Hotel des Artistes

The interiors at the Hotel des Artistes are inspired both by artists who have stayed here and the hotel's proximity to the Theatre des Celestins. The lobby area is decorated in a dramatic style that features bold colors, brass lamps, and lots of wood paneling. In one corner, there's a cozy sitting room with trendy decor that has a few throwbacks to the '60s, with chic gray sofas, brown-and-orange patterned curtains, funky striped lamps, and rotund bird figurines on the coffee table. The hallways are decorated with vibrant works of art, and each floor has its own color palette: Orange carpets and blue and taupe velour walls, or other corresponding colors like mauve and gray. Hotel des Artistes is popular with leisure travelers keen to explore the city's many cultural and historic sights, most of whom travel as couples.

Hotel des Artistes is located in Lyon's historic city center, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the hotel, it's an easy walk to the city's many cultural and tourist sights, and there are many shops, cafes, and restaurants in the immediate area. This neighborhood is located in between Lyon's two rivers: The Saone River is a one-minute walk; while the Rhone River is an eight-minute walk from the hotel. Theatre des Celestins is just next door, and it's only a four-minute walk to Place Bellecour, and four minutes to Jacobins square in the opposite direction, two well-known landmarks. Rue de la Republique, one of the city's best-known shopping streets, is an eight-minute walk away, and it's a nine-minute walk to the historic old town of Vieux Lyon. There are also good links to public transportation in the area: Bellecour metro station is a five-minute walk away, with connections to lines A and D; and Perrache train station is seven minutes away by metro -- only two stops. It's a 34-minute drive to Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport. 

Compared to the vibrant public spaces and colorful hallways, guest rooms at the Hotel des Artistes are much more subdued, furnished in calming earth tones and grays. The walls are covered in rich taupe-colored wallpaper with a velour effect, which is accented by the beige curtains, dark carpets, and crisp white linens. But furniture is minimal and disappointingly plain, in light-colored wood. And bathrooms feel somewhat institutional thanks to their stark white tiles covering the floors and walls. Space is tight, but some are large enough to fit shower/tub combos. (Others have glass shower stalls.) All guest rooms are outfitted with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars (stocked with two free bottles of water), safes, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, and toiletries. Street-facing rooms can experience some ambient outside noise, and guests have complained of the poor soundproofing between rooms.

As a small boutique property, Hotel des Artistes has few additional features, aside from its breakfast service. A continental-style buffet breakfast of pastries, French bread, jams, cheese, and cold cuts is available for an extra fee each morning in the cheerful breakfast room. It can also be served to guest rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but past guests have complained that the connection can be unreliable. Pets are allowed for an extra charge, and dry-cleaning service is available. Though there is no on-site parking, public parking is available nearby for a daily fee.