Grand Hotel Nuremberg

1895 Mr Oskar Weigel bought an old farmhouse with a hopbarn next door from the Heidenreich family and combined the two into a first class hotel – the Grand Hotel 1896 The Grand Hotel opens it’s doors to the public 1906 Mr. Rudolf Lotz took over as the new owner. Aristocrats and other famous guests adopted the Grand Hotel as ‚the‘ only address in Nürnberg 1930 The second world war caused a brief halt in the more and more increasing popularity of the Grand Hotel 1945 After the rebuilding the hotel was used as head quarters of the occupying US Army for some years 1954 Soon after the hotel has been given back to its original owner, the Lotz family, not only business men an politicians came back to their favourite hotel in Nürnberg, also international entertainers such as Bob Dylan, Harry Belafonte, The Beatles, Herbert von Karajan, Joe Cocker, Robbie Williams and many more came to stay at the Grand Hotel 1980 Penta Hotels took over the Grand Hotel 1988 Forte Hotels PLC purchased the Grand Hotel and started immediately with a major refurbishment. The ground floor was renovated in the same style as of the year of the first opening of the hotel. All rooms were totally refurbished and provided with air-condition. 2001 Le Méridien Hotels were sold to Nomura. The Le Méridien Hotels provide French style, elegance and service, whilst respecting the culture and tradition of the country. 2002 The LE MERDIEN GRAND HOTEL NUREMBERG hosts, during the SPD party convention, the leading top management of the party. Amongst them chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Rudolf Scharping, Wolfgang Thierse and Franz Müntefering. 2003 The long time general manager of the hotel, Mr. Horst Berl, retired in November. His successor, Mr. Ingo Hörnecke, did his apprenticeship at the GRAND HOTEL. Since November 2005 the Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg is a part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts. More than 850 new travel destinations worldwide open up for corporate clients as well as frequent guests of the GRAND HOTEL. Additionally the advantages of many bonus programs can be used. Through Starwood the philosophy of the management changed as well. With the help of programs such as Six Sigma and Blue Ocean Starwood implements new standards within the hotel industry. 2005 The General Rehearsal for the World Cup 2007 During the "Mini World Cup" – the Confederations Cup™ - Nuremberg was one of the venues for the games. The Brazilian national team, the later winner of the Cup was staying for four days in the Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg. This was the perfect general rehearsal for the GRAND HOTEL. At this point it was already confirmed that the GRAND HOTEL would host five teams during the world cup 2006. It has obtained a good reputation for its excellent kitchen and first class accommodation. In its day, it was the only residence for celebrities, aristocrats and business people during their stay in Nuremberg. In 1906, in the style of the time, the Le Méridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg received its characteristic stately appearance. A few years ago, the hotel was completely renovated to a new standard of brilliance. Crystal mirrors and chandeliers, ceilings with lit stained glass and polished marble floors create a splendid atmosphere. The 182 luxurious guest rooms and suites, all have an individual, controllable air conditioning system, and all of them offer the highest standard of service and comfort. One can expect, and find, a Grand Hotel combined with the optimum of technical facilities. 2007 Germany holds the Presidency of the European Council. In March the EU-ASEAN conference is taking place in Nuremberg. The foreign secretaries of the ASEAN countries and the foreign secretaries of the European Union were meeting in the Franconian metropolis. The Le Méridien Grand Hotel was exclusively booked by the German officials. For two days the GRAND HOTEL became to the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs. 17 Asian and European foreign secretaries were staying during this time in one of the 5 executive and 12 junior suites of the hotel. 2008 The Dalai Lama is visiting Germany! During his stay in the City of Human Rights he stayed in the LE MERIDIEN GRAND HOTEL.