Shanghai North Bund Jinhui Sofitel Hotel, a collaborative project between Jinhui Group and Accor Group, officially opened its doors on May 24.
The grand opening ceremony and the celebration of Sofitel's 60th anniversary took place on the day, under the theme "Glory on the Huangpu River, Exceptional Sofitel."
In his speech, Bertrand Lortholary, the French Ambassador to China, highlighted the dual celebrations of the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations and Sofitel's founding.
He congratulated Jinhui Group on their partnership with Accor, emphasizing the contribution this collaboration makes to enhancing China's global influence.
Hongkou Party Secretary Li Qian noted that the opening of the hotel represents a significant milestone in Hongkou's urban renewal and international brand cooperation.
This project embodies the fusion of French charm and Shanghai's unique cultural heritage and is a testament to the strengthened cooperation between China and France following President Xi Jinping's visit to France.
He expressed confidence that the Sofitel brand will attract more French enterprises to Hongkou, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
Gary Rosen, CEO of Accor China, emphasized the significance of 2024, marking the 60th anniversary of the Accor brand and China-France diplomatic relations, as well as the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism.
The opening of the hotel, the 700th Sofitel in China, marks a milestone for the brand. Rosen expressed Accor's commitment to introducing top designers and partners to provide sustainable luxury experiences.
As a flagship Sofitel hotel, the hotel boasts 315 rooms and suites, blending Parisian fashion with classic French aesthetics. The hotel's design incorporates the concept of an urban oasis with seamless lines and vibrant art pieces, reflecting French romance and a breathable spatial ambiance.
The hotel's comprehensive renovations, undertaken over two years, transformed the former Kowloon Hotel site into a new cultural landmark in North Bund.
The Jinhui Group has integrated green building principles, emphasizing sustainable development in the hotel's construction, ensuring it stands as a classic work with deep cultural connotations in Shanghai's evolving urban landscape.