Some openings mark the history of a group, a brand, and above all a city. There is no doubt that the inauguration of the Intercontinental Marseille - Hôtel Dieu hotel will go down in history. In front of several hundred international journalists and the main local political and economic representatives, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the IHG Group did not hesitate to describe the new arrival as "the jewel in IHG's crown". What a symbol, for an establishment that crystallises both the city's history and its renewal. In 2013, a very special year for Marseille, which has been declared European Capital of Culture, the Intercontinental hotel is strategically located, just a stone's throw from the Old Port, below the Panier - a district so characteristic of Marseille, which is also benefiting from this renaissance - offering an uninterrupted view of Notre Dame de la Garde. Above all, it enjoys an incomparable setting, within an emblematic enclosure.
From the Saint-Esprit hospital founded in 1188 to the closure of the teaching centre in 2006, via the inauguration of the "new Hôtel-Dieu" by Napoleon III in 1866, the monument has been part of the history of Marseille, and still bears the traces of its successive redevelopments. This heritage was symbolised by the "handing over of the keys" ceremony, which was replaced for the occasion by a fragment of an ancient mosaic discovered during preventive excavations, and which the project managers - IHG, but also Axa Real Estate and Altarea Cogedim, investor and developer respectively - have preserved, enhanced and combined with modern decoration. Already in the spotlight a few weeks earlier at the inauguration of the new Radisson Blu Hôtel Nantesother a historic monument that has fallen into the lap of the business hotel industryJean-Philippe Nuel has created a refined décor. From the outset, the modern sublimates the old, like the glass roof over the lobby that draws the traveller's eye towards the building's historic façade. Taking advantage of this unique setting, the decor focuses on simplicity, marked by slate and off-white tones, in harmony with the Phocaean identity and the minerality of the city. The colour palette is reminiscent of La Major, the 'pyjama' cathedral so dear to the heart of Marseille.
Since 26 April, the official opening date of the hotel, the people of Marseille and international business travellers have been able to discover - or rediscover - an atypical place, now housing 172 rooms, including 72 with a view of the Vieux Port and the "Bonne Mère", and 22 suites. The hotel, which aims to help make Marseille a conference destination, also boasts a 1,000 m² conference centre, in addition to ten modular meeting rooms. More than just a hotel, the Intercontinental Hôtel Dieu aims to become a new lifestyle destination. To this end, it will be able to count on the opening on 3 September of Alcyone, a gourmet restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Lionel Levy. The restaurant is sure to be a popular choice for business lunches, thanks to the Provencal cuisine on offer and the vast terrace (1000 m²) overlooking the Old Port. All decisive assets for the new hotel in Marseille, which joins the list of new tourist, cultural and business developments in the city.
(DR Eric Cuvillier)
(DR Eric Cuvillier)
