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Lyon
Welcome to Lyon, the vibrant gastronomic capital of France. A city of immense history, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town and Roman ruins, Lyon is a true feast for the senses. From its famous ‘traboules’ (hidden passageways) to its legendary ‘bouchons’ (traditional eateries), this guide to the best luxury hotels in Lyon reveals the city’s most prestigious stays.
Welcome to Lyon: The Gastronomic Capital of France
Welcome to Lyon, the vibrant and undisputed gastronomic capital of France, and a city of immense and diverse history. With its magnificent UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vieux Lyon) and its impressive ancient Roman ruins, Lyon is a true feast for all the senses. From its famous and secretive ‘traboules’ (hidden passageways that weave through buildings) to its legendary ‘bouchons’ (traditional and convivial eateries that define the city’s culinary soul), this comprehensive guide to the best luxury hotels in Lyon will reveal the city’s most prestigious, historic, and design-led stays for an unforgettable and delicious journey.
1. InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu
The Place: A spectacular and iconic hotel housed in a magnificent and beautifully restored section of the historic 18th-century Grand Hôtel-Dieu, one of the city’s most emblematic buildings. The hotel is a masterpiece of design, masterfully blending its monumental historic architecture with a chic and sophisticated contemporary style. It is simply breathtaking.
My Top Pick: The magnificent main hotel bar, Le Dôme, which is located beneath the spectacular and monumental 32-meter-high historic dome, is an absolutely unforgettable place.
1. InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu: A Monument Reborn
The Place: A truly spectacular and iconic hotel, the InterContinental is housed in a magnificent and beautifully restored section of the historic 18th-century Grand Hôtel-Dieu, which for centuries served as the city’s main hospital and is one of its most emblematic buildings. The hotel is a true masterpiece of design, masterfully blending its monumental and protected historic architecture, including soaring vaulted ceilings and magnificent stone corridors, with a chic, sophisticated, and deeply comfortable contemporary style. It is simply breathtaking.
My Top Pick: The magnificent main hotel bar, Le Dôme, is an absolute showstopper. It is spectacularly located beneath the magnificent and monumental 32-meter-high historic dome of the building, creating an absolutely unforgettable and deeply glamorous place for a cocktail.
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2. Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel
The Place: A unique and deeply atmospheric hotel comprised of four beautifully restored Renaissance townhouses in the heart of the Vieux Lyon (Old Town). The hotel is famous for its magnificent, glass-roofed central courtyard, which connects the historic buildings. It offers a truly immersive and romantic experience with a palpable sense of history for all guests.
My Top Pick: The spectacular and serene central courtyard, with its magnificent contemporary glass and steel roof, is a breathtaking architectural space and the true heart of the hotel.
2. Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel: A Renaissance Dream
The Place: A unique and deeply atmospheric hotel, the Cour des Loges is comprised of four beautifully and sensitively restored Renaissance townhouses in the very heart of the historic Vieux Lyon (the Old Town). The hotel is famous for its magnificent and spectacular, contemporary glass-roofed central courtyard, which masterfully connects the different historic buildings and creates a stunning, light-filled atrium. It offers a truly immersive, deeply historic, and incredibly romantic experience with a palpable sense of history.
My Top Pick: The spectacular and serene central courtyard, with its magnificent and soaring contemporary glass and steel roof, is a breathtaking architectural space. It serves as the true, beautiful, and impressive heart of this unique and historic hotel.
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3. Villa Florentine
The Place: A magnificent and romantic hotel housed in a beautifully restored former convent, perched on the Fourvière hill with breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire city. This Relais & Châteaux property is a true oasis of tranquility, known for its elegant Italian Renaissance-inspired design, its beautiful gardens, and its acclaimed gourmet restaurant for its guests.
My Top Pick: The spectacular outdoor heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, which offer the most breathtaking and commanding panoramic views of the entire city of Lyon below.
3. Villa Florentine: A Hilltop Haven with Panoramic Views
The Place: A magnificent and deeply romantic hotel, the Villa Florentine is housed in a beautifully restored former convent that is spectacularly perched on the historic Fourvière hill. It offers breathtaking and completely panoramic views of the entire historic city of Lyon below. This prestigious Relais & Châteaux property is a true oasis of tranquility and elegance, known for its refined, Italian Renaissance-inspired design, its beautiful and serene terraced gardens, and its acclaimed gourmet restaurant for its many guests.
My Top Pick: The spectacular outdoor heated swimming pool and its adjacent relaxing jacuzzi, which are located on a beautiful terrace, offer the most breathtaking, sweeping, and commanding panoramic views of the entire city of Lyon and its two rivers.
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4. Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa
The Place: An opulent and grand hotel housed in a magnificent and historic 19th-century building on the banks of the Rhône river. The hotel is celebrated for its spectacular and dramatic interior design, which features magnificent black and white marble and a grand, historic atrium. It offers a deeply luxurious and sophisticated experience for its guests.
