblos, the club for free spirits, which will offer Asian fusion cuisine, refined cocktails and chic clubbing. Another key feature of the hotel is the Pavillon, which will house two cinemas managed by Canal Olympia, as well as a Partouche casino.

The property also features a 1,000-square-metre spa in partnership with KOS Paris, offering wellness treatments that fuse local and Parisian influences. For business travellers, the hotel boasts Cotonou’s largest convention centre, with nine flexible meeting rooms. These include Les Collines, which can accommodate up to 400 people, and Le Dôme, Cotonou’s only International Conference Centre, which has been renovated and can accommodate 700 guests. A concierge service and a dedicated event management team are available to meet guests’ needs.

“ In collaboration with our institutional partners, we have managed to recruit 90% of our talents in Benin. The quality and attention to detail that we have developed will make this hotel a unique place that will contribute to strengthening the brand internationally and promoting Benin as a tourist destination. ” — Juliette Peron, General Manager of the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa

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