InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu

Picked this hotel at the end of a two-week stay in Lyon because it is an iconic, beautifully restored historic building that was once a hospital where most or many Lyonnais were born. The welcome was very warm upon arrival, and this was largely due to Missen, who impressed us with his professionalism. We were pleased that our room was ready for early check-in, and it was well-appointed, spacious and quiet, with a great shower, to boot. Staff throughout the hotel were attentive and helpful. This was especially so with Cyrille Lombart, the chief concierge Clefs d’or (visible on both lapels), who listened patiently to ascertain our needs before recommending and making reservations for us. I went to the hotel’s famous Le Dôme Bar twice - for a yummy chocolate cake in the afternoon, and also for pre-dinner drinks. The dome and its ultra high ceiling were gorgeous, even mesmerising. Servers Ocilia, Charlotte and Ole were friendly, attentive and professional. At Epona, the hostesses were welcoming and assured us that there was enough time for breakfast when we walked in anxiously at 9.45am (last order at 10.30am on weekdays). We were thankfully still able to have a leisurely breakfast and servers Fanny and Amaury took good care of us. The hotel premises were quite extensive, with ongoing renovations at certain sections unfortunately robbing the place of some of its aesthetics and warmth. However, we still enjoyed shopping for souvenirs at “Créations Lyonnaises”, the creative space of boutiques managed by a group of friendly artisans, illustrators and designers within the hotel (eg The Blondie Cookie; Aby Creative Journey; Yoana, Le Garden Muse/Fleurs en laine feutrée; Céline dessine n’importe quoi). I was also thrilled to spot some items on display by Lolo Chatenay, a local brand known for its customisable Lyonnais craftsmanship, near the hotel entrance. The central location of Hotel Dieu meant that we could walk to several shops and restaurants, including Printemps, Palomas (chocolatier), Le Nord, Cafe Terroir, Culina Hortus, and even Brasserie Georges (which was frankly a bit of a walk; took a taxi on our way back). Checkout by Maude was smooth. We didn’t need a late checkout as we had a flight to catch. Porters Anis and Christopher cheerfully helped us with our luggage. It was a lovely stay in an iconic hotel with a nice ambience and surroundings, good food and attentive service. Vivement recommandé! Highly recommended!

Stayed for one time in this hotel, and it was one of the most oustanding experiences in an Intercontinental Hotel. The property is absolutely beautiful, and I would certainly highlight the quality of the rooms and the bar, which is simply amazing. Also, everyone in the hotel provided impeccable service. I would highlight the reception staff, both during check in and check out. They were extremely nice and efficient.

We stayed for a weekend at the intercontinental hotel, had an amazing time. The room was comfort and well organized with all you need in room, quite and well shaded when needed. The service of all the team in the hotel was top of the class. The bar is amazing and special and the restaurant is very high quality with only fresh and great products.

I was a little worried as I had read some less than stellar reviews, but after visiting I have zero idea what those folks were talking about! This is absolutely the best place to stay in Lyon. It is in walking distance of everything- the old town, the more modern commerce district, a zillion restaurants, etc. From Michael at the front desk to house keeping, to the yummy breakfast buffet- everything was spectacular. The rooms are modern and comfortable with all of the necessary amenities. It was the perfect place to start and end each day and the ideal headquarters for our visit to Lyon. We look forward to our return.

I was really looking forward to visiting Lyon and enjoying a bit of luxury at this hotel, but unfortunately I was very disappointed (with the hotel, not with Lyon). I booked a Premium River View room – all the photos show that this room type has a bath but sadly my room did not. Apparently if a bath was important to me I should have requested this, and I could only change rooms by paying an upgrade fee, which I declined. But this wasn't the only problem – there was mouldy sealant in the shower, the bedroom curtains were badly stained, the USB charging point next to the bed was broken/had no power, there were marks on the wall, chipped tile in the bathroom, and when I went to get a drink, there was a blonde hair in the the glass (definitely not mine!). I don't drink tea or coffee (prefer cold drinks) but apparently all the mini-bars in the hotel have been switched off so my only only option was to request a bucket of ice which was a hassle, and of course only lasts a couple of hours. There was also no option to cast to the TV, which is a given at most 5* hotels nowadays. All these are relatively minor issues but added together, it was a lot. On the plus side, the hotel is in a stunning building, in a city full of stunning buildings. In Lyon, around every corner there seems to be something else to admire. The location of the hotel is good, and its walkable to most of the main sights and shopping areas. Lyon on the whole is a very walkable place. The staff were mostly nice, and the breakfast buffet was good, with lots of choice.