Sofitel has announced the grand opening of the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, a luxurious new addition to the brand’s portfolio in West Africa. Situated in Cotonou, Benin, the hotel reflects Sofitel’s commitment to enhancing its presence in the region, blending opulence with the rich cultural heritage of Benin’s scenic coastline. This stunning property aims to redefine luxury hospitality in West Africa while staying true to Sofitel’s emphasis on cultural connections and refined elegance.
The launch of Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa marks another strategic step in Sofitel’s growth across Africa, a continent undergoing rapid transformation. With Africa’s urbanization rate being the fastest in the world, its cities are becoming key economic and cultural hubs. By 2050, Africa’s population is projected to exceed 2.5 billion, with a youthful and dynamic workforce driving economic growth. The rise of the middle class, alongside increasing domestic and regional tourism, signals immense potential for hospitality investment. As a leader in the market, Sofitel is committed to maintaining its strong presence in major African cities. The Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is the 16th Sofitel property on the continent, setting the stage for continued expansion.
Located in Cotonou, the economic heart of Benin and a bustling hub in West Africa, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa enjoys a prime location near prominent landmarks such as the Esplanade of the Amazons and the Route des Pêches. Benin’s stable political climate and rich cultural history make it an emerging destination for both tourism and business. As part of Benin’s national strategy to boost its tourism sector with the campaign “Benin: A World of Wonders,” the country seeks to draw international visitors and elevate its global profile. The hotel’s prime location, just minutes from the Port of Cotonou and Cotonou International Airport, offers unmatched convenience for both business and leisure travelers.
Spanning 29 hectares of lush parkland, the property seamlessly merges local Beninese culture with Sofitel’s renowned French elegance. Guests at the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa will be treated to a luxurious experience, with 198 rooms, including 14 suites and 5 duplex suites, each offering breathtaking views of the ocean and cityscape. The hotel boasts five bars and restaurants, each providing a unique culinary experience. Venues include Vivo, offering Levantine-inspired cuisine, Corniche, a Mediterranean poolside restaurant, Muse, a stylish lobby café and bar, L’ami, a French-Beninese bistro led by Michelin-starred chef Georgiana Viou, and Byblos, a chic club featuring Asian fusion dishes and refined cocktails.
The property also offers a range of leisure and entertainment options, including a 1,000-square-meter spa in collaboration with KOS Paris, blending local and Parisian wellness treatments. For business travelers, the hotel features Cotonou’s largest convention center, with nine flexible meeting rooms, including Les Collines, accommodating up to 400 people, and the Dôme, a newly renovated International Conference Centre with space for 700 guests. Additional amenities include two cinemas, a casino, and a dedicated concierge service to cater to guests’ needs.
This flagship property not only reinforces Sofitel’s leadership in luxury hospitality but also aligns with the broader objectives of Accor, Sofitel’s parent company, to meet the growing demand for tourism, business travel, and infrastructure development across Africa.
