Hotel SO Sotogrande. Interview with Xavier F Rugeroni, Regional Vice President ACCOR.
Xavier F Rugeroni works with the ACCOR Group, and is the Regional Vice President for Monaco, Italy, Spain & Portugal as well as the General Manager of the Fairmont Monte Carlo. He is also a friend of ours at Noll Sotogrande and was kind enough to answer some questions in regard the new So Sotogrande Hotel currently being refurbished.
Noll Sotogrande (NS): We see work has begun at the Old Almenara Hotel site. How is this coming along… how has the COVID-19 impacted the timing? When is the target opening date?
Xavier F Rugeroni (XFR): Work started earlier on this year and is progressing well despite the impact of COVID19. Our plans remain on course for a spring opening 2021 and we are excited about the results thus far.
NS: What is the Accor group vision for the Hotel?
XFR: To bring the first SO in Spain and a new leading luxury Resort with a twist of dare and contemporary luxury into this unique destination which is Andalucía.
NS: By comparison to other 5-star hotels along the Costa how will the So Sotogrande differentiate itself.
XFR: SO is a luxury brand that stands out by its design and rebel spirit whilst turning moments into memories for our guests with an engaging service.
NS: We know the Almenara golf course is closed. Will it be upgraded in line with other top courses in Sotogrande? What other facilities will guest have that Almenara did not offer?
XFR: It is being upgraded and improved in line with the hotel standard. The Club House will offer a dedicated SO/ Boutique and Pro-Shop, as well as modern restaurant and banqueting facilities. The new Resort will offer golf players a new specialty restaurant and an exclusive and new spa and sports centre.
NS: Sotogrande does not have a Michelin Star type restaurant. Is this something that may be on offer?
XFR: We will offer a number of different culinary experiences within the Resort which will vary in their concepts. Our intention is to surprise and ensure that we retain the loyalty of our clients for them to enjoy those special personal moments and occasions.
NS: Sotogrande SA as owner of the property has La Reserva Golf course, and The Beach. Do you see these facilities available to hotel guests?
XFR: The uniqueness of the SO/Sotogrande Resort will also be in the facilities that its guests will enjoy and benefit from by choosing to stay with us… this will extend to La Reserva Golf course and The Beach amongst others…
NS: Anything else you consider important to know about the Hotel and its facilities?
XFR: The SO/Sotogrande albeit an international Resort will form an integral part of the local community and in particular Sotogrande. We will ensure that we play the role that is expected of us in this prestigious destination and we look forward to forging important relationships as we grow together…
Thank you for reading. Please contact us for further information.
Charles Gubbins.
✉ charles.gubbins@noll-sotogrande.com
? +34 607 911 661
Stephanie Noll
✉ stephanie@noll-sotogrande.com
? +34 607 465 383
