Hotel Carlton Lyon – MGallery Collection

Hotel Carlton Lyon is situated in a Haussmann-style stone building built in 1894 as a “petit palace.” It was fully renovated in 2013, incorporating the property’s historical details such as its lapis lazuli columns, tall ceilings with gilded designs, an iron-cage elevator, and stained-glass windows. But it also mixes in modern touches, such as a predominately red color scheme, contemporary furniture, and a front desk with a strip of fiber-optic lighting. The bar is especially attractive, with a large, plush bourne settee, comfy velour chairs, and romantic elements like glass chandeliers and frescoed ceilings. The Carlton Lyon draws mostly tourists, especially couples, but families are also welcome -- connecting rooms are available, babysitting can be arranged on request, and TVs offer cartoon channels.

Hotel Carlton Lyon - MGallery Collection is nestled between the Rhone and Saone Rivers, closer to the Rhone side, at a three-minute walk away. The hotel is conveniently located for visiting the city. Lyon Cathedral and Vieux Lyon are about a 15-minute walk away, and the Bellecour and Cordeliers Bourse metro stations are about a five-minute walk from the hotel. Fourviere and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere are about a 15-minute drive. There are a number of restaurants and shopping options on surrounding streets. It’s a 30-minute drive to the Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport. 

As with the public spaces, the hotel's guest rooms blend a modern look and lots of crimson and red textiles with a few period touches. Wallpaper in a poppy pattern and brick-red carpeting set a romantic backdrop. Tall lamps with white drum shades finished in red piping frame the beds, complemented by circular, white-lacquered end tables and nightstands, and modish red slipper chairs. Smaller rooms lack desks, while some upgraded rooms come with circular beds and balconies, and views of the Place de Republique. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, kettles, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. The Carlton Rooms and the Junior Suites add espresso machines. The white-and-black tile bathrooms are a bit cramped, with little counter space. They include showers, shower/tub combos, or separate showers and tubs, plus robes, toiletries, hairdryers, and circular back-lit mirrors. 

The hotel's best feature is the spa, which offers massages, a hammam, and a nail bar. However, this small hotel lacks a gym or full restaurant -- although gastronomic Lyon provides plenty of dining options nearby. The hotel does serve a varied breakfast buffet, but it's not included in the rate, and the breakfast room can get crowded. The hotel’s bar, Le Bar du Carlton, offers drinks, while 24-hour room service delivers food from a nearby restaurant straight to guests’ rooms. For business travelers, there are two fully equipped meeting rooms, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Off-site valet parking is provided for a fee.