My Top Pick: The magnificent and serene subterranean spa, which features a beautiful indoor swimming pool with original stone arches, is a true oasis of wellness.
4. Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa: An Opulent Italian Palace
The Place: An opulent and truly grand hotel, the Boscolo Lyon is housed in a magnificent and historic 19th-century building that sits majestically on the beautiful banks of the Rhône river. The hotel is celebrated for its spectacular and deeply dramatic interior design by the famous Maurizio Papiri, which features magnificent and contrasting black and white marble, opulent furnishings, and a grand, historic central atrium. It offers a deeply luxurious and highly sophisticated experience for all its discerning guests.
My Top Pick: The magnificent and serene subterranean spa is a true urban oasis. It features a beautiful and atmospheric indoor swimming pool that is set beneath the building’s original and historic stone arches, providing a unique and tranquil wellness experience.
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5. Sofitel Lyon Bellecour
The Place: A modern and elegant hotel with a prime location in the heart of the city, overlooking the Rhône river and close to the magnificent Place Bellecour. The hotel is known for its sophisticated contemporary design, its excellent service, and its magnificent panoramic rooftop restaurant. It offers a chic and comfortable base for exploring the city.
My Top Pick: The magnificent rooftop restaurant, Les Trois Dômes, offers not only Michelin-starred cuisine but also some of the most breathtaking, panoramic views of the city.
5. Sofitel Lyon Bellecour: Modern Elegance on the Rhône
The Place: A modern and deeply elegant hotel, the Sofitel Bellecour enjoys a prime and highly convenient location in the very heart of the city, overlooking the magnificent Rhône river and situated very close to the beautiful and expansive Place Bellecour. The hotel is known for its sophisticated and light-filled contemporary design, its excellent and attentive service, and its magnificent panoramic rooftop restaurant, which is a true culinary destination in the city of Lyon.
My Top Pick: The magnificent rooftop restaurant, Les Trois Dômes, is a true highlight. It not only offers refined and delicious Michelin-starred cuisine but also provides some of the most breathtaking, sweeping, and panoramic views of the entire city and its rivers.
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6. Villa Maïa
The Place: An exclusive and deeply luxurious contemporary hotel located on the historic Fourvière hill, next to the ancient Roman ruins. The hotel, designed by the renowned architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, offers a serene and sophisticated experience. It features a beautiful indoor swimming pool, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its privileged position.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s magnificent and serene indoor swimming pool, which is housed in a beautiful, light-filled space that opens onto the garden, is spectacular.</p
6. Villa Maïa: An Exclusive Sanctuary on Fourvière Hill
The Place: An exclusive and deeply luxurious contemporary hotel, the Villa Maïa is perfectly located on the historic and tranquil Fourvière hill, right next to the city’s magnificent ancient Roman ruins. The hotel, which was masterfully designed by the renowned French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, offers a serene, sophisticated, and highly private experience for its guests. It features a beautiful indoor swimming pool, tranquil gardens designed by Louis Benech, and breathtaking panoramic views.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s magnificent and serene 20-meter indoor swimming pool is a true architectural masterpiece. It is housed in a beautiful, light-filled space with large windows that open onto the beautiful and tranquil private garden, creating a spectacular effect.
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7. Hotel Le Royal Lyon – MGallery
The Place: A charming and elegant boutique hotel with an unbeatable location on the famous and beautiful Place Bellecour, the city’s main square. The hotel, which is part of the renowned Institut Paul Bocuse hospitality school, offers a unique and sophisticated experience. It feels like staying in a chic and elegant private French residence for all guests.
My Top Pick: The unique opportunity to experience the exceptional service and culinary talent of the students from the world-famous Institut Paul Bocuse hospitality and culinary school.
7. Hotel Le Royal Lyon – MGallery: A Home of French Art de Vivre
The Place: A charming and deeply elegant boutique hotel, Le Royal boasts an absolutely unbeatable location directly on the famous and magnificent Place Bellecour, the city’s main and largest square. The hotel, which is part of the renowned Institut Paul Bocuse hospitality school, offers a unique and highly sophisticated experience. With its beautifully decorated, traditional interiors, it feels like staying in a chic, historic, and elegant private French residence in the heart of the city.
My Top Pick: The unique and truly special opportunity to experience the exceptional, world-class service and the incredible culinary talent of the dedicated and passionate students from the world-famous and prestigious Institut Paul Bocuse hospitality and culinary arts school.
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8. MiHôtel
The Place: A unique and innovative hotel concept offering beautifully designed, individual suites scattered in various prestigious locations throughout the city center. MiHôtel combines the space, privacy, and independence of a private apartment with the luxurious services and amenities of a five-star hotel. It provides a chic, contemporary, and highly personalized experience for every guest.
