Best Lyon Hotels in the City Center
There’s always something extra special about Lyon. Having visited several times, these are the Lyon city center hotels I recommend for luxury, families, mid-range and budget.
Note: Hotels outside of Lyon may be slightly lower in price. But I don’t believe in spending more than 30 minutes commuting for a hotel.
Plus, I hate wasting the day commuting- it takes away from the actual time to visit the sites. I believe you can find good hotels in the city center.
Head’s up: I had my Harry Potter invisibility cloak on. This is an unpaid review and 100% my own opinion. This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission. This allows me to keep this blog going and provides you with free content.
Best Area of Lyon to Stay?
Lyon has many neigborhoods like Presqu’ile, Vieux Lyon (old town), Guillotiere and Croix Rousse. My top pick has alway been Presqu’ile. It’s at the city center between the Rhone and Saone rivers and it’s where you want to be.
It’s not as loud and touristic as Vieux Lyon, and not at the top of a hill like Croix Rousse (which makes it harder to travel to and from). Also there aren’t a variety of hotels at Croix Rousse, most of the good hotels are concentrated in Presqu’île.
Presqu’île is also home to many of the city’s top shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as some of its most iconic landmarks like Place Bellecour and the Musée des Beaux Arts. If you want to be in the heart of the city, Presqu’ile is the neighborhood for you.
Areas to avoid in Lyon: Personally, I avoid staying at Guillotiere as a neighborhood. While I wouldn’t say it’s unsafe, many locals admit it has its issues. It has great vintage shops to visit during the daytime, I would just avoid living there.
What to Know Before Booking Accommodation in Lyon
Lyon is a popular destination. Most good hotels in Lyon are booked early especially during Lyon festivals & events. As such in order to get the greatest offers, rates, and accommodation, it’s best to reserve your stay well in advance.
I use booking.com and have been using them for years. They are convenient and price match so if you find a cheaper rate elsewhere, they will reimburse you the difference. They are also flexible and can offer free cancellation and no prepayment. Make sure to read the conditions for your property when booking.
Most of the hotels are taken early so be sure to book your stay early.
Search for Accommodation in Lyon, France
Booking.comMy Top pick Hotels in Lyon (near Presqu’île):
*Note: all of these are in Presqu’île with the exception of Warwick Reine Astrid (2.3 km away).
Best Luxury Hotels in Lyon:
❤️️ Intercontinental Hotel
If you want to plan a romantic trip for your anniversary, or propose and want to get the right ambience, service and chic intertwined then the InterContinental Hotel is one of the best Lyon 5 star hotels. Located in the Hotel Dieu a former hospital with the most charming French architecture and peaceful courtyards. The place really makes it charm.
It’s also right next to Place de Bellecour, Rue de la Republique (Lyon’s main shopping street), and right at the foot of the Cour du Mid mini shopping center.
This is the first hotel I stayed at when I first visited Lyon and it’s a beautiful way to start your trip. If it’s your first time in Lyon, I recommend staying here.
❤️️ Hotel Boscolo
The Hotel Boscolo is modern, elegant and chic hotel right at the city center of Lyon. It is better value (price-wise) than the famous hotel in Hotel Dieu of similar standing. I have stayed in both. I recommend the first for the ambience and charm of the location (especially for Lyon first-timers).
Boscolo is better value- the rooms are larger for the price (great for second-timer visitors to Lyon or if you want the luxury experience that is still accessible). It’s also a Lyon 5 star hotel. The rooms are also designed on the (Little Prince) Petit Prince theme. Uhh who can resist.
It’s also beautifully centrally located in the city center near rue de la Republique
Top tip: As a vegan, skip the breakfasts and head to Zoe Café in Croix Rousse (a vegan bakery).
Family Hotel in Lyon:
❤️️ Warwick Reine Astrid
Situated near the Parc des Tetes D’or, and (2.3 km from the city center) the Warwick Reine Astrid in Lyon is an excellent choice hotel for families and if you’re looking for more space and a kitchenette.
Their elegant and tastefully decorated premium suites offer a large space with a kitchenette so you can do some cooking or prepare meals if you have dietary restrictions (vegan, allergies, or gf) in Lyon and need to cook.
Their prices are also excellent value for groups (4-5 guests).
Best Mid-range Hotel in Lyon:
❤️️ Mercure Lyon Plaza Republique
I stayed at this Mercure Hotel and the price and location were of great value. We had a guest and wanted to show them around the city. Very centrally located and near everything.
You can read My Honest Opinion Here
Budget & Quirky Hotel in Lyon:
❤️️ Hôtel Le Boulevardier
The Hôtel Le Boulevardier is set in a Renaissance building right at the heart of Lyon. Their rooms are atypique (as the French would say), fun and quirky.
It’s only 300 meters from the Cordelier metro station (I found myself using this station daily to go everywhere)
No matter what your budget or travel style, Lyon has plenty of great hotel options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for luxury or affordability, I hope I’ve proved to you in this guide that there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.
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