By Demola Balogun
The French hospitality tradition of excellent legacy evoked memories of the past and enchanting vision of luxury adventure in Lagos recently, as Accor Hotels celebrated its golden jubilee anniversary with delectable wine toast and sumptuous canapés.
An exclusive cocktail soiree held at the pool terrace of The Moorhouse Ikoyi, Lagos, the golden jubilee celebration was a gracious tribute to the lofty vision and creativity of Accor Hotels’ co-founders and chairmen, Gerard Pelisson and Paul Dubrulle. With “trees of green” and “skies of blue” which provided great beauty and eclectic calm and harmony at the pool garden, the spirit of Accor was certainly evident in the offering techniques, contemporary designs and grandeur hospitality at The Moorhouse, an MGallery hotel chain established in 2011 by 3Peat Investment Limited.
The Moorhouse managed by Accor Group is de facto choice for business travellers, corporate clientele and guests, who desire memorable experience and peaceful haven with a generous welcome and discovery of Nigeria’s art and cultural heritage.
Anchored by the hotel’s General Manager, Gabriel Tadros, the party provided an opportunity of a unique facility tour for the guests to experience the hospitality standards and Accor’s sense of style, warmth and elegance. While taking the guests on a journey of sensory pleasure and relaxation at the pool garden, Tadros dwelt on the new culinary development and entertainment concept currently being implemented by the hotel. “We are introducing Gout de France and specialty cuisines with French wine as part of new offerings for classy happy hour, with contemporary soulful music at the garden terrace,” he explained.
The Moorhouse has 90 luxury rooms classified into 36 superior, 45 deluxe and 9 executive suites, which combine elegant wooden furnishing with classic full-grain leather and marble. According to Tadros, L’Aquarelle Restaurant serves international cuisines and a variety of local dishes to diverse tastes while Mbar offers international wine brands, spirits and exotic beverages.
“The Moorhouse Ikoyi, Lagos is a brand of the MGallery global chain collection from the stable of Accor hotels. The 50th anniversary celebration was held simultaneously in over 90 countries across Africa/Middle East, America/Caribbean, Asia/Pacific and Europe. The event was significant to celebrate our history and our guests to experience our vision of luxury, enchanting indulgence and gastronomic delight,” Tadros said.
However, The Moorhouse, which operates as a peaceful and tranquil haven yet intensely captivating and authentic, has raised the bar in its banqueting and entertaining offerings with the hosting of Nouveau Beaujolais Fiesta last month. The French wine celebration provided rich information, great tasting and refined moment with toast after toast of Burgundy red by gourmets and connoisseurs alike.
The hotel’s Purchasing Manager, Oladotun Oloidi, however, described the Novo Beaujolais experience as a great moment to relish while sipping French wines from the Burgundy vineyards (Beaujolais region of France). “The Beaujolais wine fiesta was a prime occasion for us and our guests to celebrate the taste, prestige and heritage of French wines at The Moorhouse. The celebration blends perfectly with our new ways and innovative offerings for our guests to savour great hospitality and memorable event,” he said.
The anniversary party was not all about dining and wining, there was also an avalanche of raffle tickets won by many guests, affording them the privilege of complementary one-night luxury accommodation and gourmet dinner experience.