My Top Pick: The unique and deeply personalized experience of staying in a beautifully designed private suite that truly makes you feel like a stylish local resident.
8. MiHôtel: A Collection of Secret Suites
The Place: A unique and highly innovative hotel concept, MiHôtel offers beautifully and individually designed, private suites that are scattered in various prestigious and historic locations throughout the city center. MiHôtel perfectly combines the space, privacy, and independence of a luxurious private apartment with the attentive and personalized services and amenities of a five-star hotel. It provides a chic, contemporary, and highly personalized experience, making you feel like a true Lyonnais resident.
My Top Pick: The unique and deeply personalized experience of staying in a beautifully designed private suite, which is often hidden behind an anonymous door on a historic street, truly makes you feel like a stylish local resident with a secret address.
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9. OKKO Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette
The Place: A stylish and contemporary design hotel with a fantastic location on the banks of the Rhône river, just a short walk from the historic center. The hotel is known for its innovative all-inclusive concept, where drinks and snacks are available in the chic ‘Le Club’ lounge. It offers a modern and sophisticated experience.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s chic and welcoming ‘Le Club’ lounge, a beautiful and comfortable space where guests can relax, work, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks.
9. OKKO Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette: The All-Inclusive Concept
The Place: A stylish and contemporary design hotel, the OKKO Pont Lafayette enjoys a fantastic location on the beautiful banks of the Rhône river, just a short and very pleasant walk away from the historic city center. The hotel is known for its innovative and generous all-inclusive concept, where complimentary drinks and snacks are available throughout the day in its chic and welcoming ‘Le Club’ lounge area. It offers a modern and sophisticated experience for its guests.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s chic and wonderfully welcoming ‘Le Club’ lounge is a true highlight. It is a beautiful and comfortable shared space where guests can relax, work, and enjoy complimentary snacks, soft drinks, and an evening aperitivo.
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10. Fourvière Hôtel
The Place: A unique and spectacular hotel housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century convent on the historic Fourvière hill. The hotel masterfully blends its magnificent historic and religious architecture with a chic and playful contemporary design. It offers a deeply atmospheric and unforgettable experience, with a beautiful cloister, a swimming pool, and stunning city views.
My Top Pick: The hotel’s unique and beautiful outdoor swimming lane, which runs along the magnificent historic cloister, is a truly spectacular and unforgettable design feature.
10. Fourvière Hôtel: A Convent with a Playful Spirit
The Place: A unique and truly spectacular hotel, the Fourvière Hôtel is housed in a beautifully and creatively restored 19th-century convent on the historic and scenic Fourvière hill. The hotel masterfully and playfully blends its magnificent historic and religious architecture, including a stunning central cloister and a beautiful chapel, with a chic, quirky, and contemporary interior design that pays homage to the city’s history. It offers a deeply atmospheric and unforgettable experience.</p
My Top Pick: The hotel’s unique and beautiful heated outdoor swimming lane, which dramatically and scenically runs along the top of the magnificent and historic central cloister, is a truly spectacular, unforgettable, and highly imaginative architectural design feature.
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Bonus: Georges Blanc Parc & Spa
Located in the beautiful countryside of the Bresse region, a scenic drive from Lyon, this legendary Relais & Châteaux property is the home of the world-renowned, three-Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc. The hotel is a true gastronomic paradise, offering an unparalleled culinary experience, a beautiful spa, and a deeply luxurious and authentic taste of French ‘art de vivre’.
Bonus: Georges Blanc Parc & Spa, Vonnas: A Gastronomic Pilgrimage
The Place: Located in the beautiful and peaceful countryside of the Bresse region, a scenic and worthwhile drive from the city of Lyon, this legendary Relais & Châteaux property is the historic home and culinary universe of the world-renowned, three-Michelin-starred chef Georges Blanc. The hotel is a true and undisputed gastronomic paradise, offering an unparalleled culinary experience, a beautiful and expansive spa, and a deeply luxurious and authentic taste of the French ‘art de vivre’ (art of living).
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Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Lyon for your trip:
- For ultimate historic grandeur and a central location: The magnificent InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu is an undisputed architectural masterpiece.
- For a romantic, old-world experience: The atmospheric Cour des Loges Lyon in the heart of Vieux Lyon is a truly unforgettable choice.
- For the most breathtaking panoramic city views: The beautiful Villa Florentine, perched on Fourvière hill, offers unparalleled vistas from its pool.
- For a unique, historic convent stay: The stylish and beautifully restored Fourvière Hôtel offers a deeply memorable and atmospheric experience.
Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Lyon for your trip:
- For ultimate historic grandeur and a central location: The magnificent and architecturally stunning InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu is an undisputed masterpiece and a true city landmark.
