The French city of Lyon has its first Intercontinental hotel, occupying a grand former hospital complex on the banks of the Rhône.
A four-year renovation has transformed part of the ‘Hôtel Dieu’ – originally a religious hospital for the poor – into a luxury 144-room property.
The project was led by interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel.
Intercontinental Hotels Group has introduced a 1,500 sqm area for conventions called L’Académie, and 12 meeting rooms across four levels.
Lyonnais silk-creator Verel de Belval has designed custom silk prints which have been placed in rooms and public areas in screen panels, cushions and soft furnishings. The redesign also takes inspiration from Lyon’s floral art tradition.
The Grand Hôtel Dieu complex contains Le Tigre Spa, featuring a Hammam, 24-hour gym, exercise classes and a sauna.
The hotel offers 34 suites, including Duplex Suites, pictured above, with large windows overlooking the Rhône.
Guests enter from a mezzanine floor with a river view, with a bathroom and bedroom downstairs.
It also features the largest suite in Lyon, the 150 sqm Presidential Suite, pictured below. Its living room offers a view of building’s nineteenth century dome.
Originally housing a chapel, the hotel’s 32-metre-high dome has been turned into Le Dôme Bar, an all-day dining area serving cocktails and light bites.
The private Club Intercontinental Lounge has views over the space from a first-floor balcony.
The hotel’s restaurant is called Epona, and extends along the front façade, opening onto an interior courtyard and garden.
Head Chef Mathieu Charrois will offer Lyonnaise dishes with a modern twist, available at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
IHG says the opening marks the largest private renovation of a historic monument ever carried out in France.
It will be the sixth Intercontinental hotel in the country, alongside Intercontinental Paris – Le Grand; Intercontinental Paris – Avenue Marceau; Intercontinental Carlton Cannes; Intercontinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu; and Intercontinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel.
The hotel group has been expanding its high-end portfolio, growing its Kimpton brand within the UK and launching the upscale Voco.
It has also acquired Regent Hotels and Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas.
