The first hotel of Swissotel Swiss chain in Bulgaria - Hotel Sofia.

The Swissôtel hotel and resort chain has announced an agreement with Turkish developer Garanti Koza to manage the Swissôtel Sofia hotel. The new flagship property is being developed in the Bulgarian capital and is scheduled to open in 2018.

According to the latest news, the trendy new venue will offer 200 rooms and more than 80 residences that will be part of the larger Grand Kanyon Sofia project. This mixed-use entertainment complex in Sofia is set to attract both leisure and business travelers.

The Swissôtel Sofia will:

• Three restaurants for guests
• Modern conference rooms
• Many exceptional services and offers

The Chairman of Garanti Koza Mr. Şükrü İlkel added in''Press release: "The invitation of an experienced operator such as Swissôtel, a leading brand known for its commitment to quality and contemporary design, adds tremendous value to the Grand Kanyon project. We look forward to working with them to create the most exquisite hotel in the city.

Swissôtel says it will also introduce its own spa concept, Pürovel Spa & Sport, which will offer alpine spa treatments, fitness classes and more. A serviced apartment concept will also be offered, featuring luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Late last year we reported on the unrivaled value of Bulgaria's ski resorts outside Sofia compared to all others''European ski destinations. Sofia is Bulgaria's largest city, located at the foot of Mount Vitosha in the west of the country, and occupies a strategic position in the center of the Balkan Peninsula. In addition to the city's many cultural institutions, including the National Opera and Ballet, visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Church of Boyan, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, numerous museums including the National History Museum, and luxury shopping along Vitosha Boulevard.