Accor will take its MGallery brand to Bulgaria for the first time this Spring with The Emporium Plovdiv – MGallery, a 61-room hotel envisioned by Moscow-based architecture and design studio Sundukovy Sisters.

The main goal of the designers was to preserve the former department store – Evmolpia, a well-known landmark in the city – by reviving the original features of the building and incorporating them into the scheme to celebrate local heritage. Shimmering gold panels were also added to reflect Bulgarian history.

Looking into the future for its debut in the Balkans, Accor is introducing innovative technologies to enhance the hotel experience for guests in its Smart Rooms concept. The Emporium’s rooms feature a number of luxurious elements that allow residents to manage individual scenarios according to their mood: adjust the light in the room, set the ambience, open and close the curtains and control the audio-visual functions.

On the F&B front, the property will house the only Moët & Chandon champagne and cocktail bar in the country, while gourmet restaurant Torro Premio will blend local produce and craft cooking to deliver a modern interpretation of Bulgarian cuisine. Elsewhere, Torro Grande is a trendy eatery and sushi bar.

Rounding out the facilities are relaxation and fitness zones, while a tailor-made scent inspired by the destination has been developed in partnership with French company Shams Conseils. The Emporium Plovdiv – MGallery will also be the first property in the chain offering amenities from French line Fragonard.

Occupying a historic building in what is known as the country’s cultural capital, the development – which comprises 12 suites – is within walking distance of Plovdiv’s archaeological treasures: The Roman Forum, Roman Stadium and the UNESCO World Heritage sites – Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis and The Old Town.