Decision made on Lyon - now need hotel!
 

I finally made my decision to cut Provence short by 2 days on my upcoming May trip, and spend 3 nights in Lyon (2 1/2 days) before taking early AM train to CDG. I have 14 days total, so figure those 2 days lost in Provence won't matter that much, and at least now I don't have to spend the night at CDG!

I had contemplated the Le Meridian Part Dieu because of its view and the proximity to train station - but changed my mind since I'm now staying 3 nights in Lyon (instead of only the 1 or 2 I thought about).

I know Des Artistes gets high marks on this forum. Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Carlton
(Libertel Carlton now)? It got wonderful reviews on the France.com reservation site (by people who stayed there) and I can get a really good rate for that hotel (senior rate). It seems to be in a good location, too, but more in the center of town than Des Artistes (maybe too congested?) Anyway, if anyone knows how this hotel is, please let me know!

Hi
Going by location only (I live in Lyon, so have little experience when it comes to staying in hotels here), I'd say there's not much between the two hotels you mention.

The area stretching from Place Bellecour to Place des Terreaux is what I would loosely define as the centre of Lyon, and both hotels are within that area. Hotel des Artistes is by a small square with a theatre, towards the Saône quayside and closer to the old town (on the opposite bank of the Saône).

The hotel Carlton is on a street leading off the rue de la République (one of the main shopping streets - pedestrianised - so not too much traffic) and a large square with carousel and fountains. It's closer to the Rhône quayside which is less charming than the Saône, and further from the old town.
Both hotels are a similar distance from the metro (5 minute walk).

Hanl, thanks so much for your reply - I was hoping that you would. You have always been such a help with all the Lyon questions. Think I will try for des Artistes. I e-mailed them yesterday, but have had no reply as yet. I'll give it a day or two, then call them.

We got a really good deal staying at the Boscola Grand .It's an Italian chain.It was a really good hotel with very friendly staff.

The two star Hotel La Residence gets positive reviews here on Fodors. It's between the Perrache train station and Place Bellecour on the Presqu'Ile.

Last year and this May I'm staying at the Hotel Dubost, right outside the Perrache train station on Place Carnot. It's a very nice 2 star that has decently sized rooms, clean, pleasant staff, etc.

www.hotel-dubost.com/site_eng/index.html

Most times train station areas are ugly, unsafe, noisy or worse all three. I didn't find that at Perrache at all. It was surprisingly quiet at night and I didn't ever feel unsafe. Place Carnot is pleasant and has a market on Sunday mornings.

From what I understand the neighborhood drops off to the south of Perrache though I never had the need to go there and find out. Place Carnot is on the north side.

No matter what if you're staying over a weekend you might try the "bon weekend en ville" promotion. Stay Friday get Saturday or Saturday get Sunday night free plan. It might let you stay in a nicer hotel for less.

www.tourisme.fr/week_end/ot-index.htm