New Sofitel set to open at Angkor Wat in October Hotel to complement increase in direct flights to Siem Reap

Accor, the leading international hotel operator in the Asia Pacific region, is to expand its deluxe Sofitel hotel brand to one of the most significant cultural and tourist destinations in Asia – Siem Reap, the site of the legendary Angkor Wat Temple complex, in Cambodia. The hotel is scheduled to open in October, 2000.

The Sofitel Royal Angkor will be the closest hotel to the Angkor Wat complex and will be the third Sofitel hotel to be located at a world-heritage site. The hotel joins Sofitels at other ‘Great Wonders of the World’ such as the Great Pyramids of Egypt, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Angkor Wat is one of the world’s most significant cultural attractions. Comprising 72 monuments stretching 25km east to west and 8km north to south, Angkor is the largest temple complex in the world. Founded in the 9th century, but only rediscovered in the 19th century, archaeologists from around the world have worked together to meticulously restore the magnificent complex, the spiritual heart and identity of the Khmer people.

The Sofitel Royal Angkor has been designed to blend harmoniously with the local landscape, featuring low-rise Khmer architecture, lush gardens and two lakes.

The hotel’s interior design adds a number of French touches, while the 175 rooms are contemporary and stylishly appointed, offering data ports, satellite television and and all modern comforts.

A popular attraction of the hotel is likely to be the Angkor Spa, set in luxurious surroundings, and offering a wide array of massage, facial and body treatments and private spas.

The Sofitel’s leisure facilities also include a large free-form swimming pool, fitness centre, a range of boutiques, an information centre, and The Sanctuary, where guests have access to books, maps, and interactive CD-roms on Angkor Wat and other subjects.

Incentives and conferences are a major target market for the hotel, with the Grand Ballroom (made up of two interconnecting function rooms) capable of hosting conferences for up to 120 delegates (theatre style). The function centre is supported by a Communication’s Centre offering full delegate and secretarial services.

Dining and entertainment options include: The Citadel (offering contemporary western and Asian cuisine), Leaf on the Stone (teppanyaki), Mouhot’s Dream (Oriental and western fusion cuisine in a French art-deco setting), Wayfarer’s (a stylish bar with entertainment) and Explorer’s Tales (cocktail lounge).

The opening of the Sofitel at Angkor Wat will be a significant addition to Accor’s network in Indochina. Currently, Accor is the largest operator in the region and has been present in Cambodia for over 5 years, managing the Sofitel Cambodiana and Embassy Place Serviced Apartment in Phnom Penh. In addition, Accor operates a network of Sofitel and Novotel hotels in Vietnam, and Novotels in Myanmar and Laos. Accor is also one of the largest hotel groups in Thailand, giving the company unrivalled coverage of the Indochina-Mekong Delta region.

Commenting on the imminent opening of the Sofitel, the hotel’s General Manager, Philippe Bissig, said: “Angkor Wat warrants its position as one of the great wonders of the world, and its attraction to international visitors has grown spectacularly in recent years.

“There has been a substantial increase in the number of international flights to Siem Reap, with Silk Air commencing direct flights from Singapore in November. This service will join Vietnam Airlines and Bangkok Airways, and more airlines are expected to commence operations, now that the destination can offer hotels of the quality of the Sofitel.

“The addition of the Sofitel will also help the promotion of the destination, as it is the highest-profile luxury brand in the Indochina region and has a strong global reputation. Sofitel is currently undergoing major expansion in Europe, North and South America, and Asia, all of which will be major source markets for Angkor Wat.”

The hotel has launched a number of special packages to coincide with the opening of the Sofitel. The Sofitel Royal Angkor Opening Celebration Package includes 2 nights / 3 days, limousine return airport transfers for two people, welcome drink and VIP check-in, elaborate fruit basket in the room, half board (including daily American breakfast and one buffet dinner for two at The Citadel Restaurant and one degustation menu for two at Mouhot’s Dream. Also included in the package is one rejuvenating one-hour Facial per person at Angkor Spa and two elegant Sofitel Royal Angkor polo shirts. The package price is USD330 per person (based on twin share), excluding 10% Government tax and 10% service charge. Meals exclude beverages. The package is valid till the end of 2000, though subject to availability. Longer-stay and special honeymoon packages are also available.