Accor Opens Its First 5-Star Hotel in West Africa’s Benin

Updated: October 13, 2024, 10:35am CDT

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Accor’s Sofitel Opens First Hotel in Benin
How To Book
Final Thoughts

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Accor has opened its first Sofitel hotel in the West African country of Benin — and it’s stunning.

Let’s take a look at this resort and how to book it.

Accor’s Sofitel Opens First Hotel in Benin

The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is located in Benin’s economic capital of Cotonou.

The resort has 198 guest rooms, including 14 suites and 5 duplex suites with private pools. The property is a 5-minute drive from Cotonou International Airport (COO).

Amenities include several restaurants, a large spa, a convention center, a pool and pool bar, and a concierge service.

This hotel is significant for Accor’s Sofitel brand, as it’s the first branded hotel in Benin. And Accor seems to be investing heavily in Africa, with the chain calling the hotel a “shining example” of what Africa has to offer.

“This project reflects the vision of a modern and thriving Benin,” said Mehdi Morad, Vice-President of Operations Africa for Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems. “As the first five-star hotel in the country, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa embodies luxury and refinement at every level and in every detail.”

Sofitel is a French luxury brand founded in the 1960s and is known for emphasizing rest and gastronomy. Today, Sofitel has 120+ hotels worldwide, including 16 across Africa.

Bottom Line:

Benin is a small country in West Africa and is bordered by Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo. While there are no direct flights to the country from the U.S., connecting is pretty easy. There are 1-stop options on airlines such as Ethiopian, Royal Air Maroc, Air France, Brussels Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.

How To Book

The Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is open for guests. However, the hotel is opening in phases and is expected to be fully open in December.

Sofitel Cotonou Luxury Room — A guest room at the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa in Benin. Image Credit: Accor

The resort is part of the ALL – Accor Live Limitless program, which means you’ll earn points during your stay. You also can redeem Accor points, consistently possible by using 2,000 points for every 40€ (roughly $44.63) you want to take off your bill

Cash rates here are on the pricier side — averaging around $270 per night next January — though it’s worth it for 1 of the best hotels in Benin. Should you decide to book a stay, we suggest paying with a credit card that rewards you for travel purchases.

Final Thoughts

In recent years, more travel brands have invested in Africa, beginning to recognize the continent as a travel and business destination.

The opening of the Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is excellent news for several reasons. It’s the first Sofitel in Benin and the first 5-star hotel in the country. We look forward to seeing what Accor and other hotel brands offer as they continue to expand on the continent.