InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu

The opening of InterContinental® Lyon - Hotel Dieu today comes after an extensive four-year restoration of one of the city's most iconic buildings, the former hospital ('Hôtel Dieu'). The renovation of the Grand Hôtel-Dieu complex is the largest private transformation of a historic monument carried out in France to date.

InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu forms part of the Grand Hôtel Dieu and was reimagined by renowned interior designer, Jean-Philippe Nuel. He focused on maintaining the original beauty and architecture of the building whilst offering a contemporary, understated luxury design which is rooted in the history of Lyon and the building itself.

Lyon was once the capital of the European silk industry, playing a central role in the Silk Road trade between east and west. This led to a booming local silk industry which is still an important part of the city's culture today. The city is also famed for its floral art which was an early source of inspiration for the local silk industry - a key design theme of the hotel. Prestigious Lyonnais silk creator Verel de Belval, a subsidiary of the Hermès group, has designed custom silk prints which can be seen throughout the rooms and public areas in silk screen panels, cushions and soft furnishings.

These rich fabrics perfectly contrast with the original architectural features of the building, such as stone floors, plastered walls and timber ceilings. This 'monastic yet sophisticated' design was inspired by the historical use of the building - as the city's hospital for more than 800 years - combined with the desire to create a destination for global travellers.

Restaurants & Bars

Le Dôme Bar is nestled in the heart of the hotel within the grand dome, one of the most breath-taking features of InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu. Originally housing a chapel, today the dome is a space where hotel guests and locals can come together under its 32m high ceiling. Originally de-signed by Jacques-Germain Soufflot, architect of the Pantheon in Paris, Soufflot was called away during the project and he never saw the dome finished. The dome has since been named in his hon-our as the 'Soufflot Dome'.

Le Dôme bar is open for all-day drinks and light bites. Traditional, local products are a key focus for the signature cocktails and Le Dôme offers a fresh twist on the famous pink praline, a traditional Lyon confectionery, combining it with vodka, pink champagne and lemon for a unique cocktail. Club InterContinental guests will be able to enjoy views of the grand dome from the first-floor balcony of the private Club InterContinental Lounge above.

The hotel's restaurant, Epona, extends along the hotel's front façade and opens on to an interior courtyard and garden. Head Chef Mathieu Charrois will offer world-class Lyonnaise dishes with a modern twist. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the hotel's main restaurant will be a destination in itself.

Suites & Rooms

Of the 34 suites at the hotel, the 150 sqm Presidential suite is the largest suite in Lyon. It follows a similar modern luxury design, decorated in powder pink tones and elegant floral motifs. From the living room of the Presidential suite, guests can enjoy a unique view in to the grand dome, overlooking the stunning space from the suite's own private balconies.

The most emblematic of the 144 rooms at InterContinental Lyon - Hôtel-Dieu are the 28 Duplex suites, which feature huge vertical windows with views on to the Rhône river, maintaining the gran-deur and façade of the original building. What makes the Duplex suites unique is that guests enter from the mezzanine floor to take in the river view at first glance before heading down the stairs to the bathroom and bedroom.

Other Facilities

InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu also boasts 1,500 m2 of flexible convention and reception halls; L'Académie. This is one of the largest conference centres in the Presqu'île (Peninsula) quarter and in Lyon city centre, offering 12 meeting rooms on four different levels, all with natural daylight.

For guests looking for relaxation, the Grand Hôtel Dieu complex is home to Le Tigre Spa, which in-cludes a Hammam, 24-hour gym, sauna and steam room, as well as Pilates and Yoga classes. This haven of peace is situated just 1-minute walk from the hotel.

This opening marks the 6th InterContinental hotel in a stunning heritage building 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.

Hotel website