- For a romantic, old-world experience: The deeply atmospheric and beautiful Cour des Loges Lyon, located in the very heart of the historic Vieux Lyon, is a truly unforgettable choice.
- For the most breathtaking panoramic city views: The beautiful and elegant Villa Florentine, dramatically perched on Fourvière hill, offers unparalleled and sweeping vistas from its magnificent swimming pool.
- For a unique, historic convent stay: The stylish and cleverly restored Fourvière Hôtel, also on Fourvière hill, offers a deeply memorable and unique architectural experience for its guests.
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Travel Guides: Lyon, France
A stay at a luxury hotel is the perfect start to your Lyon adventure. To make the most of your trip, here is a travel guide that complements the article on luxury hotels in Lyon.
1. Best Time to Visit Lyon
- Late Spring (May-June) & Early Autumn (September-October): These are the absolute best times to visit Lyon. The weather is pleasant and comfortable, making it perfect for exploring the city’s magnificent historic districts and for dining on its many outdoor terraces.
- Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières): For a truly magical and unforgettable experience, visit in early December for this spectacular and world-famous light festival, when the city’s buildings are transformed by incredible light installations.
- Summer & Winter: Summer can be hot, but the city has a lively atmosphere. Winter can be cold, but it is a perfect time to enjoy the city’s cozy ‘bouchons’ and its many excellent museums.
1. When to Go?
- Late Spring (May-June) & Early Autumn (September-October): These are the best times to visit, with pleasant weather perfect for exploring the city.
- Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières): Visit in early December for this spectacular and world-famous light festival.
2. Getting Around Lyon
- Walking: Lyon is a very walkable city. The main peninsula (‘Presqu’île’) between the two rivers and the historic Vieux Lyon district are particularly pleasant to explore on foot.
- Metro and Funiculars: The city has an excellent, clean, and efficient public transport system (TCL), including a metro, trams, and two historic funiculars that go up the steep Fourvière hill.
- Biking (Vélo’v): Lyon has a fantastic and very popular public bike-sharing system called Vélo’v, with many dedicated bike lanes, especially along the beautiful riverbanks.
2. Getting Around Lyon
- Walking: The Presqu’île (the peninsula between the two rivers) and Vieux Lyon are very walkable.
- Metro and Funiculars: The city has an excellent public transport system, including two funiculars that go up Fourvière hill.
3. Must-See Sights
- Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon): A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, this is one of Europe’s most extensive and beautiful Renaissance neighborhoods, and it is famous for its hidden ‘traboules’ (passageways).
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: The magnificent and ornate basilica that sits majestically atop Fourvière hill, offering stunning and commanding panoramic views of the entire city from its terrace.
- Ancient Roman Theatre and Odeon: Discover the city’s ancient Roman past as ‘Lugdunum’ at these impressive and very well-preserved ancient ruins, also located on Fourvière hill.
- Presqu’île: The elegant and bustling heart of the city, with the magnificent and vast Place Bellecour and the beautiful Place des Terreaux, home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
3. Must-See Sights
- Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon): A UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Europe’s most extensive Renaissance neighborhoods, famous for its ‘traboules’.
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: The magnificent basilica that sits atop Fourvière hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Ancient Roman Theatre and Odeon: Discover the city’s Roman past at these impressive and well-preserved ancient ruins on Fourvière hill.
- Presqu’île: The elegant heart of the city, with the magnificent Place Bellecour and the Place des Terreaux.
4. Unique Experiences
- Explore the ‘Traboules’: A quintessential Lyon experience. Discover the famous and historic hidden passageways in the Vieux Lyon and the Croix-Rousse districts that pass through buildings and link parallel streets.
- Dine in a ‘Bouchon’: You absolutely must eat in a traditional and authentic Lyonnais ‘bouchon.’ This is a type of convivial and historic bistro that serves the rich, traditional local cuisine of the region.
- Visit Les Halles Paul Bocuse: Explore this legendary and magnificent indoor food market, a true paradise for food lovers that is named after the city’s most famous and celebrated chef, Paul Bocuse.
- Discover the Croix-Rousse Neighborhood: Explore the historic and unique silk-weavers’ district, with its distinct architectural style, its independent boutiques, and its beautiful views of the city.
4. Unique Experiences
- Explore the ‘Traboules’: Discover the famous hidden passageways in Vieux Lyon and the Croix-Rousse districts that pass through buildings and courtyards.
- Dine in a ‘Bouchon’: You must eat in a traditional Lyonnais ‘bouchon,’ a type of bistro that serves rich, traditional local cuisine.
- Visit Les Halles Paul Bocuse: Explore this legendary indoor food market, a true paradise for food lovers, named after the city’s most famous chef.
- Discover the Croix-Rousse Neighborhood: Explore the historic silk-weavers’ district with its unique atmosphere and beautiful views.
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