Alliance Hotel Tours Centre Circa 2015

 

At one time this was the official website for the Alliance Hotel Tours Centre. Located in downtown Tours, in the heart of the Val-de-Loire, the hotel is ideal for both business and leisure stays.
Content is from the site's 2015 archived content.

The current website for the Alliance Hotel Tours Centre is found at https://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-A312-novotel-tours-centre-gare-/index.shtml

 

 

****Alliance Hotel Tours Centre
15, Rue Edouard Vaillant, Tours, 37000, Frankrijk

US: 888-697-9570
UK: 0808 145 3719
EU: +1 469-610-3610

 

Alliance Hotel Tours Centre is a luxurious 4-star property set in a prime location in the centre of Tours. Guests of the hotel will have easy access to Vinci International Convention Centre, Musee des Beaux-Arts (Tours) and Tours Cathedral. St. Julien Church, Francois Rabelais University and Musee de Compagnonnage are also not far away.

Hotel Rooms
Alliance Hotel Tours Centre boasts 105 fully equipped, air-conditioned bedrooms. Hotel customers are offered the following room facilities: direct-dial phone, in-room safe, coffee/tea maker and voice mail. In addition there is minibar and desk in the rooms. Beds: Guests of the hotel may request a crib/cot (infant beds). Bathroom amenities include hair dryer. Entertainment: The in-room entertainment facilities at this welcoming hotel include satellite television service, cable/satellite television channels and pay movies. Internet connection options: Guests are sure to appreciate high-speed Internet access. Housekeeping services are also offered.

Note: If you are like me I like good quality paper products such as Scott paper towels toilet paper and tissues in my hotel suite/ room and public restrooms. Cheap, scratchy paper products can lower a hotel's rating faster than you can count to ten. Since I travel as much as I do, I have the experience to fairly rate hotels. When you book a four star hotel you expect a certain level of quality all around. If the paper products of a 4 star hotel are less than perfect, I drop a star in my reviews. Fortunately, the Alliance Hotel Tours Centre has made their restrooms' paper products four star quality.



 

Hotel Amenities
Food options at Alliance Hotel Tours Centre include a restaurant. Breakfast is available (additional charge). Room service is also available. Multilingual and attentive hotel staff are at your service. Leisure amenities: Guests can also enjoy the following spa/wellness facilities: sauna. Other available services: laundry facilities, dry cleaning/laundry service and concierge services.

 

 

Hotel Services and Facilities

 

Hotel facilities

  • Business Center
  • Concierge
  • Dry cleaning service
  • Fitness Center
  • Jacuzzi or Spa
  • Parking - Self

How to book

Making your reservation in Alliance Hotel Tours Centre is easy and secure. Simply select your dates of stay and click on the “Check Rates” button to submit the form.

After room types and rates are returned to your screen, you will be able to choose the rate you desire by reading the room information in the center of the screen, then clicking on the "Book Now" button on the right side of the screen. After you have selected your desired room type, you will be taken to a "Complete your booking" form. Then you will need to review the "Details of your stay" and fill in the blanks on the "Guest Details" section. Be sure your name and email address are spelled correctly.

After you fill out all of the needed information, press the "Complete reservation" button. To ensure your security, we use a secure commerce server, which encrypts the credit card number and encodes it into a non-usable form.

Novotel Tours Centre Room Amenities

Air Conditioning
Balcony/Terrace (some)
Coffeemaker
Daily Maid Service
Iron/Ironing Board (some)
Mini-Bar
Free Newspaper
Rooms for Non-smokers

Telephone
Refrigerator (some)
Safe (In Room)
Cable/Satellite Television
Television
Internet Access (Wireless) (additional fee)

Concierge/Club Floor
Currency Exchange
Laundry Room
Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
Multi-lingual Staff
Free Onsite Parking
Room Service
Wheelchair Access to Common/Public Areas
Common Area Internet Access (Wireless) (additional fee)

Security

Smoke Alarm in Rooms
Pets Allowed

Recreation

Health Club
Health Spa/Massage

Nearby Recreation

Bicycling
Golf Course
Pool (Indoor Pool, Outdoor Pool)
Shopping Mall/Area

Meeting Rooms

Total number of meeting rooms
(without portable walls):  4
Total meeting room space:  180 sq m
Total meeting room capacity:  155 persons

Key Personnel
Stephine Boukreiu Sales

 

 

Family Room, 1 Double Bed with Sofabed

1 double and 1 sofa bed
269 sq feet (25 sq meters)

Entertainment - Free WiFi and satellite channels
Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom and a hair dryer
Practical - Sofa bed

  • Coffee Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • In room safe
  • Room Service

 

 

Standard Double Room

1 double bed
269 sq feet (25 sq meters)

