Swissôtel Sofia to Become the Brand’s First Property in Bulgaria
Beijing, January 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Swissôtel, a leading brand of FRHI Hotels & Resorts (FRHI), today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Turkish developer Garanti Koza to manage Swissôtel Sofia. This new flagship property will be developed in the capital of Bulgaria.
The stylish new hotel is expected to open in 2018 and will feature 200 guest rooms and 81 serviced apartments. It will be part of the stunning Grand Kanyon mixed-use development in Sofia, which has garnered significant attention as a key emerging business and leisure destination.
Swissôtel Sofia will offer guests three stylish dining outlets serving local and international cuisine. Its state-of-the-art meeting spaces include a ballroom and a contemporary executive lounge, providing a range of exclusive services and amenities. To encourage guests to stay active and energized during their stay, the hotel will introduce the brand’s signature spa concept – Purovel Spa & Sport, featuring Alpine-inspired wellness treatments, fitness classes and equipment.
Swissôtel will also bring its serviced residences concept to Sofia through a collection of modern one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, offering residents the genuine and dependable service the brand is known for. A highlight of the residences component is the two-floor penthouse at the top of the tower, offering breathtaking views of the city of Sofia.
President of FRHI Hotels & Resorts International Jennifer Fox said: “Bulgaria is a thriving EU member state with a strong focus on investment and economic growth. Entering this market aligns with our strategic direction, and Sofia represents a valuable addition to our footprint. We are excited to partner with the well-established and experienced developer Garanti Koza, and this high-profile project will undoubtedly reinforce Swissôtel’s already strong reputation in Eastern Europe.”
The Grand Kanyon project will further enhance Sofia’s skyline, with the new architectural landmark offering the Bulgarian capital’s largest mixed-use facility. Located in the Mladost district – one of Sofia’s most modern and fastest-growing areas – Grand Kanyon will add three residential towers, as well as over 50,000 square meters (538,196 square feet) of retail, entertainment and business space, including a wide array of shops, restaurants, cinemas and spacious landscaped gardens. Domestic and international companies such as IBM and Cisco have also established their Bulgarian headquarters here, and the area offers convenient access to the city center and the airport.
Chairman of Garanti Koza Sukru Ilkel said: “Swissôtel is a leading brand known for its quality and contemporary design, and having such an experienced hotel operator will add tremendous value to the Grand Kanyon project. We look forward to collaborating to create the most refined hotel in Sofia.”
Located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain in western Bulgaria, Sofia is the country’s largest city and occupies a strategic central position on the Balkan Peninsula. In addition to cultural venues such as the National Opera and Ballet, visitors can explore landmarks including Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the UNESCO-listed Boyana Church, various museums including the National History Museum, and shop for luxury goods along Vitosha Boulevard.