InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu

We stayed in a premium room for 3 days. We faced the "court yard". The tapas bar was playing music until 1AM every night. I am a member of the IDG hotel franchise and complained bitterly about the noise. They were unable to switch rooms for us because they were packed. We even tried to book another room for family. However, we were so disappointed, we attempted to cancel the room. We were given the run-around and told that there were "no refunds available" for a room cancellation (even though it was more than 24 hours in advanced and promised by a supervisor, MIWSEN). I was so put off. When I went to check out, I was given a 10% discount and a cookie (no kidding!!) for my troubles. I would gladly have paid an extra 10% for a sound nights' sleep. Apparently the tapas bar is not part of the hotel and so is allowed to have a DJ that runs until 1AM. "Its' not our fault" or so I was told. The lady told me I can have ear plugs. WOW. Just not what I expected from a 5* hotel. We still have a reservation for next week and we are outside the country now and cannot use the reservation. No voucher, no offer, nothing.

Excellent 5 stars, with a service at the level. Location is absolute prime in the former ancient Lyon Hospital off the 19th century. This IC, with the one in Marseille, has the 2 more striking and impressive historical buildings possible of the chain in Europe. Everything, including the metro, is within 100m walking. The reception area is limited in size, but all desk appointed persons are highly professionals, so are the bell boys and the portiers. We were upgraded, thanks to my status coma to junior duplex suite, weather floor to ceiling 6 meter high window, dotted with good blackout curtains, and overviewing the Rhone River. Room #206 had a Nespresso coffee machine and 3 bottle of mineral water free of charge. If I have to compare this venue to the one in Marseille, a stupendous one, it has a few gaps, in particular the swimming pool and the spa, which the Lyon IC isnt dotted with. The intercontinental Lounge is missing too. Some of Hotel Highlights besides the incredibly designed rooms and its location, are the Dome, where the bar is located, and it's world class mixologist and the on-site restaurant. Cocktails prices range between 14 to 21 euros and are well worth it, while in the morning we were disappointed to have to pay 9 euros for 1 cappuccino, coming from an automated machine. Definitely one of France best hotels and one of Europe top 3 intercontinental hotels of the historical Palace types, with some gaps which you can forgo if you aren't looking for a pool and a spa and you are ready to pay more than 300euros per night. Highly recommended, Lyon best 5 *

Giving my stay 4 stars because of two issues. The first is the Spa. The Spa, we discovered, is not part of the hotel. This should really be highlighted better because the level of service at the spa is nowhere near what the Intercontinental provides. The hotel really should secure a spa internally or not recommend it. I am really disappointed the Concierge even recommended the spa "hammam" 2 hour service. First, the spa desk staff are not at the professional level the hotel is and the English level is not great. Also, the spa is NOT attached to the hotel. You have to walk out in public through the outdoor mall to get there. We wore our bathrobes anyway but it was definitely awkward. Furthermore, the "hammam" is not a hammam. The entire area designated for the spa/hammam is super small and really just the waiting area for people getting massages, not a peaceful area to relax. The wet spa room smelled like mold and body odor. The lounge chairs are an awkward height and wet from other visitors so it was just completely not worth the price. Honestly, I want a refund it was such a disappointment. The massages were nice but AVOID THE SPA if not getting a massage. Second issue: allergy friendly food, specifically for Afternoon Tea but also at the restaurant. I love afternoon tea, and it was a huge reason we chose this hotel. It is so easy to make allergy free desserts of high quality. Why not do it? I'm talking milk and gluten free primarily. There was no option to enjoy afternoon tea food that was milk free. Milk is terrible for you. At least make one sweet and one savory option. I was so so sad to not participate in afternoon tea with my friends. Also, dinner, the staff was great and very cognizant of the allergy but that meant I had to do without, rather than have a replacement. The dinner and breakfast are delicious but please, drop the obsession with milk in everything. It is so easy to cook without it! A quick point about noise: there is a club on the city side of the hotel and the windows on the river side are not soundproofed. So if you're noise sensitive, bring earplugs. Really, the hotel should provide them. Also, accessibility: it's really important to clarify this in your room choice as many rooms seem to be 2 levels. Not ideal for most, very serious concern for others. Otherwise, our stay was great. The staff are amazing and the location is great. I hope they make improvements.

Beautiful hotel - architecture was incredible, location was perfection, and the service went above and beyond. Really felt fortunate to stay in such a grand place. Was slightly disappointed by the state of the room - while it was overall great- it needed a refresh (dirty white carpets in both bedrooms, scratches on the floors, cracked window) not quite what you would expect from such a high standing hotel.

building is beautiful, particularly the bar. We booked thru amex FHR, and when we checked in we were offered an “upgrade# to a junior suite . i would have much preferred the room we originally booked. We walked in to a small living area ( no bathroom). The bedroom was 20 steps DOWNSTAIRS. it was impossible to spend any time in the living area comfortably, as using the bathroom required 20 steps down and then 20 steps back up. there was no room in the actual bedroom to sit so we had no choice but to be going up and downstairs the entire day. Also, our luggage was a huge issue . We had booked a single room on one floor in their highest category. I wish they had just given me the room I booked. Bed was “OK” but not great. Staff not very friendly. breakfast buffet, which was included with our rate was OK although the kitchen does not know how to cook eggs . while I like a properly prepared french omelette, cooked loosely, the eggs we ordered whether a poached or an omelette completely inedible virgin on raw in the case of the poached egg… uncooked egg white not acceptable. cheese choices were the same every day and not particularly memorable. location was great.