In São Paulo, a city with more than 19 million inhabitants and the sixth largest in the world, is where Brazil’s main cultural, economic and political events take place. Responsible for more than 12 percent of all Brazilian GDP – currently the seventh largest in the world – the capital city of the state of São Paulo welcomes executives of various nationalities. To serve this public, Sofitel São Paulo Ibirapuera, located next to Ibirapuera Park, a postcard and one of the largest green areas of the city, is home to a genuinely French territory, where charm and elegance lend to every detail the unmistakable touch of traditional French art. And the figures confirm it: in 2010 the luxury hotel recorded a growth of 41 percent in occupation over the previous year, due to increased demand on business events, result of the boost on Brazilian economy.
Another major reason for the increase is due to hosting of foreigners interested in participating in events or doing business in Brazil. In 2010, customers from other countries accounted for 58 percent of the public at the Sofitel, being mostly from the United States, Europe, China and India. To meet this strong international demand, since the beginning of last year the hotel has been adapting the services to each client’s culture, such as offering oriental breakfast and including international channels to the TV menu in the rooms.
Glamour
The interior of this discreet 21 floors and 215 suites reflects the identity that celebrates the art de vivre à la française (art of living in French way): exclusive service and sophisticated decor that makes up with harmony and delicacy different areas of the hotel and fine dining that, all together, invites you to a unique experience.
Thus, entering the Sofitel, which decoration is signed by the interior designer Philippe Deschanel, is being welcomed by details with classical inspiration that is revealed from the sumptuous lobby forming a unique atmosphere, where high technology coexists in perfect synergy with the flowing lines of environments.
With a warm smile followed by the traditional French compliment (“bonjour” or “bonsoir,” according to the time of day), professionals of Sofitel São Paulo offers the utmost attention to guests and visitors. More than that, the team trained according to the strictest international standards, has a particular difference; the combining of the Brazilian sympathy to French elegance.
With excellence and consistency in customer service, Sofitel São Paulo offers a unique service in the Magnifique Service, concept of apartments for VIP customers. In 54 suites ranging from 33m² to 250m², distributed over five floors, from the 15th to the 19th floor, one of the highlights is the exclusive butler service. Right in the hotel lobby, the guest is welcomed by the guest relation, who leads the guest to the bedroom, while the bag is undone by the butler. For those arriving by helicopter and wishing privacy and discretion, the check can be done directly in the anteroom of the helipad, without the need to go to the lobby. Upon reaching the room, the customer can enjoy a glass of wine, courtesy of the hotel. To recharge the energies, you can schedule a quick massage of 20 minutes with the concierge.
All suites feature My Bed, customized bed concept of Sofitel network, developed with goose-down to provide maximum comfort during sleep. Another treat is the “Pillow Menu” with plenty of pillow options for the customer’s choice. There are also 32-inch LCD TVs, a menu of movies for DVD, equipment for iPod and Wi-Fi internet with unlimited use. In the bathroom, guests will find L’Occitane French brand amenities of shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser. For business meetings, the guest of the Magnifique Service also has an available meeting room that holds up to ten people, with the first hour free. The hotel also offers newspapers to choose from, courtesy of laundry for a piece of clothing, special rates for use of the helipad and rental of conference rooms, besides Limo Service, transportation service in luxury car to the airport of Congonhas and other destinations demanded by executives.
Within the philosophy of care that add value to luxury brand Sofitel, the hotel has also developed specially designed packages, offering options with a special touch. For lovers of the loud snoring of the Ferrari engine, there is the Glamour package, with ride of 30 minutes per person with a real Ferrari F355 Targa model, and the circuit covers the most sophisticated roads of São Paulo. It also includes a relaxing massage at the Wellness Center, complete with sauna, in addition to accommodation and breakfast.
In the “Air of Romance”, often used by couples celebrating a special moment, the suite is uniquely decorated with flowers and scented candles. The bed is prepared with a lacy outfit. A bottle of champagne and chocolates are offered. To conclude, the breakfast is served in room, with croissants and other French viennoiseries. The “Night Air” option includes accommodation for the couple, sightseeing helicopter flight in São Paulo, dinner at the renowned restaurant P. Verger and breakfast at Aquarelle.
Gastronomy
If the ambiance and service of Sofitel São Paulo are already sufficient to provide a flawless stay, the hotel’s gastronomy certainly crowns the experience. With the signature of chef Patrick Ferry, one of the leading names in French cuisine in the city, it presents a contemporary French cuisine, combining traditional dishes with creations that incorporate typical flavors of Brazilian cuisine and elements of other nationalities.
His creations can be tasted in the restaurants P. Verger and Aquarelle. The
P. Verger, which has as its starting point the life and work of the French photographer Pierre Verger, has as its flagship menu the incomparable Confit of Duck Flambé. Aquarelle Restaurant in turn, is the setting for one of the best breakfasts in town.
Le Fournil Pâtisserie and Boulangerie invites to a break for a delicious coffee and tasty treats or croissants. The pastry is the meeting point for those who appreciate the refined and exquisite desserts, pastries and savory of the unique French cuisine. For those looking for a bar that brings together exclusive drinks and good music, Aboo Wine Lounge Bar is the right address. Ideal for lovers of wine, Aboo offers a selection of 83 labels from the New World – South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Australia and the United States – with the best of each country. In addition, the lounge also offers drinks with their own signature, and hot and cold dishes, tapas and sandwiches.
In events, Sofitel São Paulo Ibirapuera offers the best infrastructure for the business audience. There are 12 function rooms, five private and two ballrooms for conferences and seminars, accommodating up to 350 persons in auditorium, equipped with high technology. It also has a full service business center.
With prime location and easy access to Congonhas airport and major leisure and business addresses of São Paulo, the hotel is the perfect choice for events in general. With 250 parking slots in the covered parking, valet parking and a helipad with a VIP room, the hotel also has themed coffee breaks.
