IHG® signs its fifth InterContinental® hotel in France

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announces the signing of InterContinental® Lyon Hotel Dieu in Lyon, France. The hotel will operate under a management agreement with Crédit Agricole Assurances and will be developed by Eiffage.

The 143-room property further strengthens IHG's position as one of the largest international hotel operators in France by becoming the company's fifth InterContinental® hotel in the country, joining InterContinental® Paris - Le Grand, InterContinental® Paris - Avenue Marceau, InterContinental® Marseille Hotel Dieu, and InterContinental® Carlton Cannes.

Located right on the bank of the river Rhône, the property is being converted from Lyon's former Hôtel Dieu, one of the oldest hospitals in France, famed for its architectural beauty. It forms part of a listed group of buildings that dates back to the 17^th Century, close to Place Bellecour in the very heart of the city.

InterContinental® Lyon Hotel Dieu and the adjoining conference centre are part of a multi-purpose development project named Grand Hôtel Dieu, an area of exceptional size in Lyon's city centre featuring shops, restaurants, offices, private apartments and the neighbouring "Cité de la Gastronomie".

Set to open during the autumn in 2018, the hotel's 143 rooms will include 24 junior suites, one Presidential Suite and 118 deluxe and superior rooms. InterContinental® Lyon Hotel Dieu will feature a Club InterContinental lounge, multiple restaurants with access to a terrace from the main restaurant, a lounge bar, two meeting rooms and a sizeable 100m² fitness centre. The connected, modern 2,500m² conference centre will include nine meeting rooms with ample pre-meeting space, as well as a lounge and a 500m2 ballroom.

Willemijn Geels, Associate Vice President of Development, Northern and Eastern Europe, IHG said: "We're thrilled to be expanding our InterContinental brand in France and cementing our leading position in the international hotel market. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is truly an iconic hallmark of luxury and this hotel will be an exceptional addition to our European portfolio."