Hotel Metropole

Hotel Metropole
	; The Hotel Metropole; 1744 AN.
Location	Diplomatie, Fontainebleau, Alduria
Opening date	1681 AN
Developer	Compagnie Hoteliere d'Alduria
Architect	Philippe-Auguste Delacroix and Maximilian Ehrhardt
Owner	Metropole Hospitality Group
Number of rooms	412
Number of suites	87
Number of floors	7
Parking information	Valet parking and secure underground parking

Hotel Metropole (Alexandrian: Hotel Metropole; Martino: Hotel Metropole) is a historic luxury hotel located in the Diplomatie district of Fontainebleau, Alduria, in Nouvelle Alexandrie. Constructed in 1681 AN in the architectural style of the old Alexandrian city of Geneva, the hotel has served as the premier diplomatic venue in Eura for over seven decades. The Hotel Metropole gained international prominence as the principal site for the Fontainebleau Accords negotiations beginning in 1691 AN, and has since hosted numerous Raspur Pact summits, state visits, and high-level diplomatic conferences.

The hotel occupies a commanding position on the cliffs overlooking the North Raynorian Sea, with 412 guest rooms, 87 suites, and extensive conference facilities spread across its seven floors. Its combination of historic grandeur, world-class security infrastructure, and proximity to the headquarters of the Euran Economic Union and other international organizations has established it as the preferred accommodation for heads of state, senior diplomats, and distinguished guests visiting Fontainebleau.

History

The Hotel Metropole was commissioned in 1679 AN by the Compagnie Hoteliere d'Alduria, a consortium of Aldurian investors and hoteliers who recognized the potential of the Southern Aldurian Riviera as a destination for wealthy travelers from Constancia, Natopia, and other nations. The consortium engaged Philippe-Auguste Delacroix, a prominent architect from Punta Santiago, to design a hotel that would evoke the elegance of the old Alexandrian city of Geneva, which had been renowned for its grand hotels before the collapse of Alexandria in 1571 AN.

Construction began in early 1680 AN on a clifftop site previously occupied by a Babkhi merchant's villa. Delacroix collaborated with Maximilian Ehrhardt, a Constancian engineer, to address the challenges of building on the rocky promontory while maximizing the panoramic views of the coastline. The hotel opened its doors on 15.VIII.1681 AN, with a gala reception attended by dignitaries from across Alduria and neighboring nations.

The early years of the Hotel Metropole coincided with the rapid development of the Southern Aldurian Riviera as a fashionable resort destination. The hotel quickly established itself as the most exclusive address on the coast, attracting aristocrats, industrialists, and cultural figures. Its casino, which operated until 1702 AN, became a favored gathering place for the Aldurian and Constancian elite.

Rise to diplomatic prominence (1691-1700)

The Hotel Metropole's transformation into a diplomatic institution began in 1691 AN, when the Government of Alduria-Wechua selected it as the venue for a major conference of Euran nations. The Fontainebleau Accords negotiations brought delegations from Alduria-Wechua, Constancia, the Suren Confederacy, and Zeed to the hotel for weeks of intensive discussions. The hotel's management converted entire floors into secure diplomatic zones, and the staff demonstrated exceptional discretion during the sensitive negotiations that often continued late into the evening.

The success of the 1691 AN conference established a precedent. The Euran Economic Union, created as a result of the Accords, was initially administered from temporary offices within the hotel before moving to purpose-built facilities. Subsequent rounds of the Fontainebleau Accords in 1694 AN, 1708 AN, and 1727 AN all took place at the Hotel Metropole, cementing its status as the de facto diplomatic capital of Eura.

Expansion and modernization (1700-1730)

The hotel underwent its first major expansion between 1704 AN and 1708 AN, adding the Delacroix Wing on the eastern side of the property. This expansion added 120 rooms, a dedicated conference center, and the Grand Ballroom, which could accommodate state dinners for up to 800 guests. The original casino was converted into additional meeting spaces during this period.

A second expansion in 1722 AN added the Diplomatic Pavilion, a separate structure connected to the main building by an enclosed bridge. The Pavilion was designed specifically for high-security conferences, featuring its own entrance, dedicated communications infrastructure, and accommodation for security details. This facility was constructed in response to the growing complexity of international summitry and the need for enhanced security measures.

The hotel also invested in modernizing its guest facilities during this period, installing advanced climate control systems, upgrading its telecommunications capabilities, and renovating its restaurants to meet the expectations of an increasingly sophisticated clientele.

The Raspur Pact era (1730-present)

As Nouvelle Alexandrie emerged as a leading member of the Raspur Pact, the Hotel Metropole became an increasingly important venue for alliance diplomacy. The Community of Goldfield held several coordination meetings at the hotel, and the Committee of Euran Salvation has used its facilities for emergency consultations.

