Rezidor Hotel Group has announced that a new 171-bedroom Radisson Blu hotel is to open in Freetown, Sierra Leone, during the fourth quarter of 2011.

Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel will see the chain extend its operations to 64 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa and will also offer a restaurant with outdoor terrace. Other facilities will include several bars; meeting rooms; an outdoor swimming pool; a gym; and tennis courts, following the completion of an extensive refurbishment.

The property was formerly known as Mammy Yoko Hotel, which had operated for 30 years before being forced to shut in 1997 due to the country's civil conflict. Rezidor president and chief executive officer Kurt Ritter said: "We are delighted to enter a further country in West Africa - the region is one of our focus markets for future business development."

Once open, the hotel will accommodate aid agencies, diplomats and business travellers.