The Sweet Spot in the City of Lights: The Best Mid-Range Hotels in Lyon
If you’re heading to Lyon, France, you’re making a great decision. It’s a city famed for its history, incredible food scene, and brilliant location—perfect for exploring the wider Rhône-Alpes region. When it comes to accommodation, you’re not wrong to look for the sweet spot: comfort and convenience without breaking the bank.
Choosing where to stay in Lyon often comes down to balancing access to the city’s highlights with the practicalities of travel. You’ll likely find yourself deciding between a few key neighborhoods. Presqu’île (the peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers) is Lyon’s vibrant city center, home to shopping, theaters, and famous squares like Place Bellecour, making it a prime spot for first-time visitors. The 3rd Arrondissement, particularly the Part-Dieu area, is dominated by the train station and a major shopping center, offering ultimate transport convenience for arrivals, departures, and day trips. For a more unique, tranquil experience with amazing city views, the historic hill of Fourvière is a stunning, though slightly less central, option. Finally, the modern architecture and cultural hubs of the Confluence area, where the two rivers meet, offer a sleek, contemporary base a short ride from the center.
The following list focuses on hotels that consistently deliver on the promise of an excellent stay: good quality rooms, helpful service, and strategic locations that allow you to maximize your time in this beautiful city. These recommendations are for travelers who want comfort, modern amenities, and the ease of good value.
Central & Classic Stays in Presqu’île (City Centre)
These hotels put you right in the heart of the action, perfect for those who prefer to step out the door and immediately be amidst shops, restaurants, and historical sites.
Hôtel des Artistes
This charming 3-star hotel is ideally situated in a quiet location right off Place des Célestins, mere steps from the vibrant pedestrian streets of the Presqu’île. The hotel lives up to its name with a unique, art-focused atmosphere, displaying works by local artists. Rooms are described as comfortable and well-maintained, blending a classic style with modern necessities.
- Pros: Exceptional, quiet central location; charming, artistic decor; highly-rated, friendly staff; excellent value for the area.
- Cons: Rooms can be on the smaller side; reports of low water pressure in some showers.
Hôtel La Résidence Lyon
Located right on the pedestrian-only Rue Grôlée, this contemporary hotel offers a very central and convenient base just a short walk from the Bellecour and Cordeliers metro stations. The modern-style rooms are generally spacious, functional, and recently renovated, making them feel fresh and clean. It’s an easy walk to Old Lyon across the bridge.
- Pros: Excellent central location on a pedestrian street; well-appointed and renovated rooms; comfortable bedding; helpful and attentive staff.
- Cons: Breakfast is an extra charge; the surrounding area can be busy during the day.
Hotel Silky by HappyCulture
Positioned between Place des Terreaux and Place Bellecour, this hotel is a fantastic base for sightseeing, providing stylish accommodations with a contemporary design. The HappyCulture brand focuses on unique customer service touches, such as complimentary access to a peaceful terrace and a helpful, multilingual staff. Rooms are soundproofed and equipped with modern comforts.
- Pros: Superb central location; stylish, contemporary rooms; attentive and welcoming staff; noted for cleanliness.
- Cons: Some rooms are compact; street noise can be an issue in non-soundproofed rooms facing the front.
Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux Arts
Sitting prominently near Place Bellecour, this Mercure offers a touch of Art Deco elegance in the heart of the city. The interiors are sleek and modern, providing a comfortable and reliable upscale experience. It’s a great choice for travelers who value walking distance to major sites and a dependable brand standard.
- Pros: Excellent, prime city center location; elegant Art Deco style; professional, efficient service; easy access to shopping and transport.
- Cons: Paid, expensive parking nearby; breakfast is pricey.
Carlton Hotel Lyon - MGallery Collection
While leaning towards the upper end of mid-range, this MGallery Collection hotel offers a luxurious, sophisticated stay right in the heart of the Presqu’île. The building is a beautifully restored 19th-century property with a gorgeous Art Deco ambiance and soundproofed rooms. It features an intimate champagne bar and a small spa.
- Pros: Historical building with stunning Art Deco interiors; prime central location; comfortable and quiet rooms; excellent service and on-site amenities like a spa.
- Cons: Higher price point; spa and breakfast are typically at an extra cost.
Part-Dieu: The Convenience Hub
For business travelers or those prioritizing ultimate transport ease (especially to/from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport via the Rhône Express), the Part-Dieu area is unbeatable.
Hôtel Mercure Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
As its name suggests, this hotel is perfectly located directly opposite Lyon’s central Part-Dieu train station and the massive shopping mall. It’s an excellent choice for a quick overnight stay or as a base for day trips, featuring modern, clean, and soundproofed rooms. The convenience factor here is its main selling point.
- Pros: Unbeatable location right next to the train station; well-designed, quiet, and modern rooms; excellent breakfast buffet; highly professional staff.
