Enjoy a Picnic with Sofitel this Summer

Throughout the summer, Sofitel Luxury Hotels are offering travellers a ‘Chic Picnic’ promotion, providing a chance to explore a chosen city and take in the sights, before settling down to enjoy a sumptuous picnic of local delicacies prepared by the hotel Chef.

Sofitel hotels are located in some of the world’s most charming and picturesque cities, each with plenty to explore. From the Summer Palace (Beijing), the City of Flowers (Dalat), the Tuileries gardens (Paris), and the famous canals of Amsterdam, Sofitel hotels are located near some of the world’s most idyllic picnic spots.

The picnic baskets will be personalised to each city and can be tailored accordingly to a guest’s specific tastes and needs. In addition, the basket will contain many tempting gastronomic delights that are traditionally found in French kitchens.

For a three-night minimum stay, the Chic Picnic Package, available from 1 June to 31 August 2009, includes:

- accommodation
- late check-out guaranteed
- a picnic basket to enjoy during the stay

For all bookings made before 5 July 2009, Sofitel will offer a free night’s accommodation for all 4-night breaks, or 2 free nights’ accommodation for all 8-night stays.

At each hotel the staff are on hand to recommend a perfect spot for guests to enjoy their picnics. For example - with a mainly Asian twist:

Sofitel Bangkok Silom: Escape from the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city in one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest parks – Lumpini. Relax in Bangkok’s answer to ‘Central Park’, which sees concerts and other events taking place through the rainy season with just about every activity imaginable available, including a library.

Sofitel Shanghai Hyland: Visit Lu Xun Park and watch in awe as the elderly residents of this metropolis practise traditional forms of exercise and leisure activities in this popular public space. Alternatively let the megacity slip away from you and enjoy your picnic in Chang Feng Park where a soothing atmosphere is ensured thanks to new plants in bloom all year round.

Sofitel Wanda Beijing: Once a summer retreat for emperors, this 290-acre park named Summer Palace is still a retreat for the crowd-weary tourist. It’s the perfect place to relax or stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and a huge lake, stopping along the way to enjoy your basket of treats.

Sofitel Seminyak Bali: With peace and innermost serenity as two of the main Balinese psychological traits, parks and gardens are central to their existence. Enjoy your picnic with the most eclectic company in any of the animal parks that Bali has to offer; from elephant to butterfly, you’re sure to be wowed by nature at it’s most beautiful.

Sofitel Dalat Palace: Situated right next to a lake, in the heart of Dalat, this hotel provides an easy way to enjoy your picnic. Guests are surrounded by a beautiful park, which retains its original 1920’s style and charm. Venture further a field and you are spoilt for choice with places to enjoy your basket, they don’t call it the ‘city of flowers’ for nothing.

Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16: Within the all-encompassing vibrant city, you can have a relaxing picnic in Macau’s unruffled and scenic parks. Wander around the marvelous buildings built amidst serene Chinese gardens and enjoy your food in the company of the finest Gothic architecture of the colonial period.

Sofitel Metropole Hanoi: The capital city, Hanoi, has some of the most beautiful national parks and gardens in Vietnam. Take your picnic to any of the parks, such as Quoc Tu Giam Park, and the lush foliage and soft greenery all around will be a treat to your eyes whilst the food will be a treat to your tastebuds.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila: Guests staying in Manila should take their baskets to Paco Park, a unique landmark in the city. Take a leisurely stroll to better admire the tranquil beauty of the park before experiencing Paco Park Presents, a yearlong series of free concerts and cultural events held every Friday evening. Or why not take a stroll around Rizal Park, considered the symbolic seat of the nation’s heart and soul.

Sofitel London St James: In the heart of the city, set amongst some of London’s greatest attractions Sofitel St James provides the perfect location from which to explore London. Guests can enjoy their picnic in any one of the nearby Royal parks: Green Park, St James Park, Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park.

Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg: Guests can relax among the biggest and oldest formal gardens in Paris at the famous Jardin des Tuileries; immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a Parisian hotspot along the banks of the Seine; or take in the beautiful monuments and museums at the Esplanade des Invalides, and enjoy their picnic on the lawns.

This offer is valid from 1 June to 31 August 2009.

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