Hotel des Celestins

Overlooking a quiet one-way side street, Hotel des Celestins makes a charming first impression with a classic six-story facade fronted by arched windows, Juliet balconies, and decorative ironwork. The entrance itself is wedge between shops on the ground floor. From here, the front door opens into a narrow hallway with a black-and-white checkerboard floor, but the reception to the family-run hotel is actually on the second floor (accessible by stairs or a tiny elevator). A vintage wooden reception desk sits right inside the doorway, tucked into the corner of a room that also functions as a dining space at breakfast time. There are no other common areas, but this space does offer a cozy spot to collect yourself while seated at one of the wood cafe chairs. Artwork from the owner's collection adds a homey touch. Most guests are couples, though the hotel's apartment unit and some of the suites are appropriate for families.

The hotel is located in Lyon's historic city center, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's an easy walk to the city's many cultural and tourist sights, and the immediate area is stuffed with shops, cafes, and restaurants. This neighborhood is located in between Lyon's two rivers: The Saone River is a four-minute walk, while the Rhone River is a seven-minute walk in the opposite direction. Theatre des Celestins is just down the street, and it's only a two-minute walk to two well-known landmarks -- Place Bellecour and Jacobins square -- both located in opposite directions. Rue de la Republique, one of the city's best-known shopping streets, is an eight-minute walk away, and it's an 11-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 about a 30-minute drive to Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport.  

While guest rooms at Hotel des Celestins have some charming details, they don't quite hang together as a whole. Bentwood cafe chairs, turned-leg desks, and quaint floral-print textiles can clash with the modular modern furniture and nightclub-like blue accent lights. The bathrooms represent an even bigger contrast, done in a completely different style with stark black-and-white tiles with hot-pink accents, along with heated towel racks and glass walk-in showers. But looks aside, rooms are well-equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and electric kettles across all categories. Superior Rooms add plush lounge chairs, while suites add living areas with sofa beds. Some suites have mini-fridges, microwaves, and decorative marble fireplaces, too. The largest option on hand is the property's two-bedroom apartment decked out with a decorative marble fireplace, a living room with a sofa bed, and a full kitchen equipped with a coffeemaker, oven, stovetop, microwave, full-sized refrigerator, and a breakfast bar. It's a handy option for families or those looking to do their own cooking.

Don't expect a restaurant, bar, or gym -- the hotel's only on-site feature is its breakfast room overlooking the street from the building's tall original windows, painted mint green. There are plenty of old wooden tables accompanied by padded wooden chairs, and a continental breakfast buffet is available for a fee. Guests can expect the usual spread of meats, cheeses, yogurt, fresh fruit, juices, breads, and hardboiled eggs, among other breakfast staples. The hotel has no parking of its own, but convenient public parking (for a fee) is available right down the street. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.