Hôtel de la Cité CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED LUXURY AND HOSPITALITY

08-11-2009

August 11, 2009 – Surrounded by the largest wine producing region in France, there is always a reason to raise a glass in Carcassonne.  But beginning on September 1, 2009, Hôtel de la Cité – located in the heart of the medieval citadel – has something special to toast. It will be celebrating 100 years of hospitality with an exclusive Centennial Accommodation Package, including a menu at Michelin starred restaurant La Barbacane, featuring traditional regional dishes inspired by the founding father of French cooking, Auguste Escoffier.

 

The Centennial Accommodation Package offers guests their first night at a special rate of €100 (approx. $143*) when they book a minimum of two nights at the hotel.  This offer is truly exceptional, as double rooms usually start from €285 per room per night (approx. $407*). The centenary room promotion is available from November 1, 2009 to January 16, 2010, and is valid for a minimum of two nights.

 

Over the past 100 years, gourmets have flocked to the hotel to sample the treasures of its wine cellar and its Michelin starred restaurant, La Barbacane.  As part of the centenary celebrations, Executive Chef, Jérộme Ryon, has recreated a five course centennial menu of Escoffier classics such as Lobster Newburg, Duck Foie Gras Perigourdine-style and a Tête de Moine cheese course.  Ryon, a student of Escoffier, has made only slight modifications to the classic recipes to cater to the preferences of modern day diners.

 

Hôtel de la Cité opened on September 1, 1909 with just eight rooms, but soon grew to become an elegant and inspiring home away from home for stars of literature, theater and film such as Buster Keaton, Colette, Rudyard Kipling, Princess Grace of Monaco, Walt Disney, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis.

 

Acquired by Orient-Express in 1997 and following extensive renovations, the hotel is set in its own glorious gardens overlooking the ramparts and has a total of 47 guest rooms and 14 junior suites and suites, offering a unique opportunity to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site in authentic style.  Hôtel de la Cité is situated between Carcassonne’s two main attractions - the Basilica St. Nazaire and the Château Comtal and resides in the Languedoc-Rousillon region of Southwestern France in the foothills of the Pyrénées.

 

Bookings can be made beginning on September 1, 2009.  To book, visit www.hoteldelacite.com and enter the promotional code “Century'' or call Orient-Express at (800) 237-1236.

 

*The above rates are based on the exchange rate at the time of going to press, but the final price will depend on the exchange rate at the time of booking.

 

For more information on Hotel de la Cité, visit www.hoteldelacite.com. For images, please email Hadley@brandmanpr.com, or visit www.orient-expressimages.com.

 

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Orient-Express (www.orient-express.com) has offered exceptional luxury travel experiences since 1976, when the company first purchased Hotel Cipriani in Venice and then shortly afterwards, recreated the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which weekly, links London, Paris and Venice as well as other destinations.  Today, the company owns or part-owns and manages 50 businesses, 40 of which are highly acclaimed hotels that are each unique in style, from the Mount Nelson in Cape Town and Rio’s Copacabana Palace, to the Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg and Maroma Resort & Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.  There are two restaurants, including ‘21’ in New York, two river cruise operations and six tourist trains.  Orient-Express prides itself on providing the ultimate in luxury and service for its guests, in some of the world’s most magical locations.

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