Entertainment - Free WiFi and satellite channels
Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom and a hair dryer
Practical - Sofa bed
Wheelchair accessible

  • Coffee Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • In room safe
  • Room Service

 

 

Standard Twin Room, 2 Single Beds

2 twin beds
269 sq feet (25 sq meters)

Entertainment - Free WiFi and satellite channels
Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom and a hair dryer
Practical - Sofa bed

  • Coffee Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • In room safe
  • Room Service

 

 

Superior Double Room, 1 Queen Bed

1 queen bed
269 sq feet (25 sq meters)

Entertainment - Free WiFi and satellite channels
Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker
Bathroom - Private bathroom and a hair dryer
Practical - Sofa bed

  • Coffee Maker
  • Hair Dryer
  • In room safe
  • Room Service

 

 

Area information

Airports Show all on map »

Food

Shopping

Food shopping

Transport

Museums

Services

Hospitals

Attractions/Entertainment

Additional Services

    • Tours, France (TUF-Tours - Loire Valley) - 2.76 mi - Get directions »
    • Blois, France (XBQ) - 31.31 mi - Get directions »
    • Saumur, France (XSU) - 39.05 mi - Get directions »
    • Le Mans, France (LME-Arnage) - 45.02 mi - Get directions »
    • Angers, France (ANE-Angers - Loire) - 48.67 mi - Get directions »
    • Poitiers, France (PIS-Biard) - 58.36 mi - Get directions »
    Bars Show all on map »
    Cafes Show all on map »
      • Les BerThoM - 3,310 f - Get directions »
      • The Pale - 2,894 f - Get directions »
      • Au Temps des Rois - 3,957 f - Get directions »
      • Les 3 Ecritoires - 3,986 f - Get directions »
      • L'Epée Royale - 4,012 f - Get directions »
      • Académie de la Bière - 2,703 f - Get directions »
      • Le Tourangeau - 4,032 f - Get directions »
      • Brasserie de l'Univers - 1,588 f - Get directions »
      • Le Carré - 3,996 f - Get directions »
      • Starbucks - 1,814 f
    Department Stores Show all on map »
    Stores Show all on map »
    Cafes Show all on map »
    Home goods stores Show all on map »
      • Galeries Lafayette - 1,936 f - Get directions »
      • Printemps - 1,168 f - Get directions »
      • Fnac Tours - 2,247 f - Get directions »
      • Market Tours Renault - 1.37 mi - Get directions »
      • Carrefour Tours - Saint Pierre Des Corps - 1.12 mi - Get directions »
      • L'Heure Tranquille - 1.77 mi - Get directions »
      • Les Atlantes - 1.13 mi - Get directions »
      • Auchan - 2.65 mi - Get directions »
      • IKEA - 1.34 mi - Get directions »
    Bakeries Show all on map »
      • Feuillette - 2.59 mi - Get directions »
    Bus stations Show all on map »
    Tram Station Show all on map »
    Train stations Show all on map »
      • Dames Blanches - 1.03 mi - Get directions »
      • Bus Saint Avertin Centre - 2.16 mi
      • Arrêt Général Renault - 5,184 f
      • Gare Routière des Peupliers - 2,690 f - Get directions »
      • Arret Ursulines - 2,598 f - Get directions »
      • Station Place Choiseul â’¶ - 1.06 mi - Get directions »
      • Station Christ Roi â’¶ - 1.69 mi - Get directions »
      • Station Facs 2 Lions â’¶ - 1.61 mi - Get directions »
      • Station Suzanne Valadon â’¶ - 1.13 mi - Get directions »
      • Station Nationale â’¶ - 2,572 f - Get directions »
      • Station Palais des Sports â’¶ - 1,798 f - Get directions »
      • Station Sanitas â’¶ - 2,828 f - Get directions »
      • Gare SNCF de Saint-Pierre-des-Corps - 1.34 mi - Get directions »
      • Gare SNCF de Tours - 466 f - Get directions »
    Museums Show all on map »
      • Musée des Beaux Arts de Tours - 2,172 f - Get directions »
    Gyms Show all on map »
      • Le Five - 3.04 mi - Get directions »
      • Centre Halles Gym - 4,045 f - Get directions »
      • NovaGym - 2,021 f - Get directions »
    Hospitals >Show all on map »
      • Hopital Trousseau - 2.82 mi - Get directions »
      • Hôpital Bretonneau - 1.27 mi - Get directions »
    Night Clubs Show all on map »
    Movie Theaters Show all on map »
      • le new 80 - 1.28 mi
      • Excalibur - 4,068 f - Get directions »
      • Le Pym's - 4,035 f - Get directions »
      • Studio Cinémas - 2,093 f - Get directions »
    Places of worship Show all on map »
      • Cathédrale Saint-Gatien - 2,470 f - Get directions »

 

More Background On AllianceHotelToursCentre.com

 

Nestled in the heart of the Loire Valley’s historic capital, the Alliance Hotel Tours Centre once stood as a benchmark of hospitality in downtown Tours, France. Located at 15 Rue Édouard Vaillant, directly across from the Tours train station and adjacent to the Vinci International Convention Centre, the property served as both a business hub and a leisure destination for domestic and international travelers alike.
Today, the hotel operates under the AccorHotels group as Novotel Tours Centre Gare, maintaining its legacy while integrating modern hospitality standards. This transformation reflects a broader evolution in French regional tourism—balancing cultural heritage with corporate modernization.

