Български 
Hotel with a History
Start of construction
Designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa called Vitosha New Otani.
Kisho Kurokawa is an architect of international renown and a significant contribution to world architecture from the second half of the twentieth century.
Located on the highest point in Sofia, Vitosha-New Otani Hotel illustrates the traditional ties between Bulgaria and the land of the rising sun, Japan.
Opening of "Vitosha New Otani" Hotel
The grand opening took place on May 24, 1979, in representatives of the highest state level. The building combines modern architectural views of the twentieth century to structure the space and emphasize important moments in the urban environment. It is a unique combination of continuity and innovation.
"Vitosha-New Otani" becomes "Intercontinental"
The New Otani chain withdraws, and the hotel becomes the Intercontinental
"Intercontinental" becomes "Kempinski Hotel Zografski Sofia"
The hotel became part of the Kempinski chain and was renamed the Kempinski Hotel Zografski Sofia.
"Kempinski Hotel Zografski" becomes Hotel Marinela Sofia
"Kempinski Hotel Zografski" becomes "Hotel Marinela Sofia"
Renovation of the hotel
From 2014 to 2016, the hotel and hotel rooms were being renovated. The design is innovative and modern, in sync with Japanese minimalism and attention to detail.
Studio Kurokawa visit Hotel Marinela Sofia
The interior combines tradition and coziness with innovative and modern design, successfully preserving the line of Japanese architecture embedded in the hotel's construction. This was confirmed by the CEO of "Kisho Kurokawa Architect & Associates" - Akira Kumazawa, during his visit to the hotel in 2016. He described the hotel as a place that reminds of the good traditional relations between the rising sun, Japan, and Bulgaria.
