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Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, Egypt – Opened in January 2025 - The biggest Sofitel in the World (615 rooms)
Accor is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2024. It boasts approximately 120 Sofitel properties, over 120 boutique hotels in the MGallery collection, and an expanding portfolio of Emblems destinations. Nearly 90 hotels under these brands are signed and scheduled to open soon.
- As Sofitel concludes its 60th-anniversary celebrations in 2024, the brand’s rebirth translates into a reignited pipeline, with 32 new hotels to be opened over the coming years. After the latest successful opening of Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa in Benin, Sofitel will keep expanding into key destinations such as Egypt, Vietnam, Portugal, Ireland, Mexico and India;
- Sofitel Legend also sees a growth milestone in 2024, with the signature - in only twelve months - of 3 new flagships to be opened in Prague, India and in Egypt, in front of the iconic Giza Pyramids.
- The same fast-paced dynamic is underway among the collection brands:
- MGallery, the storied boutique-hotel brand, is unfolding a new chapter with 48 hotels in the pipeline, expanding into new territories such as Japan, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
- Emblems, Accor’s new high-end collection brand, makes a remarkable debut with already 7 iconic flagship hotels signed in Europe, South-East Asia and North America.
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“2024 has been a milestone year for our brands, marking unprecedented development momentum. This accelerated pipeline reflects the dedication and hard work of our exceptional teams worldwide, strengthening our network’s consistency, redefining our brand identity, and elevating our brand promise. Two years ago, this new era was just a vision as we laid the foundations of our new organization and shaped our strategic roadmap. Today, it has become a reality. There is nothing more rewarding than restoring clarity and pride to the brands and its talented people.” — Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems.
Luxury is all about Consistency
Two years after Maud Bailly's leadership, the flagship brands of Accor’s luxury and lifestyle division—Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems—have undergone a thorough transformation.
This journey has involved restoring clarity and consistency to each brand identity and rejuvenating the existing hotel network. Major refurbishments—like those at Sofitel New York and Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile, which are set for completion by fall 2025—are underway, and 26% of the Sofitel network is being renovated. Notable renovations have succeeded, such as those at Sofitel Athens, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, and the iconic Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.
Meanwhile, 8% of the MGallery Collection portfolio is under renovation, with projects like Manly Pacific in Australia, which just won the Prix de Versailles, or Grand Hôtel Roi Renée Aix-en-Provence in France leading the way. The global scale of transformation has enabled the launch of a virtuous renovation dynamic.
At the same time, each of the 9 openings this year has been a unique moment, tailor-made to reflect the local culture and the hotels’ aspirations. These magical experiences are constantly raising the standards and impact, such as the inauguration of Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa in the presence of the Benin Government last December 12th.
This momentum aligns with a rise in development, with more than 20 hotels signed in 2024—demonstrating the remarkable progress of the four brands. The focus is on high-potential markets such as Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Egypt, and resort hotspots in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Additionally, emerging markets like Mexico and India are experiencing substantial investment, fueled by the brands’ growing appeal.
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“We’ve seen leads triple since 2023, reflecting a strong investment trend in our hard and collection luxury brands. By enhancing brand desirability, we’ve bolstered our existing Sofitel and MGallery portfolios and expanded into key markets and resort destinations.” — Xavier Grange, Chief Development Officer Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems.
The rise of branded residences highlights the increasing recognition of these brands. Significant projects include the Sofitel Residences Downtown Dubai, set to launch in 2026, and the Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Branded Residences in Vietnam, which features over 400 units. This model is also attractive to collection brands, as shown by the Abraj Omar Hotel & Residences Makkah—MGallery Collection in Saudi Arabia.
A Record Year for Sofitel: Celebrating a New Era and 60 Years of French Luxury Hospitality
In 2024, Sofitel, the pioneering luxury hotel brand from France, marked its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades of heartfelt luxury infused with French flair. This milestone year saw the launch of a refreshed brand platform, a new identity, and a global campaign featuring ambassadors Gillian Anderson and Dali Benssalah, showcasing Sofitel's unique signature of cultural encounters.