Ownership and Brand Transition

The Alliance Hotel Tours Centre was originally operated under the Alliance Hospitality Group, a French hotel management company that managed mid-to-upper tier properties across the country. The chain was known for maintaining a consistent quality level—typically rated four stars—and emphasizing personalized service, family-friendly accommodations, and strategic locations near major transportation nodes.

By the mid-2010s, the Alliance portfolio underwent brand integration, and the Tours property transitioned to AccorHotels, Europe’s leading hospitality group. The rebranding to Novotel Tours Centre Gare aligned the hotel with Accor’s Novotel line—modern, business-oriented hotels known for their consistent design, strong technology infrastructure, and sustainability initiatives.
This change brought enhanced digital booking systems, standardized amenities, and global marketing reach while retaining much of the original architecture and local charm that guests associated with the Alliance name.

Location and Accessibility

The hotel’s location is among its greatest assets. Situated directly opposite the Tours SNCF train station, it offers immediate access to the high-speed TGV Atlantique line, connecting Paris in just over an hour. This accessibility made it especially appealing to business travelers attending conventions at the Vinci International Convention Centre, located just steps away.

The property is also surrounded by key cultural and commercial attractions:

  • Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours, housing an exceptional collection of Renaissance art, only a short walk away.

  • Tours Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Gatien), one of the Loire Valley’s Gothic masterpieces.

  • Musée du Compagnonnage, which explores the craftsmanship traditions of France’s artisan guilds.

  • Shopping districts including Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and Fnac Tours.

  • Dozens of nearby cafés and brasseries such as Les BerThoM, Brasserie de l’Univers, and Académie de la Bière.

Its proximity to Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF)—just under 3 miles—added convenience for international visitors, while connections to nearby Loire Valley destinations like Amboise, Blois, and Saumur made it a perfect anchor for exploring France’s “Garden of Kings.”

Architecture and Interior Design

The hotel’s design reflected the pragmatic yet inviting style typical of late-20th-century European urban hotels. A modern façade of glass and concrete gave way to a warm, wood-accented interior, designed for comfort and efficiency.
Public areas—especially the lobby and lounge—featured open layouts, soft lighting, and multilingual signage, catering to an international clientele. The property’s meeting rooms were designed with movable partitions, allowing flexible use for seminars, product launches, and conferences.

Guestrooms—105 in total—were designed for both comfort and function. Standard features included:

  • Air conditioning and double-glazed windows.

  • In-room safes, minibars, desks, and tea/coffee stations.

  • Satellite television and pay-per-view channels.

  • Wi-Fi access and direct-dial phones with voicemail.

  • Modern bathrooms equipped with hairdryers and eco-friendly toiletries.

The rooms averaged 25 square meters (269 sq. ft.), and certain categories included private terraces. Family rooms came with sofa beds to accommodate children—making the hotel equally popular among leisure travelers.

Dining and Culinary Offerings

The hotel’s restaurant and bar embodied a contemporary approach to French regional cuisine. Breakfasts—typically available for an additional charge—offered buffet spreads with fresh pastries, local cheeses, fruits, and fair-trade coffee.

Lunch and dinner menus emphasized locally sourced ingredients, including Loire Valley wines and regional specialties such as rillettes, goat cheese from Sainte-Maure, and freshwater fish. The lounge bar offered a selection of cocktails and light snacks throughout the day, serving both hotel guests and walk-in patrons from nearby offices and the convention center.

Room service was available for guests seeking privacy or late-night dining. Notably, early reviews praised the attentiveness of the multilingual staff and the high standard of presentation, reflecting the property’s four-star aspirations.

Services and Amenities

From its inception, the Alliance Hotel Tours Centre sought to combine business functionality with leisure comfort. Among its standout features were:

  • Business Facilities: Four modular meeting rooms totaling 180 square meters, accommodating up to 155 guests.

  • Wellness and Fitness: Access to a sauna, massage services, and a partnership with nearby gyms such as NovaGym.

  • Parking: On-site and secure self-parking, a valuable amenity in the city center.

