Lyon can make good claim to being the food capital of the world. Situated at a confluence of cultures and surrounded by some of the most fertile lands in all of France, the dishes served across the venerable old city are worth a visit all of their own: from expertly assembled fish quenelles to the indulgent offal sometimes served at breakfast, this is a town your taste buds won’t forget. Add to that the fact that it’s beautiful, boasting a fine line in medieval houses, winding streets, and sumptuous Baroque squares, why haven’t you booked a ticket already?
(Photo: Hôtel Vaubecour Booking.com )
In terms of hotels, Lyon is not, alas, the budget travellers dream: it’s a town better known for indulgence than saving, after all. But that doesn’t mean that low cost options don’t exist – and the one’s that do, that we’ve found at least, are some of the best value for money hotels around, shopping the same luxury as you’ll find elsewhere in the city, but at a far more reasonable price.
Hôtel Vaubecour
Subtly located inside a deliciously traditional apartment building, this wonderful hotel is brimming with original features, from parqueted floors to the filigreed fire places. It’s comfortable and cosy, too, with soft, warm beds, ideal to relax into after an indulgent night of Lyonaise cuisine. All mod cons – including WiFi, TVs, and ensuites – come as standard, in this great bargain, less than 50 metres from Lyon’s main train station.
Hotel Elysée
(Photo: Hotel Elysée Booking.com)
Great for those who want to be in the heart of things, this comfortably furnished hotel is just a short walk from Lyon’s central Place Bellecour, but is no less tranquil for that, thanks to its expertly sound-proofed rooms. As well as lift access, free WiFi, and TVs on offer, the Elysée serves breakfasts in its former vaulted cellar and there’s even a bar to start off or end a night on the town.
Ibis Budget Lyon Confluence
Among the things that make Lyon special is the fact that it was built at the confluence of two of France’s biggest rivers, the Rhône and the Saône, hence the name of this ibis budget hotel which really is one of the best places from which to explore the city if all you need in the evening is cleanliness, privacy, and a bed. No, it’s not flashy, but that’s kind of the point, and there’s no skimping on the essentials: WiFi, TVs, en suites, and A/C are all included. A great choice amid Lyon’s pricey establishments.
Hotel le Boulevardier
(Photo: Hotel le Boulevardier Courtesy Booking.com)
A more off-beat choice, filled with fun knick-knacks and character, Le Boulevardier is also an excellently located fun hotel with great staff. Located within one of Lyon’s historical, Renaissance buildings, the interior design here is 16th Century meets a French TGI Fridays, but somehow it works. Neither is there any skimping on the things you expect from a hotel: the free WiFi and the en suites are there, taking their place amid the other modern artefacts that occupy this an
Pilo Lyon
An exceptionally stylish hostel with an almost Scandi air, which proves there’s no need to slum it even if you’re on a shoe string budget. Everything here is neat and calm, with dorm bunks enclosed and offering a level of privacy you usually don’t get in shared sleeping quarters. There are private rooms too, if you’ve got the cash, and a highly recommended continental breakfast in the mornings – just in case Lyon’s famous offal breakfast doesn’t appeal every dawn.