Opening of a charming hotel in Bourg-en-Bresse
In April 2010 François André sold the Ribotel in Villars-les-Dombes which had belonged to his family since the middle of the 1990s. During August of the same year he bought the Hôtel des Négociants located at the heart of Bourg-en-Bresse. Established within the walls of a former coaching inn since 1701, this old-fashioned two star property will revive its former glory and its old name, Le Griffon d’Or, which it bore up until 1870.
“We really took over the building as much as the business itself, because we could see the potential of the hotel which boasts a timber staircase, an external courtyard, a tower and a 40 m² cellar,” describes François André. “We had to undertake some major works to transform it into a charming hotel full of character, the type of product that is lacking in Bourg”. The owner has spent a total of 1.7 million euros to “totally transform the four floors from top to bottom and to increase the number of bedrooms from 12 to 18”. The opening of the contemporary version of the Griffon d’Or is planned for the end of August, beginning of September. Half of the bedrooms have been decorated in modern style and the other half in classic style by Aurélie André in collaboration with Françoise Alban from Lyon-based interior decorator, Jean-Michel Bitsch, and the hotel also has a meeting room based in the former cellar. It has capacity for about 20 people, with all the necessary equipment for upmarket meetings. It is also ideal for exhibitions or cocktail parties. The hotel will have a private car park with CCTV security cameras, as well as a large salon with a snooker table, library and free WIFI. There is also a spa and sauna offering space for four people. However, there is no restaurant and the only meals available will be breakfast.
François André has begun the process to get a 3* grading and to join the Châteaux et Hôtels de Collection network of hotels. The rooms are all air-conditioned and will cost from 80 € for single occupancy and 95 € for the larger rooms, whilst the two suites will cost from 150 €. Rental of the meeting room, including refreshment breaks and equipment, works out at 20 € per person. For a seminar including accommodation, the room is invoiced at the above rate and the breakfast (usually costing 13 €) is included in the price. It is worth noting that there is a kitchen located close to the cellar which can be used by outside caterers to serve meals.
04 74 23 13 24 i
