New T5 Hotel is on target for opening date

Opening in June 2008, the £180 million Sofitel London Heathrow is set to become one of the largest luxury airport hotels, meeting and events venues in Europe. Directly connected to Terminal 5 via a link bridge, the 605-bedroom hotel will be situated at the heart of one of the most strategically important locations in the UK.

Arora International Hotels (owners of the hotel, operating under a Sofitel franchise) have brought together the very best expertise to coordinate the final stages of this five star luxury hotel: Albert Roux for fine dining, KCA International Designers for interiors and AVC Productions for the very latest in conference technology.

DESIGN
Instantly recognisable by its five towering steel and glass atriums, the Sofitel London Heathrow will become a spectacular addition to Heathrow’s skyline. Focusing on the concept of 'the gateway to the world' as the design inspiration, KCA International Designers (who have previously designed interiors for Burj Al Arab, Dubai and Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong) will embrace the theme of Continent and Country throughout the property.

Antarctica will take the central focus in the hotel's reception areas with a dramatic water fountain centrepiece, cascading out from a mirrored ceiling onto floodlit ice blocks, funnelling refractive light on the surrounding surfaces. The adjoining public areas will carry through the continents theme to encompass Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Once opened, the Sofitel London Heathrow will be home to 41 state-of-the-art meeting, event and boardroom spaces, ranging up in size to a maximum capacity of 1700 or 1300 for banquets, award ceremonies and product launches.

AVC Productions have been appointed to provide some of the most advanced technology for a world-class meeting experience working in direct consultation with event organisers and users.

When complete, the hotel's three boardrooms will provide a technological showcase, fulfilling every comfort, communication and confidentiality requirement. Boardrooms will feature AMX control systems, allowing delegates full control of AV, lighting and climate control at the touch of a button.

The hotel's 117 tiered-seated theatre will include the latest cinema projection and sound equipment as well as an IML Communicator keypad system offering instant electronic voting, live text messaging and built-in microphones for more efficient question and answer sessions.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Sofitel London Heathrow will offer five drinking and dining experiences encompassing a spectacle of flavours and sensations from across the world. ‘Vivre – l’experience des saveurs’ is a dedicated live cookery restaurant for hotel guests and meetings delegates, presenting a taste bud sensation, visual excitement and an inspiring variety of theatrical offers.

Chef consultant, Albert Roux will oversee the development and operation of the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Brasserie Roux. The Brasserie will offer diners the best of French regional cooking amidst a bustling, yet informal backdrop.

In addition to Brasserie Roux and Vivre, the hotel will feature a Tea Salon with exquisite pastries and large range of speciality single estate and blended teas served by a ‘Tea Master’, and the Library Bar with its great range of cocktails as featured in some of the most ‘hip’ bars in London.

BEDROOMS
The hotel's four room categories include Classic, Superior, Luxury and Suites, all complete with the signature Sofitel MyBed, ensuring guests the most comfortable night’s sleep possible. Triple-glazed windows will guarantee absolute silence throughout bedrooms, with many rooms offering commanding views of the airport and internal gardens.

Each room will be individually styled with contemporary aesthetics appealing to both business and leisure travellers. The hotel will feature no fewer than 52 Suites ranging from Sofitel, Prestige, Opera to the presidential grandeur of the Imperial Suite – measuring 165 square meters.

SPA
The Sofitel London Heathrow combines fitness with recreation in the spa, complete with 24-hour gym, five treatment rooms, sauna and steam rooms, Jacuzzi and a relaxation zone.

For further details visit sofitelheathrow.com.