InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu

My wife and I recently spent ten nights at the InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, and our stay was, in many ways, exceptional. We were generously upgraded to a beautiful Loft Suite for our entire visit, a gesture that was greatly appreciated and set a wonderful tone for the trip. The hotel itself is stunning—an architectural masterpiece that combines historic grandeur with modern luxury. Service throughout the property was consistently professional and attentive, particularly in The Dome and Epona restaurants, where the staff provided a truly first-class experience. I would like to especially recognize Luka and Julien from Guest Services. During our stay, they helped us navigate several challenges with remarkable understanding, professionalism, and kindness. Their willingness to listen and assist made a meaningful difference and elevated our overall experience. The hotel's location is another major strength. Situated in the heart of Lyon, it is within walking distance of countless restaurants, attractions, and public transportation, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Unfortunately, there were several significant disappointments. Most concerning was a theft from our room during the first day of our stay. Someone accessed our room, removed my suitcase from the closet, opened an inner zippered compartment, located a sealed waterproof envelope containing cash from four different countries, and took the money. Coins were also removed from a bedside table. This was a deeply unsettling experience and not something one expects at a luxury five-star property. The fitness facilities were also underwhelming. The gym appears to be a repurposed meeting room containing stacked chairs, tables, presentation TV and white board, adjacent to the spa and falls well below the standards I would expect from a hotel of this caliber. My greatest disappointment, however, was learning that the hotel has permanently eliminated its lounge benefit for IHG Diamond Elite members. This was not a temporary closure but a deliberate decision. Lounge access is one of the primary reasons I remain loyal to the IHG brand and am willing to pay premium rates—often as much as $750 USD per night—for properties such as this one. The availability of drinks, snacks, and a comfortable workspace provides tangible value that helps justify the cost. It was particularly frustrating that I had to raise the issue with three different staff members before being offered a food and beverage credit as compensation for the missing benefit. Overall, the InterContinental Lyon is a magnificent hotel with an outstanding location, beautiful accommodations, and many exceptional staff members. The service provided by Luka and Julien in particular deserves recognition. However, the security incident, disappointing fitness facilities, and removal of a key Diamond Elite benefit significantly detracted from what otherwise could have been a flawless luxury hotel experience.

It is amazing how staff can create an impression for a place and the Intercontinental Hotel Dieu has struck gold with their staff. From the moment I stepped in, I was amazed by the professional and friendly manner of all the staff I interacted with, from the concierge, receptionists and bellhops, to the room cleaning crew and waiters and bar staff. I felt so very welcome at the Hotel Dieu, which is sadly not so common anymore. They really do make this place. That said, the rest of the hotel is not too shabby either. It is in a prime location in the Presqu'île area of Lyon. Ideally located for really good bouchons (try Le Cassse Museau) and for perhaps less visited tourist attractions (Bartholdi Fountain / Museum of Fine Arts / Saint-Nizier Church). It overlooks the River Rhone and is only a short walk away from the River Saone and the tourist sights in Vieux Lyon and Fourvière Hill. There are heaps of great bars around and the area is lively in the evenings, yet the hotel is quiet. If coming from Lyon Airport, it is about a 45 minute drive. The hotel is situated in a former hospital which is architecturally stunning. It has a wonderful courtyard (where you can have breakfast or drinks) and great gardens with sculptures and statues. If you have time, walk into the chapel (which I presume was the old hospital chapel) which is a baroque masterpiece. Breakfast is served in the restaurant on the ground floor and is a lavish affair by European standards. You can order eggs off the menu and help yourself to the buffet, which includes full English breakfast, crepes and waffles and the most wonderful pastries. There is a good selection of juices and fresh fruit as well. The rooms, whilst not huge, are very comfortable. All modern amenities including a smart tv, minibar, iron, nespresso machine and kettle were available. Lyon was baking, but the a/c in the room worked very well and it was nice and cool. The bed is one of the most comfortable beds I have ever experienced and made for a very good night's sleep. The bathroom was kitted out well and had a great rain shower over the bath. The conference and meeting facilities at the hotel are top notch and I have no complaints about them. All in all, an excellent hotel which I would happily recommend.

This hotel was created within a former 300 year old hospital that had amazing architecture. The result is stunning. The Dome Bar has inventive specialty cocktails, the breakfast at Epona was bountiful and delicious, including gluten free options. We had a lovely two story suite overlooking the river. The staff was courteous, helpful and attentive. We highly recommend!

Unfortunately we only stayed at this hotel one night. Our room had a beautiful view of the river and newer party of Lyon. We arrived late after a long train ride. Fortunately the bar was open for food. The bar is absolutely gorgeous and the burger we had was delicious. Our room had one area for the sink and shower and a separate toilet area which was nice. The bed was very comfortable and we had a nice box of chocolates awaiting us The breakfast buffet had a good selection and delicious croissants right out of the oven. The Intercontinental is a solid choice in Lyon.

Amazing hotel and staff. Location is absolutely great with all shopping district, 15-20 min walk to old town, river to the front of the hotel The dome bar is out of this world. Truely amazing from a 12th century historic hotel