Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon — Photo by IHG

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 centre.

The hotel's 360-metre long facade overlooks the Rhône River, and the hotel's breath-taking Soufflot Dome, towering 72 metres 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, honouring 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 travellers.

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 centre 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.

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.

Hotel website