A forerunner in the luxury business, Meurice Hotel in Calais, the first of its name, exists since 1771. First, the Royal Post House, "LE CHARIOT ROYAL", the owner, Charles-Augustin Meurice, had the brilliant idea to add an inn to provide luxury accomodation for English travellers. His son, Louis-Augustin Meurice, founded in 1818, the Hotel Meurice, rue de Rivoli, today, the most famous palace in Paris. The first hotel Meurice in Calais, destroyed during the last war, was rebuilt in 1954-55. Its imposing and massive structure, its outstanding inside volumes, its elegant main stair with wrought iron and brass bannister, its large and stylish main lounge, give it the image of a Castle, "mini-palace" as writen in some guides. The period furniture gives it even more this image of a Castle. * The gastronomic stop between Paris, London and Brussels, "La Diligence" welcomes you to its cosy and confortable decor, enchanced with oak panels. The "A la Carte" menu, worthy of the best restaurants, offers you a large choice of dishes. The Chef, Alain, likes to unleash his own imagination. You will marvel at his inventive, sometimes amazing, cooking. * The important "Carte des Vins" will allow you to harmonise the liaison between dish and wine. * Over better, why not open the door of "La Diligence" and enjoy the emotion of fine cooking. * Conservatory overlooking the inner garden of the hotel. Used for buffet breakfast but can also be booked as a meeting room (10-15 people). * Well appointed salon for conferences, exclusive meals/banquets (up to 160 guests), cocktail parties, family parties. * The hotel offers 39 rooms all refurbished with satellite TV, trouser press, tea and coffee facilities, telephone, modem connection and hairdyer. Meurice Hotel is just a 5 minutes'walk from both the train station and Calais beach, perfectly located for either shopping or sightseeing. If you've crossed by ferry or tunnel, this is your first sight of "abroad". It's amazing how different a place can be when it's so close. In Calais you can enjoy the cultural heritage of traditional French restaurants. Despite the town having been flattened in two 20th century wars, you can also find a lot of surviving glimpses into its fascinating past, if you know where to look. As the closest landing point in France, Calais has long been the port of passage across the Channel to England. The English occupied Calais from 1347 to 1558, after complaints from English merchants that the old port was a "den of pirates" raiding their ships. Calais Town Hall with its spectacular belfry, and the famous statue of the Six Burghers by Rodin. A haven of peace and tranquility... * Lesquin Airport - 100 km * Ferrycrossing, Calais - 5 km * Train Station, Frethun - 9 km * Local Train Station, Calais - 2 km