Palace of Versailles – An Annex Building to Become a Hotel

A recent email in my Inbox had as one of its article headlines “Palace of Versailles will be turned into a luxury hotel”.  I didn’t have time to look into the story immediately, but it did nag at me.  How is it possible for this glorious, historic palace, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, to be converted into a hotel – but the email did come from France Tourism itself!

Now that I’ve looked into the story a little further, I find that it is one of the Versailles annex buildings, the Hotel du Grande Controle that is being turned into a hotel… phew, panic over!

The Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) is famous the world over as the palace of the Louis IV, the Sun King, and is widely known as the residence and seat of power of France’s rulers from 1682 until the French Revolution in 1789.  Situated about 20 kms from Paris, it is a hugely popular tourist attraction and the Palace is noted for its Hall of Mirrors.

Hall of Mirrors © Travel Signposts

The Hotel du Grande Controle, a building which is a part of the Versailles Palace estate, is being converted into a luxury 23 room hotel. The Hotel du Grande Controle is not on the actual grounds of the Versailles Palace, but is very close to it.  Built in the 1680s, the Hotel du Grande Controle overlooks the Versailles Palace Orangerie.  It was in a dilapidated state and has been leased out to a Belgian company for restoration.

The new hotel is planned for opening at the end of 2011 so if your travel must-haves include palatial-style hotels, keep a look out for this new hotel for your Versailles travel.  With 23 rooms only, it is sure to be exclusive and with room rates to match.

But while you’re waiting for this hotel to open its doors, here are other hotels in Versailles to choose from.