The Fontainebleau Conference of 1745 AN, which addressed the crisis precipitated by the 1744 Oportian coup d'etat and the escalating tensions that would lead to the Fourth Euran War, represented one of the most consequential gatherings in the hotel's history. Raspur Pact leadership met in the Diplomatic Pavilion to debate what officials termed the "Oportian Question," with the discussions continuing around the clock for several days.

The hotel survived the Fourth Euran War without damage, though it operated at reduced capacity during the conflict as many of its staff were mobilized for civil defense duties. Following the restoration of peace and the successful democratic transition in Oportia, the Hotel Metropole resumed its role as the premier venue for Euran diplomacy.

Architecture and facilities

Main building

The main building of the Hotel Metropole exemplifies the Neo-Genevan architectural style that Delacroix pioneered. The facade features cream-colored limestone quarried from the hills above Fontainebleau, with ornate wrought-iron balconies on every floor. The roofline is punctuated by copper-clad dormer windows that have weathered to a distinctive verdigris patina. The central entrance is marked by a porte-cochere supported by Corinthian columns, providing covered access for arriving guests.

The interior public spaces are organized around the Grand Atrium, a six-story space capped by a stained glass dome depicting allegorical figures representing the nations of Eura. The original glass was replaced in 1715 AN after damage from a severe storm, with the new design incorporating representations of Nouvelle Alexandrie and other nations that had emerged since the hotel's construction.

Delacroix Wing

The Delacroix Wing, completed in 1708 AN, extends eastward from the main building along the clifftop. Its architecture harmonizes with the original structure while incorporating more modern elements, including larger windows and more open floor plans. The wing contains the Grand Ballroom, which features parquet floors of imported hardwoods, crystal chandeliers from Constancia, and acoustic panels concealed behind decorative moldings.

Diplomatic Pavilion

The Diplomatic Pavilion stands apart from the main complex, connected by a 40-meter enclosed bridge that crosses a landscaped courtyard. The Pavilion's exterior presents a restrained classical facade that conceals its specialized purpose. The building contains:

Four state-of-the-art conference rooms with simultaneous interpretation facilities;
A secure communications center with encrypted links to government networks;
Two reception halls for diplomatic functions;
Twenty VIP suites with enhanced security features;
A dedicated kitchen facility for state dinners;
Underground parking with secure vehicle inspection.

The Pavilion can be isolated from the main hotel and operated independently during sensitive conferences. Its security systems have been upgraded multiple times, most recently in 1743 AN following a comprehensive review by New Alexandrian and Constancian security services.

Gardens and grounds

The hotel grounds encompass approximately 12 hectares of landscaped gardens designed in the formal Alexandrian style. The Jardin des Diplomates, a walled garden adjacent to the Diplomatic Pavilion, provides a secure outdoor space for informal discussions. The Promenade du Littoral, a paved walkway along the cliff edge, offers views of the coastline and has been the setting for many photographed moments of diplomatic history.

Services and amenities

Accommodation

The Hotel Metropole offers 412 guest rooms and 87 suites across its main building and Delacroix Wing. Room categories include:

Classic Rooms (180): 35-45 square meters, garden or courtyard views;
Superior Rooms (142): 45-55 square meters, partial sea views;
Deluxe Rooms (90): 55-70 square meters, full sea views;
Junior Suites (47): 70-90 square meters, living area and balcony;
Executive Suites (28): 90-120 square meters, separate bedroom and living room;
Grand Suites (10): 120-180 square meters, multiple rooms and private terrace;
Presidential Suite (1): 350 square meters, three bedrooms and private dining room;
Royal Suite (1): 420 square meters, four bedrooms, private terrace, and dedicated staff.

The Presidential and Royal Suites occupy the top floor of the main building and have hosted heads of state from across Micras. Both suites can be secured for official visits, with their own elevator access and the ability to accommodate security details in adjacent rooms.

Dining

The hotel operates six restaurants and bars:

Le Raynorian: The flagship restaurant, serving contemporary Alexandrian cuisine with an emphasis on local seafood. The restaurant holds three stars in the Guide Gastronomique d'Alduria.
Terrasse Metropole: An outdoor restaurant on the main terrace offering Mediterranean-influenced dishes and panoramic views.
Le Genevan: A formal dining room serving classic Alexandrian Continental cuisine, often used for private diplomatic dinners.
Salon Oriental: A restaurant specializing in Babkhi and Surenid cuisine, reflecting the hotel's Euran clientele.
Bar Diplomate: The principal bar, known for its extensive collection of spirits and wines from across Micras.
Le Petit Dejeuner: The breakfast room, offering both buffet and a la carte service.