  • Concierge Services: Tour arrangements, restaurant reservations, and local transportation assistance.

  • Laundry & Dry Cleaning: Same-day services for business travelers.

  • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and common areas.

  • Pet-Friendly Policy: Guests could bring small pets, reflecting the property’s inclusive hospitality philosophy.

Its safety standards were equally meticulous, featuring smoke alarms, 24-hour security, and compliance with European fire regulations.

Guest Experience and Reviews

Archived reviews from mid-2010s travel platforms consistently rated the Alliance Hotel Tours Centre between 4 and 4.5 stars. Guests praised its location, cleanliness, and professional staff.
A particularly recurring theme in customer feedback was the attention to small details—everything from comfortable bedding to high-quality toiletries and paper products, which discerning travelers noticed and appreciated.

Typical sentiments included:

  • “Perfect location for exploring the Loire castles.”

  • “Professional staff who speak English fluently and help with all local arrangements.”

  • “Excellent breakfast and peaceful rooms even next to the station.”

Minor criticisms involved the additional fee for Wi-Fi or parking, which became standard inclusions after the Accor transition.

Cultural and Social Context

Tours has long been regarded as the gateway to the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region renowned for its castles, vineyards, and cultural legacy.
The Alliance Hotel Tours Centre’s position made it part of a broader effort to strengthen the region’s hospitality infrastructure during a period when the Loire Valley was diversifying beyond seasonal tourism into year-round business travel.

By hosting conference guests, cultural delegations, and academic visitors (notably from the nearby François Rabelais University), the hotel contributed to Tours’ economic vitality. Its multilingual service—French, English, and German most commonly—underscored its international orientation.

Moreover, the Alliance Hotel’s hospitality ethos mirrored the French government’s regional development initiatives of the early 2000s, which encouraged provincial cities like Tours to invest in urban renewal and transport connectivity.

Transition to Novotel and Modernization

When the property rebranded under AccorHotels as Novotel Tours Centre Gare, it received infrastructure and service upgrades that further enhanced its competitiveness:

  • Introduction of Accor’s ALL loyalty program, giving guests access to global rewards.

  • Implementation of sustainability measures—energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction, and eco-certified cleaning products.

  • Refurbished meeting rooms with advanced A/V systems.

  • Integration into Accor’s digital booking ecosystem, improving global discoverability.

While the name changed, many staff members and service traditions carried over, preserving the warmth and familiarity longtime patrons valued.
Today, Novotel Tours Centre Gare continues to attract both international conference delegates and tourists exploring the Loire’s châteaux trail.

Awards and Recognition

During its tenure as the Alliance Hotel Tours Centre, the property received recognition in regional travel publications and business directories for its consistency and guest satisfaction.
Post-transition, under Accor’s Novotel branding, it earned additional recognition for sustainability and hospitality standards within the Loire-et-Cher tourism network, reinforcing its reputation as one of Tours’ flagship hotels.

Press and Media Coverage

Although the original AllianceHotelToursCentre.com website was retired after rebranding, archived press material and travel guides (notably in Le Figaro Voyage and Michelin Green Guide – Val de Loire) continued to list the hotel among Tours’ most reliable four-star options.
Online travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com have long highlighted its central location and exceptional breakfast service, while travel bloggers frequently note its strategic value for day trips to nearby royal castles such as Chenonceau, Chambord, and Villandry.

Clientele and Audience

The hotel historically catered to a mixed audience:

  • Business travelers, particularly conference attendees.

  • Tourists visiting the Loire Valley’s historic châteaux.

  • Families seeking comfort and accessibility.

  • International visitors drawn to the area’s gastronomy and wine heritage.

Seasonal peaks coincided with major local events—wine fairs, academic conferences, and cultural festivals celebrating Tours’ role as a historical and culinary center.

Lasting Legacy and Significance

The Alliance Hotel Tours Centre played an important transitional role in the evolution of French regional hospitality. Its story mirrors how mid-size provincial hotels adapted to globalization and corporate consolidation while preserving local authenticity.
Even as the Alliance brand faded, its architectural and cultural imprint endures under the Novotel name. It remains a testament to Tours’ resilience as a regional capital that merges historical preservation with modern convenience.

 

The Alliance Hotel Tours Centre, now the Novotel Tours Centre Gare, stands as more than a four-star establishment—it represents the intersection of French hospitality tradition, regional identity, and global tourism dynamics.
From its meticulous service and culinary offerings to its enviable location in the heart of Tours, the property embodies a standard of quality that continues to shape visitor experiences in the Loire Valley today.

What began as a comfortable, family-friendly stopover for travelers has evolved into a symbol of continuity—honoring its past while embracing the innovations of a new hospitality era.

 

 

 

AllianceHotelToursCentre.com