Accor Hospitality Middle East signs first Sofitel hotel in Muscat

The opening, scheduled for January 2011 will see the Sofitel brand venture into the Sultanate for the first time with over 230 rooms and a location on the Azaiba beach front.

Sofitel Muscat & Spa will be owned by Al Mashriq Hotels & Tourism LLC and managed by Accor Hospitality Middle East.

The major announcement affirms Accor Hospitality Middle East's aggressive development plans for the region. A leading developer of all hotel segments, from budget to upscale, the international hotel group continues to expand its regional portfolio of four brands - Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Mercure, Novotel and Ibis and fully aims to reach its ambitious target of developing 70 hotels by 2011.

Says Christophe Landais, managing director, Accor Hospitality Middle East, who spoke at today's ceremony:

"We are thrilled to open yet another Sofitel hotel in a brand new market. Oman is undeniably the region's emerging leisure capital; I believe our hotel will meet the growth in demand for the deluxe five-star hotel sector in the Sultanate and the region, and will undoubtedly set the benchmark with its contemporary lifestyle appeal, spa facilities and French flair, all symbolic of our most upscale hotel brand."

Sami Ahmed Macki, managing director, Al Mashriq Hotels and Tourism, who was also present for the ceremony, added: "We are delighted to sign this strategic development agreement with Accor Hospitality at a time when the Sofitel brand is being elevated in the international luxury hotel market. I believe the Sultanate is ready to receive more upper upscale international hotel brands and so we anticipate a fruitful opening and partnership with Accor Hospitality."

True to the new positioning of the Sofitel brand, Sofitel Muscat & Spa will provide guests all the luxuries of an elite expansive beach hotel, from its well-being bedrooms to the unique luxury spa.

Dining options at the Sofitel Muscat & Spa are second to none and cater to all age groups; the hotel offers three speciality restaurants including a Japanese-themed restaurant, a barbeque rotisserie, all-day-dining area, children's club restaurant and a teenager's club restaurant. The hotel will also include a lobby lounge, pool and theme bar.

Other desirable facilities include a beach club, night club and the exclusive Sofitel spa - SO SPA, dedicated to complete body and soul reconnection. A grand ballroom (1200 sqm), board room (90 sqm) and five spacious meeting rooms (50 - 59 sqm) will also cater to Muscat's expanding business clientele.

Located in an upmarket residential area, Sofitel Muscat & Spa is being developed just 10km away from the Seeb International Airport and 9km from the Oman International Exhibition Centre. With undisturbed views of the Gulf of Oman, the project is adjacent to The Wave development, which once completed will only be 1.5km away, providing a marina and golf course as an additional attraction for hotel guests.

Sofitel brand elevated in the international luxury hotel market

Today's announcement follows the Sofitel brand's global re-launch as three uniquely positioned premium brands - Sofitel, Sofitel Legend and So. Sofitel Muscat & Spa joins the Sofitel Luxury Hotels family, Accor's international upper upscale brand.

Sofitel has strategic plans to expand into the Middle East; projects in the pipeline include two in Dubai, UAE and one each in Zallaq, Bahrain; Doha, Qatar; Karachi, Pakistan and Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.