TORONTO — AccorHotels’ design-forward brand SO/, part of the Sofitel collection, is adding four hotels to its portfolio by the end of 2018, including new properties in Europe as well as the brand’s first hotel in the southern hemisphere.

In Europe, SO/ properties are opening in St Petersburg and Vienna. In March 2018, the SO/ brand officially welcomed the 78-room SO/ Berlin Das Stue into the fold. SO/ will also set up shop in Auckland, New Zealand with a new hotel. All are set to open under the SO/ banner by end of the year.

Sofitel Hotels & Resorts launched in 1964 and now includes the historic Sofitel Legend, the fashionable SO Sofitel and the boutique MGallery by Sofitel brands.

SO/ already operates hotels in Mauritius, Bangkok and Singapore. The new properties will expand the SO/ portfolio to eight. Parent company AccorHotels meanwhile has more than 4,300 hotels, resorts and residences around the world.

“SO/ has created a stylish and playful experience, enhanced with an unconventional attitude inherited from its French roots. We have plans to introduce the SO/ brand into leading markets around the world and are very proud of all the new projects that will go live over the next few months. These properties will offer a luxurious yet irreverent approach to hospitality, celebrating and embracing their destinations’ vibe, energy and local trends,” says Joao Rocco, Vice President, Luxury Brand Management, Sofitel Brands.

This month marks the opening SO/ St Petersburg, with 137-rooms, a rooftop bar, a spa and a central location ideal for leisure and business traveller.

SO/ Auckland, due to open in July 2018, occupies the renovated old New Zealand Reserve Bank, neighbouring the lively Britomart precinct and waterfront. The property will feature 133 guestrooms and suites, with a concept restaurant and bar, an exclusive Club Signature lounge, an indoor swimming pool and a SO/ signature spa and fitness centre, situated in the old bank vault.

By the end of 2018 the brand expects to open SO/ Vienna, formerly the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom. The dedicated facilities include a signature SO/ SPA and fitness center, two bars and the Das LOFT restaurant, perched like a glass house on the 18th floor and offering sweeping views of historic and cosmopolitan Vienna.

More SO/ branded hotels are on the way, with more than 10 new addresses expected by 2021 in destinations including Jakarta, Samui and Kuala Lumpur.