Quality Suites Lyon Confluence

Quality Suites Lyon Confluence sits in a charming and well-renovated building that dates back to 1883. Though the Choice Hotel chain isn't always the most fashion-forward or modern, this property has surprisingly stylish public spaces and rooms. The large lobby is welcoming with bright lighting from floor-to-ceiling windows, a gray, red, and black color scheme, trendy gray or red armchairs, and high tables with stools. The style has a retro-chic hint that gives the area some personality. There is a lovely grassy garden area with a few lounge chairs and a patio with seating for people to enjoy breakfast in the morning light. Guests are a combination of business travelers and vacationers.

Quality Suites Lyon Confluence sits in the Perrache-Charlemagne neighborhood, across the street from a lovely church and a middle school. The area is charming, with restaurants and cafes on surrounding streets, though it is bit removed from the main tourist areas. For instance, Vieux Lyon, Fourviere, and the Basilica of Notre Dame take around 40 minutes to reach on foot or 11 minutes by car. There are some attractions nearby, such as the Musee de Confluence (19-minute walk) and the Pole de Commerces et de Loisirs Confluence shopping mall. The closest tram stop is a three-minute walk away, while the nearest train stop takes just six minutes to reach on foot. It’s a half-hour drive to Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport.

The hotel has 103 studio-style rooms, most of which are decorated in a typical contemporary chain hotel fashion, with simple, modern wood furnishings, carpeted floors with circular prints, and an orange, red, and cream color scheme. Rooms are spacious and some are set up in aloft fashion, with beds upstairs. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes,  and kitchenettes equipped with sinks, two-burner stoves, mini-fridges, kettles, microwaves, and cookware. Bathrooms are clean with a sharp but minimalist design and have shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, hairdryers, and Pure Green toiletries. Note that rooms that face the road can get some noise at night.

Despite its smallish size, this hotel hits all the highlights of a mid-range property. Though it lacks a restaurant or bar, there is an optional breakfast buffet (for a fee) each morning that includes cereals, pastries, boiled eggs, cold cuts, cheeses, and fruit. Guests have the option of dining in their rooms, in the breakfast room (which also has a public computer and printer), or on a patio next to a lovely garden area. There's also a small, basic fitness center offering a few free weights and a handful of cardio machines that face a flat-screen TV. A small laundry room provides a spot for guests to wash their clothes with coin-operated machines and an iron. For business travelers, there are a few fully equipped meeting rooms on-site, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Pets are welcome for a fee. Limited underground parking is available for a fee as well.