<P> Founded in 1964 in France, Sofitel quickly developed worldwide to reach more than 200 properties . In 2008, Sofitel became a brand of luxury hotels only, downsized its property count to 89, and created new brands . </P> <P> Banque Paribas opened the first Sofitel in Strasbourg (France) on 26 June 1964, the Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île, which was the first 5 - star hotel in the city . </P> <P> In the 1970s, Sofitel became an international chain of hotels . The first Sofitel in the United States opened in 1975 in Minneapolis, Minnesota . Sofitel entered the US market with a French approach to hospitality, making French baguettes on site, offering a wide selection of wines, providing bidets in 1 / 3 of the rooms, and hiring French chefs to manage the kitchens . The hotel turned a profit within 18 months of operations . In 1976, Sofitel opened the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, the first 5 - star hotel in Manila, a building designed by Filipino architect Leandro Locsin . </P> <P> In 1980, Sofitel was purchased by Accor and joined the group's portfolio of hotel brands: Novotel, Mercure, Ibis . </P>

Which is the oldest sofitel in north america