ACCOR ANNOUNCES RECORD GROWTH AND STRATEGIC EXPANSION FOR SOFITEL, SOFITEL LEGEND, MGALLERY AND EMBLEMS
Paris, France – With about 120 Sofitel properties, more than 120 boutique hotels under MGallery, and a growing portfolio of Emblems’ bespoke destinations, the Group reports a record growth in 2024 with close to 90 hotels signed in the pipeline to be opened in the coming years under those magnificent brands. |
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ACCOR ANNOUNCES RECORD GROWTH AND STRATEGIC EXPANSION FOR SOFITEL, SOFITEL LEGEND, MGALLERY AND EMBLEMS
Paris, France – With about 120 Sofitel properties, more than 120 boutique hotels under MGallery, and a growing portfolio of Emblems’ bespoke destinations, the Group reports a record growth in 2024 with close to 90 hotels signed in the pipeline to be opened in the coming years under those magnificent brands. |
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This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2025-01-17
 Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile, Egypt – Opened in January 2025 - The biggest Sofitel in the World (615 rooms)
Photo credit © Accor
- Sofitel Legendalso sees a growth milestone in 2024, with the signature - in only twelve months - of3 new flagshipsto 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 chapterwith 48 hotelsin 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 already7 iconic flagship hotels signedin Europe, South-East Asia and North America.
“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 reuniting Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems under the leadership of Maud Bailly, these flagship brands of Accor’s luxury and lifestyle division are reaping the rewards of a comprehensive transformation.
This journey has consisted into restoring clarity and consistency to each brand identity and rejuvenating the existing hotel network. With major refurbishments underway like Sofitel New York and Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile - set for completion by fall 2025,26% of the Sofitel network is currently being renovated.Notable renovations, such as Sofitel Athens, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit and the iconic Sofitel Sydney Wentworth have already been met with success.
Meanwhile,8% of the MGallery Collection portfolio is under renovation,with projects like Manly Pacific in Australia, which just won Prix de Versailles, or Grand Hôtel Roi Renée Aix-en-Provence in France leading the way. The global scale of transformation has enabled to launch a virtuous dynamic of renovation.
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 Benin Government last December 12th.
This momentum is matched by a surge in development, with over20 hotels signed in 2024— confirming the unprecedented traction of development of the four brands. Efforts are focused on high-potential markets like Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Egypt, as well as resort destinations in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Emerging markets such as Mexico and India are also seeing significant investment, driven by the brands’ increasing desirability.
“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 ofbranded residencesfurther highlights the brands’ recognition. Landmark projects include Sofitel Residences Downtown Dubai, set to open in 2026, and Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Branded Residences in Vietnam, featuring over 400 units. This model also resonates with collection brands, as seen in 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
Sofitel, the first luxury hotel brand of French origin, celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 2024, marking 60 years of blending heartfelt and committed luxury with French zest. This milestone year introduced a rejuvenated brand platform, a new identity, and a global campaign featuring ambassadors Gillian Anderson and Dali Benssalah, reflecting Sofitel's distinctive signature of cultural encounters.
The year also witnessed Sofitel’s strongest development momentum to date, with32 hotels in the pipeline, including12 signed in 2024 alone. Notable additions include3 new Sofitel Legend propertiesin Prague with Sofitel Legend The Mozart, celebrating the legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sofitel Legend in India, but also 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 opened in March 2023, all renowned for their awe-inspiring history and timeless elegance.
The brand's pipeline reinforces its ambition to strengthen leadership inEurope & North Africa, with34 hotels in the portfolio and 6 more on the way, while accelerating growth in key markets such as theMiddle East, Southeast Asia, and India. Sofitel has doubled its footprint inVietnam, adding Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences andSofitel Diamond Crown Hai Phongto an already impressive portfolio. Recent landmark events include the groundbreaking ceremony forSofitel Dublin Airport, the signing ofSofitel Jaipur Jawar Circlein India, the opening of the biggest Sofitel in the world (615 rooms) withSofitel Cairo Downtown Nilein Egypt and the upcoming launch ofSofitel Riyadh, signaling 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 has thus cemented its position asone 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
MGallery Collection and Emblems Collection are complementary and essential brands that cater for an intimate luxury, where exclusivity is paramount and accommodations are thoughtfully curated to maintain a refined atmosphere.
