Hotel Eburon

Tongres

Tongres, a small commune in the Hesbaye Limbourgeoise region south of the province of Limbourg, takes visitors back in time from the Roman invasions led by Julius Caesar to the building of the ramparts around the city during the Medieval period. Tongres contains the vestiges of its former wealth as a provincial township. Today, visitors can take pleasant strolls through its narrow streets and enjoy the calm and serenity of country life. Halfway between the cities of Hasselt and Liège, Tongres provides easy access to these more animated sites whose numerous luxury brand names are a shopper’s paradise.

A deceptive appearance

Eburon was the name of the city of Tongres’ ancient fortress belonging to the Eburon tribe, which Julius Caesar considered the bravest of all the peoples of Gaul. The hotel of the same name is the newest addition to Limbourg’s Different Hotels group. It’s a four star hotel built within the walls of a 13^th century inn which welcomed pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The exterior façade is an historical monument and has remained unchanged. For this new creation, the Belgian group called on the architectural office of Peter Cornoedus and Partners, which had designed the hotel Carbon in Genk. “With the hotel Carbon, we had a lot more freedom. The Eburon is more of a renovation. Here, to create a totally coherent concept, we had to interact our creative ideas with the already existent elements,” the architect explains.

The result is striking; with modern and contemporary interiors in direct contrast to the classicism of the original structure. “We had practically carte blanche for the interior, and we created a completely different world. The fixtures are mainly contemporary, and there’s nothing that gives one the sensation of being in a convent.” Large arcades and windows allow in the light which is heightened by the vivid tones and colors of the hall. The 52 rooms, on the first floor, are all in white. “Here, the dominant color is white, complemented by more frivolous tones such as fuchsia. The white creates a link between the modern aspect and the serenity of the ancient elements.” The contemporary design is present in the furniture as well, most of which bear the signature of the most well-known Limbourg designers including “Le Couchon” by Yvan Berthels, lighting designed by the Belgian company, Kreon, furniture by Indera, etc.

The rooms contain a great deal of modern equipment including the Bose Sounddock System which enables guests to connect an Ipod directly. Guests can also receive an Ipod when they arrive and enjoy the benefits of a playlist adapted to the atmosphere of the rooms.