French Group Accor Adds Three Luxury Hotels in China

Accor continues its rapid expansion in China with the signing of management agreements for three hotels, including two new Sofitel lodgings, in the Shanghai area and in Guangzhou.

Sofitel Guangzhou will be Accor´s first Sofitel in one of southern China´s main commercial hubs. Located right in the city´s central business district, the 470-room, 28-storey hotel will be part of a one-block development that will include an adjacent 60-storey office building.

The hotel is scheduled to open in late 2007 with three restaurants, two bars, a business centre, an indoor swimming pool, rooftop tennis court, Sofitel Club Floors and Executive Lounge, Sofitel Library, Cafe Lenotre and patisserie, Le Spa wellness complex, and a 1000sqm ballroom plus pre-function area. It is designed to China´s premier 5-star platinum hotel standard with guest rooms starting from 36sqm.

Sofitel Sheshan Resort Shanghai is located in Songjiang District, 20 minutes from Hongqiao Airport and is also scheduled to open late 2007.

The 318-room hotel will feature Tuscan influenced exterior design and interior décor, indoor and outdoor swimming pools - the latter featuring lagoons and waterfalls surrounded by exotic tropical landscaping. Other recreational facilities include a large fitness centre, 2,000sqm spa complex, four tennis courts, two squash courts and indoor golf driving range.

The expansion of Accor´s five-star Sofitel hotel brand is part of a dramatic development that will see Accor´s hotel network double in size from the current 24 hotels to 50 hotels by the end of 2007, including over 20 Sofitel hotels and resorts.