FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HISTORIC FOUR-STAR HOTEL TO OPEN IN LOURDES
Lourdes most historic hotel is undergoing extensive renovations
for the 150th anniversary of the apparitions with a March 2008 opening
LOURDES, France (November 26, 2007) – In preparation for the 150th anniversary of the apparitions in Lourdes, the city’s most historic hotel is undergoing a major renovation and transformation. Built in 1896 by Benoîte and Jean Soubirous, St. Bernadette’s brother, the Grand Hotel Moderne is a splendid example of late XIXth century architecture that will offer all modern day comfort in the fantastic “Art Nouveau” ambience designed by Louis Majorelle. The exceptional architecture of the hotel makes it a masterpiece of Lourdes heritage.
The Grand Hôtel Moderne combines charm, elegance, and comfort in the heart of Lourdes. Located within a minute walk of the shrine grounds, the hotel offers easy access to the Grotto and the tourist sites of the city: native house of Bernadette Soubirous, basilicas, fortified castle and museums. The five-story building with its 106 rooms will be entirely renovated with an opening in March 2008. The interior retains its warmth and prestige with wooden floors, wall paneling, circular staircase, marble pillars, and antique furniture. All rooms are spacious, decorated with a great sense of taste (fashionable furniture, bathroom luxuriously appointed in Italian marble and white porcelain), and offer a very high level of comfort (individual heating/cooling controls, high quality bed linen, noise isolation) and safety.
“Our main target is to increase the comfort and service level in our hotel because we think that Lourdes deserves to welcome its pilgrims in the best possible way,” said René Buy, Director of the Grand Hotel Moderne. “We want to become the 4-star reference hotel in Lourdes for the U.S. market.”
Having a look at the amenities, the hotel provides a welcoming bar and a charming restaurant named the “Majorelle,” where guests will enjoy typical French-Italian cuisine in a stylish atmosphere. Two meeting rooms are also available for the organization of gatherings, seminars, religious services, or private parties. Other new amenities and services include electronic door systems, Wifi Internet access in the main Lobby, a luggage room (in case of late check out), a TV room equipped with a huge flat screen, and a second elevator (total capacity of 19 persons with both elevators). The Baroque frontage will be restored to its original splendour when it opened under the direction of the Soubirous family in 1902. The very professional and friendly team will welcome you at the re-opening of the Grand Hôtel Moderne.
“The Grand Hotel Moderne is the number one hotel I would recommend for every tour operator in North America. With its four-star ambiance, facilities, and cuisine, combined with its “across the street” proximity to the Lourdes shrine, the hotel serves as the perfect venue for the discerning American traveler. As a tour leader myself, the Grand Hotel Moderne is where I’ll take my groups.” – Kevin J. Wright, WRTA President and Award-winning travel author.
The Grand Hôtel Moderne is currently taking bookings for 2008. To learn more about the hotel or to make reservations visit www.grandhotelmoderne.com, email booking@grandhotelmoderne.com or call +33 (0) 5 62 94 12 32. U.S. residents can also contact Luciana White at 617-953-2761 or lucianawhite@verizon.net.
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About the Grand Hôtel Moderne (Lourdes, France)
Built in 1896 by Benoîte and Jean Soubirous, St. Bernadette’s brother, the Grand Hôtel Moderne is a historic hotel in Lourdes, France. Conveniently located within 150 feet of the world famous shrine, the 106-room hotel will re-open in March 2008 for the 150th anniversary of the apparitions.
For reservations or more information contact:
Grand Hôtel Moderne****
21, avenue Bernadette Soubirous
F-65100 Lourdes
Tel.: +33 (0)5 62 94 12 32
Fax: +33 (0)5 62 42 07 17
booking@grandhotelmoderne.com
www.grandhotelmoderne.com
