Sofitel, the prestige brand of Accor
hotels, announced today that the Sofitel Los Angeles will undergo a $35
million transformation, fusing French sophistication with the energetic pulse
of Hollywood.Sofitel Los Angeles has engaged designers Cheryl Rowley and Yabu
Pushelberg, celebrated chef Kerry Simon and nightlife pioneer Rande Gerber to
transform its flagship 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, DC.
  The work will be complete by spring of 2006 and will reflect the
distinctive, modernist sensibility of the design team of George Yabu and Glenn
Pushelberg.  Their redesign will transform all of the Sofitel’s public spaces,
from the dramatic two-story lobby, restaurant, bar and pool area to a
luxurious new spa—LeSpa by Accor Thalassa—a first for a Sofitel hotel in
North America.
  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 rooms. Striking lacquers in cream, cinnabar and
chartreuse with exotic Macassar Ebony and limed white oak finishes add
Hollywood glamour to the posh guestrooms. Seating is upholstered with rich
velvets in a sexy chocolate and blond color palette.
  All guestrooms will now feature up-to-the-minute technology, including
32-inch plasma televisions and laptop connections, while bathrooms will
feature oversized enclosed rain showers with Switchlite(1) glass panels, many
with views of the famous Hollywood sign. Suites will include Bose stereo
systems, walk-in closets and large soaking tubs with televisions. Every room
will have a simple-to-operate alarm clock with mp3 player connections. The
alarm clock can only go off once a day, so there is no chance of being awoken
at a time set up by a previous guest.
  Every guestroom will also feature MyBed, a new bed concept created
exclusively for Sofitel by Epeda, French makers of high-quality bedding. MyBed
offers layer upon layer of custom-designed comfort: a mattress that supports
every curve of the body, a soft featherbed, plush feather duvet and fluffy,
oversized pillows—all hypoallergenic.
  Another import from overseas is Sofitel Los Angeles’ LeSpa, which will
follow in the traditions of Accor Thalassa.  Accor Thalassa is known
throughout the world for specializing in seawater-based treatments and has
more than 25 years of experience in the spa industry.  Deeply rooted in French
beauty techniques, it will be an oasis of refinement and tranquility, sending
clients into the deepest levels of relaxation and the highest states of
well-being. The spa will consist of eight treatment rooms and a Turkish
Hammam, and its design will integrate the elements of water and natural light
to reflect the feel of Southern California.
  Additionally, culinary star Kerry Simon is making his mark in Los Angeles
with the launch of SIMON, 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 will feature a large outdoor patio with a
separate entrance. It is expected to become the city’s preeminent dining
destination, appealing to both Angelenos and travelers alike.
  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 a new bar and lounge at the Sofitel Los Angeles.
Between the cutting-edge interior design, exclusive clientele and signature
cocktails, he will once again create his trademark ambience—a hallmark of
all Gerber establishments.
  Furthermore, Sofitel Los Angeles will continue its relationship with Nancy
Kennedy and Bobby Strom, two of the most sought-after fitness and nutrition
experts in the country. This husband-and-wife team, who has whipped countless
celebrities into shape, will be in charge of Sofitel’s new 24-hour, state-of-
the-art fitness facility, which will be the largest hotel fitness facility in
Los Angeles. Nancy, who has more than 15 years of experience as a personal
trainer, and Bobby, an award-winning body builder and former New York City
cop, will supervise a staff of trainers at the Sofitel, offering weight loss
programs, physical therapy and intensive fitness training.
  “With the caliber of talent we’ve attracted to this project, we are
confident our hotel is poised to 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
return to again and again.
  Located on restaurant row and just steps from the Beverly Center, the
Sofitel has always been at the epicenter of Los Angeles’ numerous attractions.
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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