Accor has officially re-opened the Sofitel Los Angeles following a nine-month, $40 plus million refurbishment, the hotel anticipates becoming one of Los Angeles’ most desirable urban resorts. Celebrities, hotel industry executives and VIP clients will gather at the hotel tonight for a private gala and to take a first hand look at the newly unveiled property.

The collaboration of talented designers Cheryl Rowley and Yabu Pushelberg, celebrated chef Kerry Simon and nightlife pioneer Rande Gerber have reshaped Sofitel’s southern California property into the epitome of high style, elegance and luxury that befits both the Sofitel brand and Hollywood itself. This renovation further strengthens Sofitel’s presence within the North American market, where the brand has 11 properties in key cities such as New York, Chicago, Miami and Washington, D.C.

The project reflects the distinctive, modernist sensibility of the design team of George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, whose redesign changed all of the Sofitel’s public spaces, from the dramatic two-story lobby, restaurant, bar and pool area to a luxurious new spa—LeSpa at Sofitel.

“This is an amazing moment for us,” said Brent Martin, general manager of the Sofitel Los Angeles. “We couldn’t be happier with the results. It is the convergence of the work of incredibly talented people, each highly accomplished in his or her field, and they all came together to create a hotel that elegantly blends French sophistication with the energetic pulse of Hollywood.”

The new Sofitel Los Angeles is being unveiled in stages, with Rande Gerber’s STONE ROSE Lounge opening June 22, Kerry Simon’s restaurant, SIMON LA, opening June 26, followed by the spa opening towards the end of August and the meeting spaces in September 2006.

Cheryl Rowley, whose leading design firm has specialized in distinctive luxury properties for more than two decades, demonstrates her chic, visionary design in the hotel’s 295 guestrooms. For the furniture, she chose striking lacquers in cream, cinnabar and chartreuse with exotic Macassar Ebony and limed white oak finishes, adding Hollywood glamour to the hotel. Seating is upholstered with rich velvets in a sexy chocolate and blond color palette.

All guestrooms have up-to-the-minute technology, including 32-inch plasma televisions and both high-speed LAN and Wi-Fi Internet connections, while bathrooms feature oversized enclosed rain showers with Switchlite(1) glass windows, with many rooms having a view of the famous Hollywood sign. Suites include Bose stereo systems, walk-in closets and large soaking tubs with flat screen televisions. Every room has a simple-to-operate alarm clock with mp3 player connections.

Sofitel Los Angeles will be home to LeSpa at Sofitel, the very first spa for the brand in the North American market. LeSpa at Sofitel will be an oasis of tranquility, offering treatments deeply rooted in French beauty techniques that send clients into the deepest levels of relaxation and the highest state of well-being. Occupying close to 5,000 square feet, LeSpa at Sofitel will consist of eight treatment rooms and its design will integrate the elements of water and natural light to reflect the feel of Southern California. LeSpa at Sofitel will feature products by Decleor and Carita, both highly respected cosmetics companies offering all-natural French luxury products and the finest essential oils.

Culinary star Kerry Simon is making his mark in Los Angeles with the launch of SIMON LA, his signature restaurant at the Sofitel Los Angeles. Three years ago, Simon changed the culinary landscape of Las Vegas when he and his partners opened Simon Kitchen + Bar in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. His innovative approach to classic comfort food quickly became popular among locals, out-of-towners, and a large celebrity clientele. Simon’s latest venture at the Sofitel Los Angeles features a large outdoor patio. It is expected to become the city’s preeminent dining destination, appealing to both Angelenos and travelers alike.

Chef Simon is also overseeing the hotel’s room service menu, bringing his creative spin to classic dishes for any time of day and craving, in addition to creating a fun kids’ menu and a healthful, yet tasty spa menu. Those looking to hold a special event or meeting at the Sofitel will also be able to experience their favorite Simon selections, as the restaurant is providing all food for catering and banquets.

Moreover, nightlife entrepreneur Rande Gerber, founder of Midnight Oil Company and After Midnight Company, and creator of sexy, hip lounges across the country, will open STONE ROSE Lounge, a new bar and lounge at the Sofitel Los Angeles. Between the cutting-edge interior design, exclusive clientele and signature cocktails, he has once again created his trademark ambience—a hallmark of all Gerber establishments.

Also new to the Sofitel is SO Fit, Sofitel Los Angeles’ 2,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center, one of the largest hotel fitness facilities in Los Angeles, filled with natural sun light, top quality equipment and a team of trainers. SO Fit features 14 cardio machines, more than 20 strength machines and a full range of free weights.

“With the caliber of talent we’ve attracted to this project, we are confident our hotel will become one of LA’s most desirable addresses,” said Brent Martin, general manager of the Sofitel Los Angeles.

There will be no doubt among guests of the new Sofitel Los Angeles that they are truly ensconced in the heart of Hollywood, where glamour and style will fuse with all of the latest technological and design innovations expected by today’s demanding traveler, whether they are staying for business or pleasure. Previous visitors will be dazzled by the new Sofitel Los Angeles while new guests will be thrilled they have discovered a hotel they will want to return to, again and again.

Located on the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Boulevards, just opposite the shops and attractions of the Beverly Center, the Sofitel Los Angeles is close to world-class shopping on Rodeo Drive and Melrose Avenue and near the area’s hottest nightlife on Sunset Boulevard. With many of the world’s foremost modernist and avant-garde design outposts just a stroll away, and more opening every day, guests will feel that this innovative hotel truly lives up to its locale. And as always, first-rate shopping, dining and entertainment remain just minutes away.
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