Conference and event facilities

Beyond the Diplomatic Pavilion, the hotel offers extensive facilities for meetings and events:

Grand Ballroom: Capacity for 800 guests seated or 1,200 for receptions;
Salon Fontainebleau: Divisible space for up to 400 guests;
Salon Alduria: Boardroom-style space for 60;
Eight smaller meeting rooms seating 12-30 persons each;
Business center with secretarial services;
Helipad on the hotel grounds (added 1736 AN).

Other amenities

Full-service spa and wellness center;
Indoor and outdoor swimming pools;
Fitness center;
Tennis courts;
Private beach access via funicular;
Concierge services including yacht charter arrangements;
On-site florist and gift shop.

Notable events

The Hotel Metropole has hosted numerous events of diplomatic and historical significance:

Year	Event	Significance
1691 AN	First Fontainebleau Accords	Establishment of the Euran Economic Union
1694 AN	Second Fontainebleau Accords	Ratification ceremonies and EEU operational launch
1708 AN	Third Fontainebleau Accords	Creation of the Committee of Euran Salvation
1722 AN	Community of Goldfield Summit	Admission of Suren Confederacy and Zeed to the CoG
1727 AN	Fourth Fontainebleau Accords	Post-Recession of 1726 economic coordination
1735 AN	Euran Clean Air Summit	Regional environmental cooperation agreement
1745 AN	Fontainebleau Conference	Raspur Pact consultations on the "Oportian Question"
1749 AN	Alexandrium Summit	Treaty of Fontainebleau on Alexandrium Coordination
1751 AN	Federation-wide Sports Summit of 1751	Adoption of the Fontainebleau Declaration on Sports, 1751

Notable guests

The hotel maintains a policy of discretion regarding its guests, but the presence of certain dignitaries at diplomatic events has been publicly acknowledged. Notable guests have included:

King Manco Capac I of Nouvelle Alexandrie
King Sinchi Roca II of Nouvelle Alexandrie
Basileus Giakoumis II of Constancia
Empress Vadoma I of Natopia
Isabella Betancourt, Chancellor of Natopia
Jean-Michel Lavaud, Premier of Alduria-Wechua
Juan Pablo Jimenez, Premier of Nouvelle Alexandrie
Jose Manuel Montero, Premier of Nouvelle Alexandrie
Maximinus Kerularios, business magnate and diplomat
The Countess Palatine of Mirioth and Amity

The hotel's guest book, displayed in a locked case in the Grand Atrium, contains the signatures of dozens of heads of state, foreign ministers, and other distinguished visitors spanning seven decades.

Ownership and management

The Hotel Metropole was founded by the Compagnie Hoteliere d'Alduria, which operated the property until 1712 AN. That year, the Compagnie was acquired by HotelBev, the largest hospitality conglomerate on the Southern Aldurian Riviera. HotelBev invested significantly in the property's expansion and modernization while preserving its historic character.

In 1738 AN, the hotel's ownership was restructured. The property itself was transferred to the Metropole Hospitality Group, a special purpose entity whose shareholders include the Government of Alduria, the Euran Economic Union, and private investors. HotelBev retained a long-term management contract. This arrangement was designed to ensure the hotel's continued availability for diplomatic functions while maintaining private-sector operational standards.

The current General Manager is Henriette Beaumont-Laval, who has held the position since 1744 AN. The hotel employs approximately 650 permanent staff, with additional personnel engaged during major events.

Security

The Hotel Metropole maintains security arrangements that exceed typical hospitality industry standards, reflecting its role as a diplomatic venue. The hotel's security operations are coordinated with the Federal Gendarmerie of Nouvelle Alexandrie and, during international events, with the protection services of visiting delegations.

Standard security measures include:

24-hour manned security presence;
Comprehensive CCTV coverage of public areas and perimeter;
Vehicle inspection facilities at all entrances;
Secure storage for sensitive materials;
Background verification for all employees.

During diplomatic conferences, additional measures are implemented in coordination with federal authorities. The Diplomatic Pavilion contains hardened communications facilities and can be operated as a secure zone independent of the main hotel.

Cultural significance

The Hotel Metropole has appeared in numerous works of New Alexandrian literature and film, typically as a symbol of diplomatic intrigue or aristocratic elegance. The hotel's distinctive silhouette, with its copper-topped turrets visible from the sea, has become an iconic image of Fontainebleau and the Southern Aldurian Riviera.

The phrase "a Metropole moment" has entered New Alexandrian political vocabulary, referring to breakthrough agreements reached during intensive negotiations, in reference to the many diplomatic achievements that have occurred within the hotel's walls.

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