Luxury collection brands MGallery and Emblems are seeing a surge in development, with more than55 hotels combined in the pipeline. MGallery continues to bring meaningful and memorable moments to an ever-growing number of destinations. This year, the brand entered Japan with the opening ofHotel Sosei Sapporo – MGallery Collectionand unveils the historicDomaine du Liziec Vannes – MGallery Collectionin the West of France.
Exciting new signings are expanding MGallery’s global footprint, including its debut in the Caribbean with the signing ofThe Whimsy Hotel – MGallery Collectionin Saint-Martin andMarival Armony Punta Mita – MGallery Collectionin Mexico. MGallery is also strengthening its significant traction in Europe, with 67 hotels already open and more than 19 in the pipeline. The brand is expanding rapidly across Southern Europe (Portugal, Italy, Greece) as well as Eastern and Central Europe. France remains a dynamic market for the brand, with three resort signings this year.
In the Middle East and Southeast Asia, MGallery has a portfolio of 27 hotels and 17 in the pipeline, with expansion continuing at pace. Notably, two hotels are set to open in Phuket Thailand in 2025, and further projects are in development across the region, including Makkah in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile,Emblems Collection, the high-end collection brand, is on a strong trajectory with its debut 7 propertiessigned in all continents and 9 under final negotiations for hotels in North America, China, Vietnam, and Europe, includingItaly, 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 continue to expand into emerging and established markets, their enduring appeal reflects a bold commitment to blending heritage, modernity, and cultural authenticity.
About Accor
Accoris a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries, with over 5,600 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.
About Sofitel
A pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, Sofitel today embodies heartfelt and committed luxury with a French zest. A seamless blend of the richness of each local culture and the French joie de vivre, the brand delights travelers who appreciate delicacy and subtle refinement, offering them heartfelt and authentic service. At Sofitel, beauty is in the details: life's simple pleasures such as gastronomy and sleep are art forms for an incomparable experience.
Sofitel now boasts more than 120 hotels, all elegant and unique, in the world's most sought-after destinations. Among its most remarkable properties: Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opera, Sofitel London St James, Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Sofitel Mexico City Reforma and Sofitel Ambassador Seoul. The brand also offers a selection of heritage luxury hotels under the Sofitel Legend banner, renowned for their timeless elegance and fascinating history, such as Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena and Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.
Sofitel is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,700 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL - Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
AboutMGalleryCollection
MGallery Hotel Collection brand thoughtfully selects and curates unique properties around the world, forming a storied collection of boutique hotels with true soul where captivating stories are lived and shared. These more than 120 boutique hotels all around the world enjoy a unique history, inspired by the remarkable past of the building or by its destination that welcomes it allowing the guests to live memorable and meaningful moments.
The MGallery Collection establishments are hotels in which guests live an immersive experience, marked by exceptional interiors, an art of the mixology that awakens all the senses, and a well-being focused on balance in everyday life and mindfulness. It is a brand committed to Women but also to local communities, promoting the know-how of surrounding artisans and producers.
MGallery Collection customers leave with an unconditional desire to discover the other jewels of the brand to live a new unique experience. The most renowned hotels in this collection include the Hotel Molitor Paris in France, the Municipal Liverpool in the UK, the Santa Teresa Hotel in Rio de Janeiro in Brasil, Manly Pacific in Sydney in Australia, Athens Capital in Greece or Hotel des Arts Saigon in Vietnam. MGallery Collection is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL -Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.
AboutEmblems Collection
Emblems Collection is a curated portfolio of exceptional luxury hotels and resorts worldwide. From iconic Heritage mansions to serene nature Retreats and striking architectural Signatures, each property embodies culture, creativity, and craftsmanship.
With a refined sense of place and understated elegance, Emblems offers exclusive experiences for discerning travelers. Found in prime city locations or breathtaking natural settings, these hotels blend intimate, residential charm with world-class hospitality.
The first Emblems properties will debut in Europe in 2025, with a goal of 60 establishments globally by 2032. Emblems Collection is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with 5,700 hotels in over 110 countries and the ALL - Accor Live Limitless loyalty program.
 Gem Forest Hotel Nairobi - MGallery Collection
Photo credit © Accor
 The Mozart Prague
Photo credit © Accor
 Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel and Spa
Photo credit © Accor
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