2024-09-06 12:29:13
The first five-star hotel in Benin opened its doors to customers at the beginning of September. Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa aims to offer a unique luxury experience in the country and sub-region.
Looking forward to the last few years, the Sofitel Cotonou Marina now open to the public. Built on an estate of almost 30 hectares on the edge of the ocean, the establishment aims to be a unique place through its architecture and the experience it offers. Already unique in its status, it is the only five-star hotel in Benin, bringing the country into a new era, that of a luxury hotel, which does not already exist in Benin and is rare in the sub-region.
To do this, the Sofitel Cotonou Marina offers 198 rooms with sea and city views including 14 rooms and 5 duplex rooms with a private pool. The establishment has four bars and restaurants as well as different characteristics that each part of it “French” (French luxury) developed by the brand.
The hotel also offers a reception that meets Benin’s new tourism and economic challenges, aiming to be able to host high-end corporate or private events. So Le Dome, formerly the Cotonou International Conference Centre, offers a capacity of 700 places in a completely renovated space that meets international standards.
The hotel’s other asset is called “Le Pavillon”. This space will have two cinemas operated by Canal Olympia, a casino and a unique concept in Cotonou of an Asian fusion restaurant, cocktail bar, music hall and club called “Le BYBLOS”.
Local roots and committed luxury
By positioning itself in the luxury segment, Sofitel Cotonou Marina focuses on high-end customers and is developing an attractive international policy. However, it is a point to integrate and promote the establishment of local resources at all levels. “The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is a celebration of a unique blend of French luxury and Venetian cultural heritage, incorporating the Cultural Linkone of the pillars of the brand that, through its logo, symbolizes two cultures that come together to create an iconic experience”, manages the hotel.
One of the representations of this meeting can be seen through the 150 works of art chosen by the Agency for the Development of Contemporary Art (ADAC), which decorate all the public spaces, and make the hotel an art gallery. It also means multiplying collaborations with local artisans in the creation of furniture and with local producers in the supply of fresh food products.
As a result of the search for local roots, the group has also invested in the training of the staff of the establishment, mainly from Benin, including the management team. “Together, we were able to recruit 90% of our talent from Benin”, Welcome to Juliette Perron, the hotel’s general manager.
Sofitel Cotonou Marina: a major tourist asset
Although Benin aims to welcome three million tourists by 2028, the Sofitel Marina Cotonou is positioning itself as a real added value to increase the attractiveness of the country. In fact, the establishment of the Sofitel group in Benin responds to Benin’s ambition to become a major tourist destination in West Africa through the development of seaside and souvenir tourism.
Therefore, the hotel plans to take advantage of the enrichment of the offer of tourist events that the country now offers. The management is focusing, for example, on major events such as the Vodun days, the Porto-Novo Mask Festival, Gaani and the construction of the Cotonou Cultural and Creative Center that will attract more and more people to Benin.
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