The year also witnessed Sofitel’s most substantial development momentum, with 32 hotels in the pipeline, including 12 signed in 2024 alone. Notable additions include 3 new Sofitel Legend properties in Prague with Sofitel Legend The Mozart, celebrating the legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sofitel Legend in India, and Sofitel Legend Pyramids Giza, offering more than 60% of its rooms with stunning views of the ancient pyramids. These properties join an exclusive network of six legendary hotels, such as Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, which renovated its famous heritage wing, including the Charlie Chaplin Suite, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam and Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama, which opened in March 2023, all renowned for their awe-inspiring history and timeless elegance.
The brand's pipeline reinforces its ambition to strengthen leadership in Europe & North Africa, with 34 hotels in the portfolio and 6 more on the way while accelerating growth in key markets such as the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and India. Sofitel has doubled its footprint in Vietnam, adding Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences and Sofitel Diamond Crown Hai Phong to an already impressive portfolio. Recent landmark events include the groundbreaking ceremony for Sofitel Dublin Airport, the signing of Sofitel Jaipur Jawar Circle in India, the opening of the biggest Sofitel in the world (615 rooms) with Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile in Egypt and the upcoming launch of Sofitel Riyadh, signalling Sofitel's growth in leisure destinations alongside its stronghold in business markets.
The Sofitel renewal touches all its categories: Legend, Urban, Resort, Residences and Airport - tailored to the needs and desires of guests and has thus cemented its position as one of the largest luxury portfolios globally, with about 120 hotels in 49 countries. Through its renewed vision and dynamic growth, Sofitel continues to redefine French luxury hospitality, embracing its storied past while boldly stepping into the future.
The Rise of collection brands: MGallery and Emblems on the fast track to expansion
The MGallery and Emblems Collection are essential complementary brands that provide intimate luxury. They prioritize exclusivity and thoughtfully curated accommodations to uphold a refined atmosphere.
Luxury collection brands MGallery and Emblems are seeing a surge in development, with more than 55 hotels combined in the pipeline. MGallery continues to bring meaningful and memorable moments to many destinations. The brand entered Japan this year by opening the Hotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery Collection and unveiling the historic Domaine du Liziec Vannes – MGallery Collection in the West of France.
MGallery is broadening its global reach with new signings, marking its first presence in the Caribbean through The Whimsy Hotel – MGallery Collection in Saint-Martin, along with Marival Armony Punta Mita – MGallery Collection in Mexico. The brand continues to enhance its strong foothold in Europe, boasting 67 operational hotels and over 19 more in development. MGallery is swiftly growing in Southern Europe (including Portugal, Italy, and Greece) and Eastern and Central Europe. France remains a vibrant market for the brand, having secured three resort signings this year.
MGallery boasts a portfolio of 27 hotels in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, with 17 more in the pipeline as expansion accelerates. Two hotels are scheduled to launch in Phuket, Thailand, in 2025, while additional developments are underway throughout the region, including in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Emblems Collection, the high-end collection brand, is on a strong trajectory with its debut 7 properties signed in all continents and 9 under final negotiations for hotels in North America, China, Vietnam, and Europe, including Italy, the UK, and Greece.
"We are proud to already have 7 Emblems flagships signed with openings planned as of 2025. Though details remain confidential, the demand for this emblematic brand is growing rapidly, and we are excited to bring Emblems to life in the coming months, with its first opening in an exceptional location in Europe." — Maud Bailly, Chief Executive Officer Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems.
The unparalleled growth of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems underscores the strength of Accor’s strategic vision and brand-driven organization. With a reinforced pipeline, iconic openings, and transformative refurbishments, these four brands are redefining committed luxury hospitality across continents. As they expand into emerging and established markets, their enduring appeal reflects a bold commitment to blending heritage, modernity, and cultural authenticity.