by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 1:55 PM ET, Thu March 8, 2018
AccorHotels' luxury brand SO/ is doubling its global footprint with new properties from Berlin to Auckland.
The brand will add four new hotels by the end of 2018 including its first property in the southern hemisphere.
"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,"Joao Rocco, vice president, luxury brand management, Sofitel Brands, said in a statement. "These properties will offer a luxurious yet irreverent approach to hospitality, celebrating and embracing their destinations' vibe, energy, and local trends."
The new properties coming online this year will be in Berlin, Germany; St. Petersburg, Russia; Vienna, Austria, and Auckland, New Zealand.
The new additions bring the SO/ portfolio to eight properties globally. Existing SO/ locations include two properties in Thailand (Bangkok and Hua Hin), SO/ Mauritius and SO/S Singapore.
The company said in a statement the expansion will continue in the coming years, with more than 10 new addresses to be added to the brand by 2021.
SO/ brand hotels are known for their local energy and rebellious take on luxury lifestyle as well as their creative collaborations with well-known fashion designers.
"SO/ has created a stylish and playful experience, enhanced with an unconventional attitude inherited from its French roots," Rocco said.
SO/ Berlin Das Stue
The SO/ Berlin Das Stue will open this month. The stunning property with a stately neo-classical façade dates back to the 1930s when it was a former Royal Danish Embassy. It is located in Berlin's upscale diplomatic district within easy walking distance of many of Berlin's attractions, including Tiergarten Park and the Berlin Zoo. Guests at the hotel will have the privilege of private access to the zoo.
The property offers 78 guestrooms, including 20 suites. In addition, the terrace of the hotel's popular bar backs onto the zoo's ostrich enclosure and also features two concept restaurants.
SO/ St Petersburg
The SO/ St Petersburg, slated to open in April is a 137-room property located in the heart of Russia's cultural capital. The property is convenient to the famous Bronze Horseman statue of Peter the Great, the city's founding father, as well St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Hermitage Gallery and Nevsky Prospect. The hotel's spa meanwhile includes a state-of-the-art fitness room, luxe nail lounge, steam room and lap pool.
SO/ Auckland
Located in the heart of Auckland's central business district, the 133-room SO/ Auckland occupies a renovated old New Zealand Reserve Bank. The new hotel, due to open in July, is adjacent to the lively Britomart precinct and waterfront. The hotel also offers a concept restaurant, an exclusive Club Signature lounge, indoor swimming pool and a SO/ signature spa and fitness center, strikingly situated in the old bank vault.
SO/ 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.
The hotel's design includes a monochrome color palette and diamond roof pattern, created to reflect the influence of the city's famed St. Stephen's Cathedral. There are colorful works of art throughout the property and a colossal vertical plant wall. SO/ Vienna includes 182 guestrooms and suites.
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