DRMumbai: Accorhotels’ vivacious and expressive luxury brand, SO/, is set to add four new fashionable hotels to its growing line of vibrant, one-of-a-kind properties. This includes new European addresses 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.
Set in in-demand, prime locations, these four additions will expand the SO/ portfolio to eight. They join an exclusive network that already includes two stunning SO/ properties in Thailand and Hua Hin – SO/ Mauritius and SO/ Singapore. SO/ hotels are known for their local energy and rebellious take on lifestyle luxury as well as their impressive creative collaborations with preeminent fashion designers.
Joao Rocco, Vice President, Luxury Brand Management, Sofitel Brands, explains, “SO/ has created a stylish and playful experience, enhanced with an unconventional attitude inherited from its French roots. We have plans to introduce the SO/ brand into leading markets around the world and are very proud of all the new projects that will go live over the next few months. These properties will offer a luxurious approach to hospitality, celebrating and embracing their destinations’ vibe, energy and local trends.”
Brilliant in Berlin
In March 2018, the SO/ brand officially welcomed SO/ Berlin Das Stue into the fold. With a stately neo-classical facade dating from the 1930s, when it was the former Royal Danish Embassy, this luxurious and delightfully unconventional boutique property is situated in Berlin’s upscale diplomatic district and within walking distance of many of Berlin’s most famous sites, including the lush Tiergarten Park and famed Berlin Zoo, which are literally on the doorstep.
Many of SO/ Berlin Das Stue’s 78 guestrooms (including 20 stylish suites) overlook the gardens and guests at SO/ Berlin Das Stue have the privilege of private access to the zoo so they can see the animals up close. For those who like to mix their wildlife and nightlife, the terrace of the hotel’s popular bar backs onto the ostrich enclosure. The property also features two concept restaurants including Cinco by celebrated chef Paco Perez, who was awarded a Michelin star for his avant garde creations.
Dutch Fashion-duo Viktor & Rolf has been appointed signature designer to create the new uniforms for the SO/ Berlin Das Stue staff as well as the emblem of the hotel. Working together since 1992, Viktor & Rolf are known for their vibrant yet rebellious designs with a playful twist. A signature spa by Susanne Kaufmann and cozy fitness center complete the SO/ Berlin Das Stue offering, including a 14 m indoor swimming pool and traditional Finnish sauna.
Sassy in St Petersburg
In April 2018, SO/ will officially launch SO/ St Petersburg located in the heart of this Russian cultural capital, where history, art, and commerce meet. SO/ St Petersburg is mere meters from the famous Bronze Horseman statue of Peter the Great, the city’s founding father, with St Isaac’s Cathedral, the Hermitage Gallery and Nevsky Prospect just minutes away.
The 137-room St Petersburg property is ideal for leisure and business travellers alike, with a buzzy atmosphere, meeting spaces and steps away from world-class cultural attractions. The rooftop bar is already popular among St Petersburg’s social establishment and crowd of local influencers, and the property also boasts the acclaimed Cococo Restaurant featuring a new take on Russian cuisine. A spa completes the offering, which includes a state-of-the-art fitness room, a luxe nail lounge, water lounge, steam room and lap pool as well as a wellness-dedicated retail space.
Outstanding in Auckland
Strategically located in the heart of Auckland’s central business district, the highly anticipated SO/ Auckland occupies the remarkably renovated old New Zealand Reserve Bank, neighboring the lively Britomart precinct and waterfront. Due to open in July 2018, the property features 133 guestrooms and suites, with a concept restaurant and bar destined to become a local hub in this vibrant Auckland neighborhood. Hotel guests will benefit from an exclusive Club Signature lounge, an indoor swimming pool and a SO/ signature spa and fitness center, strikingly situated in the old bank vault.
Avant Garde in Vienna
Designed by one of France’s top architects, Jean Nouvel, the iconoclastic Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom is set to become SO/ Vienna by end of 2018, underscoring the SO/ ethos of high-energy and rebellious luxury. With its monochrome color palette and diamond roof pattern, designed to reflect the influence of the city’s famed St Stephen’s Cathedral, SO/ Vienna is a 21st-century masterpiece. Inside, colorful works of art illuminate the huge surfaces. Pipilotti Rist’s dazzling ceilings and Patrick Blanc’s colossal vertical plant wall provide unceasing visual stimulation. With 182 guestrooms and suites, guests of SO/ Vienna will find themselves staying in a spectacular work of art.
Among the dedicated facilities for guests to enjoy are a signature SO/ SPA and fitness center, two exhilarating bars and the breathtaking Das LOFT restaurant. Perched like a glass house on the 18th floor, Das LOFT offers unique, sweeping views of historic and cosmopolitan Vienna.
And More to Come!
An additional line-up of playful, luxurious and one-of-a-kind SO/ branded hotels will soon be unveiled. With over 10 new addresses expected by 2021, each SO/ hotel will be an irresistible statement of style, sophistication and local energy in destinations such as, Jakarta, Samui, Kuala Lumpur and more…
