Accor announces plans for new Sofitel hotel in Madinah
The hospitality group is expanding its footprint across Saudi Arabia with the signing of this Sofitel branded property.
This milestone agreement marks the first luxury development for Accor in Saudi Arabia’s Holy City of Madinah.
Bringing Sofitel to Madinah
An existing property is now set to be renovated and rebranded as a Sofitel hotel with plans to continue operating under white label until being relaunched as the new Sofitel property in 2023.
On completion, the rebranded property will reflect the Sofitel brand identity through its approach to modern luxury and French savoir-faire.
Accor is developing the property in partnership with Waqf Sheikh Abdul Bari al-Shawi, represented by the principal of Sheikh Hamza al-Shawi, with the site’s ownership part of a joint charitable entity.
“The agreement reinforces and advances the humanitarian message the Waqf stands for. We could not think of a better group to collaborate with than Accor and look forward to a successful partnership in the coming years,” said Sheikh Hamza al-Shawi, principle and representative of the Waqf.
Creating a luxury experience
The hotel is located in the centre of Madinah. This location places guests close to the northern entrance of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
This Sofitel property will house 469 rooms and suites including what promises to be the most luxurious suite in Madinah. Facilities will include three dining outlets, an executive lounge, fitness centre and two meeting rooms.
“The hotel is another great addition to our luxury portfolio in the Kingdom and the region overall”, says Mark Willis, CEO of Accor India, Middle East, Africa & Turkey.
“The new Sofitel Madinah is set to become the ultimate choice for travellers, including those partaking in the annual Islamic pilgrimage, that are looking for unparalleled luxurious hospitality while being strategically located, minutes away from key Holy landmarks.”
Accor currently has 40 hotels in operation across Saudi Arabia, with another 42 properties in the pipeline.
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