Exactly where the iconic Paseo del Prado merges with Havana’s Malecón, the French Accor chain’s first hotel in the Americas of the SO/ brand is being built. It will open the doors to its first customers in September of this year.
The Paseo del Prado Hotel will be a five-star plus installation, at 36 meters above ground level. The majestic building has a tower designed like a ship’s prow. From the hotel’s tower you can see the Malecón seaside promenade, the Tres Reyes del Morro Castle, the San Salvador de la Punta Fortress and the Historic Center of Havana, some of the city’s most impressive places. The pool will face the Malecón, and the semi-underground parking lot will have capacity for about 60 light vehicles and 10 motorcycles, secured by a hermetic gate that will prevent the entry of water in case of heavy rains or sea penetrations; the hotel’s basement will feature a corridor with shops.
The SO/ hotels are exciting and coveted places for modern and daring travelers. This brand is so vivid, so expressive and so full of local energy that even the most adventurous travelers are fascinated by each of its iconic hotels. Outstanding in the global hospitality industry, the SO/ brand surprises with a playful and rebellious interpretation of luxury, including an avant-garde design, a passion for fashion, modern environments, the “Just Say SO” service, iconic bars and renowned events.
Originally created as an exclusive Sofitel label, the SO/ brand is located in exclusive destinations such as Mauritius, Bangkok, Saint Petersburg and Singapore. The SO/ hotels are the places to be and be seen, captivating the guests with social experiences that capture the liveliness and the atmosphere of the place. SO/ is part of Accor Hotels, a leading travel and lifestyle group that invites travelers to feel welcome at more than 4,500 hotels, resorts and residences around the world, as well as more than 10,000 of the world’s best private homes.
SO/ Hotels & Resorts is one of the fastest growing brands in AccorHotels’ luxury portfolio. The design as the main theme of the brand, and especially for this SO/ in Havana, will be a masterpiece full of glamor and avant-garde created by the creative firm of Spanish fashion designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, from the hotel logo to the staff’s modern uniforms.
With 10 floors above street level on a 5,000 square meter plot of land, SO/ Habana Paseo del Prado will have 250 rooms, including 36 suites. The rooms, ranging from 34 to 64 square meters, will have elegant contemporary furniture, neutral palettes with splashes of color, state-of-the-art technology and brand amenities.
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The hotel will include a specialty restaurant, a rooftop bar on the ninth floor, an exclusive coffee bar, a dynamic lobby lounge and bar, as well as a restaurant that will offer round-the-clock service. Additional features of the hotel include three meeting rooms of approximately 200 square meters, a SO/ Spa of 400 square meters with six treatment rooms, a SO/ Fitness gym of 150 square meters and a swimming pool of 155 square meters with pool bar. The hotel will also feature additional brand elements such as the “Just Say SO” service, and “SO Parties,” with the best DJs and artists.
Oncuba spoke with Diego de Conti, commercial director of Accor in Cuba, about other details of the exceptional hotel that hopes to become one of the city’s favorites.
What will the new Accor hotel have in the Paseo del Prado that will distinguish it from the other hotels in the city?
As the first SO/ property in the region, the hotel will exhibit the rebellious side of the brand in the luxury travel experience. Havana’s SO/ Paseo del Prado Hotel will combine, like all SO/ hotels, an exceptional fusion of entertainment with excellent food and beverage options, as well as an avant-garde design with a touch of luxury.
What do you consider will be its main strengths?
A privileged location: impressive views of the entire Malecón, the sea, the bay of Havana, the Morro Castle and Cabaña Fortress. A lookout point that covers most of old and modern Havana. The rooftop bar, on the ninth floor, to relax between cocktails and house and chill-out as well as contemporary music, in addition to enjoying the scenery of Havana’s Malecón, the sunrise and the sunsets. A chocolate shop on floor 1. With its unique “Just Say SO” service culture, the hotel will offer its guests an excellent service with touches of audacity and trendiness.
What is the main concept in the hotel’s decoration and aesthetics?
The hotel’s interior design, by renowned Spanish designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, was inspired by the magic and color of Havana. The theme of its rooms’ decoration is inspired by three dance styles recognized throughout the world, such as classical ballet, salsa and Cuban son, which will be reflected in a vibrant and unique hotel to feel the pleasure of being in the magic island of Cuba.
What market segments is it dedicated to, in your opinion how should the customers of this type of hotel be?
We are sure that Havana’s SO/ Paseo del Prado will please even the most audacious luxury travelers, being one of the most vibrant and sought-after hotels in the city. The SO/ hotels receive socialites, lovers of art, fashion and design.
Do you think Cuba needed a hotel with these characteristics?
The hotel will represent a unique solution for the most daring luxury travelers, becoming one of Havana’s most modern and social destinations. The SO/ Hotels & Resorts brand is one of the fastest growing brands in the Accor luxury portfolio; it is a brand with an exclusive lifestyle and unique attributes, located in select and dynamic destinations around the world.
What other plans among Accor’s prospects in Cuba can you tell us about?
Accor’s strategic plan is to consolidate the good performance of the Pullman Cayo Coco, lead to a positioning of the SO/ brand and then continue with a balanced development plan in the Cuba destination.
