23 rue Roger Radisson, Lyon, France | (618) 248-8274
Stylish hotel situated in historic 19th-century convent
Grand lobby with vaulted ceilings in former chapel
Charming hilltop location overlooking Old Lyon
Easy walk to Fourvière amphitheater and basilica
Comfortable guest rooms with minimalistic modern decor
Rooms have modern bathrooms, mini-fridges, and HDTVs
Modern spa with whirlpool, Turkish bath, and ice fountain
Heated 82-foot lap pool lined with loungers
Well-kept lawns with sitting areas and boules court
Charming French bistro and bar in cloisters
Lounge and work areas, including five meeting rooms
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Location feels secluded to some
Paired-down rooms; entry-level ones on the small side
No in-room coffee service, and Wi-Fi can be slow
No fitness center on site
Situated in a former 19th-century convent perched on a hill overlooking Old Lyon, the upscale Fourvière Hôtel pairs historic details with modern design. An ornate and spectacular lobby occupies the former chapel, while the hotel’s French-bistro restaurant and bar sits in the cloisters with beautiful vaulted red-brick ceilings. The hotel also has a modern spa with a whirlpool, Turkish bath, and themed showers (but no gym), meeting and lounge space, and gardens with sitting areas, a boules court, and a heated lap-pool. Its 75 minimalistic, modern guest rooms can feel sparse and small, but they’re comfortable and pleasant with oak floors, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. For similar vibe but more luxurious guest rooms, consider Villa Florentine, a higher-end (and pricier) option, also situated in a former convent.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
19th-century convent-turned-hotel with impressive vaulted lobby and modern guest rooms
Fourvière Hôtel is a concept hotel that pairs chic, modern decor with historic architecture. Set on manicured hilltop grounds, the former 19th-century convent is a three-story, U-shaped building with a stone facade, designed by the same architect who crafted the astounding basilica nearby. The hotel’s restaurant occupies the cloisters, featuring vaulted, red-brick ceilings, courtyard-facing arches, and rustic wood accents. The lobby, situated in the chapel, is magnificent with high, muraled ceilings, ornate columns and archways, gilded accents, mosaic tiled floors, and a central alter. It’s all paired with vintage-inspired modern seating like canopy chairs and silky brocade fabric. Hallways and lounge spaces, with long wood tables and terra-cotta floors, are austere and traditional, but the historic character shines through. By contrast, the modern areas of the hotel (such as the guest rooms) lack personality, though the tasteful simplicity is in tune with the rest of the property. It’s an ideal spot for vacationing couples and families who want the ambiance of a peaceful retreat.
Location
Perched on a peaceful hilltop, overlooking Lyon’s historic city center
The hilltop location of Fourvière Hôtel is a both blessing and a curse. With peaceful, well manicured grounds and astounding city views, the property offers a sense of isolation despite being relatively close to Lyon’s city center. While there are no restaurants or shops in the immediate vicinity, it’s an easy four-minute walk to the Roman Amphitheater (the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière) and a nine-minute walk to the Basilica de Fourvière. Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) is about a 20-minute walk on foot. Though guests may make the trek down on foot, few venture to make the steep hike back up, preferring a taxi. Another option is the funicular, about a seven-minute walk from the property. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is a 30- to 40-minute drive, and on-site parking is free.
Rooms
Minimalistic, modern guest rooms are tasteful but on the small side
The hotel's 75 guest rooms are simple and modern with a nod toward minimalistic Scandinavian style. A palette of gray and white is interrupted by brief pops of color in yellow, red, or turquoise. Oak wood floors meet white walls, while gray accent walls add interest behind the beds. Furnishings are upholstered and chic gray, and some accents are vintage-inspired, like swing-arm lamps and rotary phones in punchy hues. Modern gray-tiled bathrooms may feature wet-room style showers or, in higher-category rooms, showers and separate baths.Rooms are offered in a range of sizes. Entry-level Cell Rooms are on the small side (226 square feet), with tiny wall-mounted desks and limited storage areas. Upgrades are larger and include Loft-style rooms and the 700-square-foot Signature Suite with two bedrooms and bathrooms and a living area. Connecting rooms are also available. Each guest room door is covered with a black-and-white photo mural of a historic figure with ties to the region. (Guests can find a description of their signature person within their accommodations, giving a little teachable moment to visitors.) While decor and furnishings are kept to a minimum, rooms are fairly well outfitted when it comes to amenities. All are air-conditioned and feature HDTVs, mini-fridges stocked with free non-alcoholic drinks, safes, and free Wi-Fi, though some complain it’s slow. Another downside: in-room coffee/tea service is missing. Bathrooms have magnifying mirrors, free individual toiletries, and hairdryers.
Features
Restaurant and bar in the cloisters, modern spa, outdoor lap pool, and garden seating
Fourvière Hôtel has an ample set of property features befitting its "upscale" status. Wellness facilities are a true highlight, which include a stylish, modern spa area with a mosaic-tiled whirlpool, Turkish bath, thematic showers, and an ice fountain. Outside, among the simple but well-kept grounds dotted with sculptures and outdoor sitting areas, there’s a heated, 82-foot (25-meters) lap pool and a court for playing boules. But it's worth noting that these two features are pretty much the only means of exercise as there's no gym on the premises. The hotel restaurant and bar in the cloisters, Les Téléphones, serves bistro-style French fare. A buffet breakfast is offered for an extra fee. The property also offers plenty of lounge space, including five stylish meeting rooms and the Kfe lounge, featuring long, outlet-equipped tables and sitting areas. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, and reception is open 24 hours. Guests generally report that the staff's service is excellent.
