WHY IT RATES: Travelers can experience both history and upscale hospitality in this newly-renovated hotel starting in June which will make a trip to Lyon that much more enjoyable. —Alex Temblador, TravelPulse Associate Writer
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Nestled in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the landmark InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu will open in June 2019. Located in a former hospital that operated for more than eight centuries until 2010, the historical building has been lovingly restored to offer a contemporary haven in the heart of the city center.
The hotel’s 360-meter long facade overlooks the Rhône River, and the hotel’s breath-taking Soufflot Dome, towering 72 meters high, has been one of the greatest ever private renovations of a classified site in France since 2013, involving more than 800 craftsmen. The majestic Dome will be the heart of the hotel, boasting a magnificent bar, Le Dôme, which will act as a meeting place for hotel guests and locals alike.
InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu will offer 104 rooms and 35 suites, half of which have views of the Rhône River, while the others overlook the Fourvière or the Grand Hôtel-Dieu with its tree-lined inner courtyards. The Duplex Suites, accessed from the upper level, boast large windows extending up to the ceiling, honoring the original architecture of this historic building, and offering uninterrupted views of the Rhône River. The exclusive Presidential Suite, with its powder pink tones and elegant floral motifs, will be the largest suite in the city.
The hotel’s interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel, is an international leader in hotel design. Drawing on the history and background of the site, Nuel has created a decorative concept that manages to be, in his own words, both ‘monastic and sophisticated’, highlighting the building’s original contrast between the former hospital, and the striking richness of its exterior architecture. This contrast is particularly obvious in the decor of the Grand Dome; the choice of fabrics represent simplicity combined with luxury; delicate Lyon silks from the Maison Verel de Belval, contrast with less elaborate fabrics. The same juxtaposition can be found in other public areas and in the rooms. The contemporary design emulates a sense of luxury which combines the history of the unique building and meets the expectations of global luxury travelers.
Situated on the ground floor, the hotel’s restaurant Épona, named after a popular goddess of Gaulish Celtic mythology, patron saint of horse riding and travel, will offer dishes closely linked to Lyon’s gastronomic culture thanks to Chef Mathieu Charrois. His signature dish will revisit the legendary quenelle (a type of local dumpling) along with other dishes typical of the area.
The 1,325 m2 conference center of InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, L’Académie, comprises of 12 meeting rooms including a 433 m2 plenary conference room. The hotel’s spa and fitness facilities will include a Hamman, 24-hour gym, sauna and steam room as well as Pilates and Yoga classes.
Club InterContinental members will be able to enjoy outstanding views of the area from the private Club InterContinental Lounge that offers a bird’s eye view of the premises.
Lyon is France’s third largest city, located at the intersection between the Rhône and the Saône Rivers. Although famed for its gastronomy, art and culture, Lyon was also a pioneer in the silk-weaving industry and was once known as the silk capital. Lyon’s illustrious silk trade remains evident in the city’s architecture with streets that feature beautiful former silk weavers’ houses, and many heritage sites that offer insight into the silk trade, which continues to this day.
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is the largest luxury hotel brand in the world with more than 200 InterContinental hotels open worldwide and 60 in the pipeline, set to expand the brand’s portfolio in the most sought-after destinations around the world. This year will see InterContinental Hotels & Resorts open stunning resorts in the Maldives, Hayman Island, Phuket and Beppu as well as the brand’s return to Edinburgh in the historic George Street.
This opening marks the 6th InterContinental Hotel in France, joining the family of InterContinental Paris – Le Grand, InterContinental Paris – Avenue Marceau, InterContinental Carlton Cannes, InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu and InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel.
The InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu is managed by Madelijn Vervoord, former General Manager of the InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu.
Standard rooms at InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu will start from £250.
SOURCE: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts press release
