SO/ Sofitel hotels announced the upcoming addition of four hotels to its portfolio. This includes new properties in Berlin, St. Petersburg and Vienna, and the brand’s first hotel in the southern hemisphere in Auckland, New Zealand. All are set to open under the SO/ banner by end of 2018.
The four new hotels will expand the SO/ portfolio to eight properties. They join an exclusive network that already includes two SO/ properties in Thailand: Bangkok and Hua Hin, SO/ Mauritius; and SO/ Singapore.
SO/ Berlin Das Stue
The SO/ Berlin Das Stue officially opens this March. This property, which was formerly a Royal Danish Embassy, is situated in Berlin’s diplomatic district and within walking distance of many of Berlin’s most famous sites, including Tiergarten Park and the Berlin Zoo, both located at its doorstep.
Many of the hotel’s 78 guestrooms (including 20 suites) overlook the gardens and hotel guests also enjoy private access to the zoo so they can see the animals up close. For those who like to mix their wildlife and nightlife, the hotel’s terrace bar overlooks the zoo’s ostrich enclosure. The property also offers two concept restaurants including Cinco by Michelin-starred chef, Paco Perez.
Dutch fashion duo Viktor&Rolf have been appointed as the signature designers to create the new uniforms for the SO/ Berlin Das Stue staff, as well as the emblem of the hotel. The hotel also includes a signature spa by Susanne Kaufmann, and a fitness center complete with a 14-meter indoor swimming pool and traditional Finnish sauna.
SO/ St. Petersburg
In April 2018, Sofitel will launch SO/ St. Petersburg in the heart of the Russian cultural capital. SO/ St. Petersburg is located right near the Bronze Horseman statue of Peter the Great, the city’s founding father, while the St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Hermitage Gallery and Nevsky Prospect are just minutes away.
Dining at the 137-room property will include a rooftop bar and the Cococo Restaurant that offers a unique take on Russian cuisine. A spa completes the offering, which includes a fitness room with modern equipment, a nail lounge, water lounge, steam room, and lap pool as well as a wellness-dedicated retail space.
SO/ Auckland
Located in the heart of Auckland's central business district, the SO/ Auckland occupies the renovated old New Zealand Reserve Bank, neighboring the Britomart precinct and waterfront. Due to open in July 2018, the property includes 133 guestrooms and suites, along with a concept restaurant and bar.
Hotel guests will have access to the exclusive Club Signature lounge, an indoor swimming pool and a SO/ signature spa and fitness center, situated in the old bank vault.
SO/ Vienna
Designed by French architect, Jean Nouvel, the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom is set to become SO/ Vienna by end of 2018. The hotel’s design showcases a monochromatic color palette, a diamond roof pattern designed to reflect the influence of the city’s famed St. Stephen's Cathedral, and colorful works of art. Pipilotti Rist's ceilings and Patrick Blanc's large vertical plant wall stand out as well.
During their stay, guests at this 182-room hotel can enjoy facilities such as the signature SO/ SPA and fitness center, two bars, and the Das LOFT restaurant on the 18th floor, which includes a kaleidoscopic light ceiling and sweeping views of Vienna.
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