InterContinental® Opens Its First Hotel in Bulgaria, in Sofia

InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts brings modern luxury to Bulgaria with the opening of an IHG® hotel, the InterContinental® Sofia, in the heart of a capital with an unrivaled cultural heritage.
A dream destination for travelers in search of undiscovered treasures, Sofia offers a subtle blend of history and modernity.

Ottoman mosques and domed churches stand alongside sparkling contemporary buildings and remarkable historic monuments. Steeped in historic charm, the capital is the ideal place for lovers of cultural getaways. Travelers will also appreciate the dynamism and energy that radiate from this booming city.

The brand's first hotel in Bulgaria and its seventh in Eastern Europe, the hotel has 194 rooms, including 27 Club rooms and 37 suites. Inspired by the surrounding neighborhoods and their thrilling history, the hotel's interior design has been thought out down to the smallest detail to give guests exceptional comfort while paying tribute to the unique character of Sofia. From the corridor featuring the statue of a young girl blowing on a dandelion, a symbol of hope and unity, to the rooms echoing the architectural influences of the 1960, the hotel's décor reflects the unique spirit of the Bulgarian capital.

Nestled in the heart of the city, the hotel offers guests unrivaled views of some of the capital's most beautiful sights, including the Bulgarian Parliament, built in the 1880. From the hotel, travelers can quickly reach the Monument to the Tsar Liberator, a famous statue erected in honor of the Russian emperor Alexander II, as well as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the most imposing Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, renowned for its gold-covered domes. Surrounded by vast wooded parks, Sofia lies at the foot of Vitosha, a mountain massif inseparable from the exceptional panorama of the city, which it overlooks from every side. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the pleasures of the mountains all year round: they can go skiing in winter or set off on long hikes in summer.

All rooms and suites offer full amenities and are equipped with a large-screen TV, a sofa for relaxing and a large desk for business travelers. Guests staying in InterContinental Club rooms will enjoy privileged access to the InterContinental® Club Lounge. Open 24h/24, this exclusive lounge offers a space conducive to work and relaxation. A light dining service is available there. Hotel guests can also enjoy the breakfast included in their rate or sample cocktails and canapés in the evening.

Home to no fewer than nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, Bulgaria is rising meteorically in the ranking of the most popular countries among devotees of luxury travel. Rich in traditions and cultural heritage, Eastern Europe is particularly in vogue with tourists wishing to enjoy a unique experience in a perfectly preserved setting. The hotel's concierge team will be at guests' disposal to point out the most fascinating sites and help them discover the city's incredible past and present-day dynamism. Travelers can leave their guidebook in their luggage, as the team knows the city inside out, from the main attractions to private guided tours and the best restaurants in Sofia.

Tom Rowntree, Vice President Brand Marketing, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, IHG, Europe, said: ?For more than 70 years, InterContinental has been at the forefront of luxury travel. We are constantly innovating and continually opening hotels in emerging luxury travel destinations, a rapidly changing sector. Our most discerning guests want to explore new cities, immerse themselves in little-known cultures and discover new tourism hotspots, such as Bulgaria. We are delighted that our arrival in Bulgaria is marked by the opening of such a sumptuous hotel. We are confident that it will delight our guests and prove to be a new asset for our portfolio.?

Stefan Frank, Regional General Manager for InterContinental Sofia, added: ?This hotel is suited to both leisure and business travel. We look forward to letting our guests discover the unsuspected riches that Sofia has to offer. We are convinced that our rooms and upscale services, or our signature restaurant, the Floret Social Lounge and Bar, will appeal to our guests and encourage them to remain loyal to us.?

For business travelers, the InterContinental Sofia has plenty of assets, as it is just steps from the main financial district and has a dedicated meeting floor that can accommodate up to 240 people, with multifunctional facilities, as well as an events team. The hotel also houses a business center and a fitness room, both open 24h/24.

For more than 70 years, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has offered services dedicated to luxury travel. Fully devoted to travelers seeking the glamour and intoxication of the most fascinating destinations, the brand is present in the world's major cities and tourist destinations, with 194 hotels currently in operation and 63 openings planned. In Europe, IHG currently operates 32 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts hotels, and five new properties are expected to open within the next three to five years.