The development of an opulent new design-focused Sofitel hotel in the West African nation of Benin is our new Project of the Week.
The city of Cotonou is looking forward to the impending launch of a stylish property operating under Accor’s Sofitel brand. We see what’s in store for guests.
Benin set to welcome Sofitel
Exclusivity, prestige and hedonism are just some of the hallmarks of Sofitel’s latest hotel in Africa. Scheduled to open in Q4 2020, Sofitel Benin Cotonou is a luxury five-star newbuild that will boast 200 well-appointed guest rooms and suites in total.
The hotel will offer guests a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience, where the French philosophy of art-de-vivre meets the vernacular culture of Benin. This merger of style and thought manifests itself in the hotel’s design overseen by interior designer Sundukovy Sisters (S+S), which explained: “Sundukovy Sisters conveyed exquisite French interiors of Sofitel Cotonou through a lens of Beninese culture, bringing guests a new and sophisticated experience of enjoying life, everyday indulgence and hedonism.”
What to expect in West Africa
The property will kick off with a bang in the lobby area, where guests are greeted with the epitome of French style and grace in the form of a classically symmetrical plan, set off with contrasting elements of traditional detailing, texture and materiality from Benin. Bookshelves will double as dividers and screens will hold various local objects, sculptures and artefacts, creating a real wow factor when new arrivals first enter the hotel.
In terms of the rooms, they will feature carefully selected calming but rich materials that have a delicate feel to them, creating an atmosphere of relaxation. And in the restaurant and lobby areas, plush furnishings will ooze comfort and style.
Throughout the property, meanwhile, eye-catching patterns will be juxtaposed with natural, rustic materials to convey the coming together of cultures that exist in this part of Africa.
Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents.