UNESCO World Heritage Site to open as InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu

The landmark InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu is scheduled to open in June in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Lyon (or Lyons), France.

Located in a former hospital that operated for more than eight centuries until 2010, the historical building is being restored to become a hotel with a 360-meter long façade that overlooks the Rhône River, while the hotel’s Soufflot Dome, towering 72 meters high, is being renovated by more than 800 craftsmen. This property will be the sixth InterContinental Hotel in France.

The hotel’s interior was designed by Jean-Philippe Nuel. Drawing on the history and background of the site, Nuel created a decorative concept that highlights the building’s history as a former hospital, while also highlighting the building’s exterior architecture.

The dome will be the heart of the hotel, boasting a bar called Le Dôme, which will act as a meeting place for hotel guests and locals alike.

InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu will have 104 rooms and 35 suites, half of them with views of the Rhône River, while the others will overlook the Fourvière or the Grand Hôtel-Dieu with its tree-lined inner courtyards.

The Duplex Suites, which will be accessible from the upper level, will have large windows extending up to the ceiling, honoring the original architecture of the historic building, and offering views of the Rhône River. Meanwhile, the Presidential Suite will use pink tones and floral motifs.

The hotel’s restaurant Épona (named after a goddess of Gaulish Celtic mythology, patron saint of horse riding and travel) will be situated on the ground floor.

The property will have a 1,325-square-meter (14,262-square-foot) conference center: L’Académie will have 12 meeting rooms including a 433-square-meter (4,661-square-foot) 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.

The property will also have the private Club InterContinental Lounge, which will have views of the area.

The InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu is managed by Madelijn Vervoord, former GM of the InterContinental Marseille Hotel Dieu.