Hôtel de la Cité Ranked as one of the Best in Europe

August 2002 - Hôtel de la Cité was recognized in Travel + Leisure magazine's 2002 "World's Best" Readers' Poll. The hotel was named in the "Top 50 Europe" category, which ranks the top 50 hotels located in Europe. To identify who is delivering the best in travel right now, Travel + Leisure conducted a survey of its readers for the last seven years. The August 2002 issue marks the first time an interactive (Internet) questionnaire was included in the survey.

"The result is our most comprehensive World's Best Awards to date, the product of hundreds of thousands of evaluations, and the most reliable key anywhere to excellence in travel," said Nathan Lump, of Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure magazine is a renowned source for information about travel, hotels, resorts, dining and entertainment. The content is geared towards the sophisticated, well-traveled person and has a monthly circulation of more than one million.

In addition to Hôtel de la Cité's recognition, Travel + Leisure readers also chose Hotel Cipriani (Venice) and Hotel Splendido (Portofino) in both the "Top 50 Europe" and "Top 100 Overall" categories.

Hôtel de la Cité blends history and elegance with modern comforts and personalized attention. Each of its 50 guestrooms and 11 suites are uniquely appointed with antique furnishings and luxurious fabrics. All air-conditioned rooms overlook the ivy-covered ramparts of the Cité, and offer marble bathrooms, televisions and direct-dial telephones. There is also a heated outdoor swimming pool majestically set among lush, tranquil gardens and statuesque cypresses and the only one inside the walled city. An 18-hole golf course and horseback riding are available nearby, as are other leisurely pursuits.

Offering both indoor and alfresco dining options, La Barbacane, the hotel's signature dining outlet that is open for dinner daily, is renowned for its innovative French cuisine, prepared under the direction of Executive Chef Franck Putelat, who was recently awarded his first Michelin Star in the 2002 Red Guide. Less formal dining options are available at Bistro Chez Saskia and the seasonal Le Jardin de L'Eveque café. The property also is a haven for business gatherings and social events, offering three well-equipped meeting rooms to accommodate groups up to 100 delegates. Hôtel de la Cité was purchased by Orient-Express Hotels in May 1997. Since that time, the company has invested millions of dollars into the property, which has long been known as a respite for luminaries, heads of state and other elite travelers.

Based in London and founded in 1976, Orient-Express Hotels (OEH) owns and operates 29 highly individual deluxe hotels worldwide, six tourist trains, a river cruise ship and two restaurants around the world including the recently acquired La Residencia in Deià, Mallorca and partnership with Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons in Oxfordshire, Great Britain. Each OEH entity, famous in its own right, offers a distinctive style and heritage, and is known for an unparalleled commitment to luxurious accommodation, personalized service and award-winning cuisine. In addition to Hotel Cipriani and Palazzo Vendramin - Venice Italy, the European Collection of Orient-Express Hotels include: Hotel Splendido & Splendido Mare - Portofino, Italy; Villa San Michele - Florence, Italy; Reid's Palace - Madeira, Portugal; Quinta do Lago - The Algarve, Portugal; Lapa Palace - Lisbon, Portugal and Hotel de la Cite - Carcassonne, France.

For information or reservations, please call The Leading Hotels of the World at (800) 223-6800 or visit their web site at www.hoteldelacite.orient-express.com.