{"id":223789,"date":"2026-06-04T15:23:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T13:23:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.voyages-d-affaires.com\/?p=223789"},"modified":"2026-06-04T15:28:48","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T13:28:48","slug":"elisabeth-mendes-grand-hotel-roi-rene-aix-en-provence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.voyages-d-affaires.com\/en\/elisabeth-mendes-grand-hotel-roi-rene-aix-en-provence","title":{"rendered":"\"Restoring this iconic location to its former nobility\": E. Mendes, Grand H\u00f4tel Roi Ren\u00e9"},"content":{"rendered":"

The renovation of the Grand H\u00f4tel Roi Ren\u00e9 has just been completed. What was the philosophy that guided this project?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Elisabeth Mendes \u2013<\/strong> The idea was to restore the nobility of this emblematic place. To respect the architecture of the hotel, and above all, to celebrate Provence. The fresco at the entrance, the crown of King Ren\u00e9, the fountains, the vegetation\u2026 You see olives everywhere in the decorations. There's a common thread leading to the patio umbrella, with these ochre, terracotta colours. It was about being in continuity with the city of Aix-en-Provence. When a guest arrives at the hotel, they should think: \"We are really in Aix-en-Provence.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the aesthetics, what changes in the use of spaces?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Elisabeth Mendes \u2013<\/strong> We wanted to modernise the place with living spaces accessible all day. You can work collaboratively from the bar, in the lounge if it's free... The customer can settle in as they please. The bar, for example, is now open to the entrance \u2013 which wasn't the case before. And there are electrical sockets everywhere. We've truly designed a living space. There's no need to be a hotel guest to feel at home. When you see the patio, it feels like you're on a terrace right in the middle of the Aix market. It's quite theatrical, lively all day. We ourselves are surprised: we think, \"Oh, a customer is settling in there,\" and each time, we discover a new perspective. When I come for meetings, I sit down and think: \"This seating isn't bad; the angle is interesting.\" Everything has been well designed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How would you describe the hotel's new aesthetic?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Elisabeth Mendes \u2013<\/strong> The establishment gives a new place to art, notably highlighting the work of ceramists. There are many fine materials. It's not overdone. That makes all the difference. It's heritage, made to last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does the renovation change your business positioning?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Elisabeth Mendes \u2013<\/strong> Yes. We wanted to change the segmentation and attract more high-end executive committees. We are starting to get this type of clientele, and we will have more and more of it. It's about finding the right client \u2013 banks, insurance companies, pharmaceuticals, luxury brands. A lot of English is spoken in this hotel. And the Mayor, during her visit, told me: \"I'm going to come back here for my meetings.\" When you achieve that, it's truly superb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n