Will the Grand Hôtel du Tonneau d’Or ever reopen? The question has become more and more pressing since the closure of the establishment located at 1, rue Reiset in Belfort, on March 16.
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Financial difficulties
There are many causes. The 52-room hotel is facing financial difficulties.
After several weeks of closure due to the health crisis, the establishment, which like many hotels has to face profitability problems, no longer has cash. Charges have been deferred by the state but will need to be paid.
At the same time, other invoices have not been paid despite several reminders from creditors. There is a need to pay off debts.
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Lack of maintenance
In addition, the establishment suffers from a lack of maintenance. “There has not been any major work in recent years,” confirms a former employee. “When I was still working there, we had complaints from customers about the lack of room maintenance. “
Aware of the problem, Patrick Zannolfi, new manager since June, decided to take advantage of the ambient uncertainty to refresh and beautify the premises. At the end of spring, he started work on the reception hall, from floor to ceiling. An upgrade of the building and a renovation of the rooms were to follow, with a view to reopening in January 2021.
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Interrupted work
“It is true that the hotel continued to receive reservation requests for rooms, seminars or groups”, indicates a former employee. “We had clients who liked to come here for its setting and the proximity to the city center and the old town. We had to refuse their reservation. “
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But the work has stopped. And the employees were invited to a meeting with their boss. Officially to talk about the future of the prestigious and majestic hotel. In fact, the individual interviews aimed to offer employees a conventional termination of their employment contract.
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A senior residence? Apartments ?
“We were offered to sign it,” said a former employee. “Some colleagues accepted. Others hesitate or wait for a possible redundancy. “
According to our information, the manager, whom we have not managed to reach, is considering the possibility of transforming the establishment into a senior residence or into apartments.
“In my opinion, the hotel will close, which will put an end to an adventure that began on August 24, 1992,” laments a former employee. “It’s sad for Belfort, its inhabitants and our customers. “
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