Villa Maia

A truly fascinating city, Lyon was historically known for its silk production. Today, it is a hub of French gastronomy. Foodies should make a beeline for Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, an impressive food court offering the best French delicacies – from fresh seafood to delicate pastries and deliciously stinky cheese. Elsewhere, you will find stunning architecture dating back to the Roman times. From the magnificent Place Bellecour, to the historic Vieux Lyon (Old Town), we’ve selected the most interesting hotels in Lyon for your next stay.
Just a few hundred metres from the stunning Place des Terreaux, from which it earns its name, and the fascinating Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Grand Hôtel des Terreaux is an enchanting, converted 19th-century town house. Its chic art deco style is married well with its historic setting. Many rooms offer lovely views overlooking the buzzing street outside. The indoor pool is a welcome touch in such an urban hotel. Start your day with a substantial buffet breakfast in the downstairs lounge – or grab an express breakfast to take with you.
Situated on the banks of the Saône, on the edge of Vieux Lyon, the Phénix Hôtel boasts magnificent views, especially at night, when guests can see how Lyon earns its name as the “City of Lights” – beautifully-lit buildings showing their reflections on the water. Dating back to the 16th century, this unique hotel with its Florentine architecture is a charming, unpretentious place to stay, ideal for a romantic weekend away. Take the boat shuttle, just outside the hotel, down the river to the Musée des Confluences. Afterwards, enjoy a glass of wine in the hotel’s piano bar before heading out for dinner.
Located right in the heart of the unmissable old town, Cour des Loges offers five-star luxury in a historic setting. With its Italian renaissance architecture, it fits in well with the Mediterranean-influenced buildings around it and is perfectly placed for exploring the most ancient and most beautiful district of Lyon. Particularly worth noting is the Michelin-starred restaurant, boasting gastronomic excellence, situated in the idyllic, Florentine courtyard of this lovely hotel.
This is an updated version of an article originally written by Colette Lewis.