- Cons: Neighborhood is mainly business/transit-focused, less charming than the Presqu’île; can be very busy with train traffic.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon
A true landmark, this hotel occupies the top floors of the city’s iconic circular skyscraper (the “Pencil”), offering what are arguably the best panoramic views of Lyon. The hotel features a rooftop restaurant and bar, providing a unique backdrop for your stay. Rooms are spacious and modern, fitting the contemporary corporate style.
- Pros: Incredible panoramic city views from rooms and the top-floor bar/restaurant; very large, comfortable rooms; right next to the Part-Dieu station and mall.
- Cons: High-rise setting can feel less personal; some reviews mention the hotel decor is a bit dated in places; proximity to the station can mean the immediate area is slightly impersonal.
Pullman Lyon
Offering an upscale experience near the Part-Dieu station, the Pullman provides sophisticated and modern accommodations designed for comfort. It’s situated near the Part-Dieu Mall and offers a high level of service and amenities, including a bar and a coffee shop. It’s a solid, reliable choice for those needing comfort and excellent transport links.
- Pros: Very close to Part-Dieu station and mall; high-quality, comfortable rooms with premium bedding; excellent, attentive staff.
- Cons: High price for parking; neighborhood is commercial, lacking the charm of the old city.
Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
A more budget-friendly option in the Part-Dieu district, the Campanile offers essential comfort and convenience. Rooms are generally new or recently renovated, featuring a simple, clean, and modern design. It provides a straightforward, value-driven choice for travelers who prioritize proximity to the station above all else.
- Pros: Good value for the location near the train station; modern, clean, and functional rooms; convenient for transport and shopping.
- Cons: Rooms are typically smaller; basic amenities; less of a “luxury” experience.
Diverse Neighborhood Gems
Lyon offers unique stays outside the main center, perfect for a different perspective on the city.
Fourvière Hotel
A truly distinctive hotel, the Fourvière is housed in a former 19th-century convent on the beautiful Fourvière hill. It blends historical architecture with modern, minimalist design. Guests enjoy stunning city views and a tranquil atmosphere. The hotel includes a heated lap pool and a wellness area—a true urban retreat.
- Pros: Unique, stunning setting in a former convent; quiet location with beautiful views; excellent facilities including a pool and spa; close to the Basilica and Roman ruins.
- Cons: Located up a steep hill (though funicular access is nearby); slightly removed from the city center bustle.
OKKO Hotels Lyon Centre
Part of a French-born boutique chain, the OKKO hotel offers an “all-inclusive” philosophy where a daily “Club” service includes snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and an evening aperitivo at no extra charge. Located by the Rhône in the 6th Arrondissement, the style is ultra-modern, clean, and minimalist.
- Pros: Excellent “all-inclusive” Club concept (drinks, snacks, light meals included); very contemporary, stylish design; great location near the riverfront.
- Cons: Rooms can be small and minimalist; limited storage space in rooms; parking is not always available.
Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
Located in the 3rd Arrondissement, slightly east of the Presqu’île, this Mercure is popular for its rare feature in central Lyon: an indoor swimming pool and fitness center. It offers large, contemporary rooms and is well-connected by public transport, offering a comfortable and amenity-rich option just outside the busiest core.
- Pros: Indoor swimming pool and gym are major bonuses; spacious rooms; friendly and attentive staff; convenient location between Part-Dieu and the center.
- Cons: Not in the immediate pedestrian center; some decor may feel slightly dated.
Crowne Plaza Lyon - Cité Internationale by IHG
Situated in the modern Cité Internationale complex, this hotel is positioned between the Rhône River and the sprawling Tête d’Or Park. It offers excellent comfort, spacious rooms, and a quiet setting ideal for those who prefer proximity to green space and a conference center. It’s a short bus ride from the city center.
- Pros: Beautiful location next to Tête d’Or Park; very spacious, comfortable rooms; highly praised for its breakfast and helpful staff; quiet environment.
- Cons: Requires public transport (bus) to reach the city center; area is less lively in the evenings.
Novotel Lyon Centre-Confluence Bord de Saone
Perfect for a modern stay, this Novotel is situated in the striking Confluence district, right on the Saône riverbank. The hotel boasts sleek, new facilities, often featuring large rooms and great river views. Its location next to the Confluence shopping center makes it incredibly convenient for shopping and dining in a contemporary setting.
- Pros: New, modern hotel with stylish facilities; excellent location right on the river; spacious rooms, often with great views; next to a major shopping mall and tram access.
- Cons: Located in the modern district, further from Old Lyon and the historical center; parking is at an extra cost in a public garage.
TRIBE Lyon Croix Rousse
Offering a distinct, design-focused stay, the TRIBE is nestled in the charming, bohemian neighborhood of Croix Rousse, famed for its silk-workers’ history. The atmosphere is social and vibrant, with communal workspaces and stylish public areas. It’s a great choice for travelers looking for a local, artsy vibe.
- Pros: Great location in the lively, authentic Croix Rousse neighborhood; modern and unique design; close to the metro and Tête d’Or Park; excellent staff.
- Cons: Rooms can lack certain amenities (like a fridge); located on a hill, though near a metro station.