InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu

We’ve been very impressed with the Intercontinental properties in Europe, and the Lyon Hotel Dieu really lived up to our expectations. The hotel is a converted hospital and still retains most of the original features – architexture is largely unchanged, the long sloping staircases still remain and the iconic location right on the Rhone river. The hotel is just grand and magnificent as you approach. The hotel is not as massive as it appears, as the hotel shares the complex with other restaurants, shops, offices and a convention center. However, the hotel is closed-off and room access requires entry through the hotel’s lobby. The hotel is breathtakingly grand – vaulted ceilings, stone staircases, and a magnificent central dome. The rooms are large, updated, comfortable and quiet. Our rooms faced the inner courtyard and we never heard a sound from the outside. They were bright, clean and very well appointed with a fridge, coffee maker, super comfortable bed, full bath and rain shower. Not really a single thing we could complain about. As others have noted, Le Dome bar is magnificent. The cocktails are excellent and the regional wine list was very very good. Additionally, breakfast is served downstairs and it was very good – different types of eggs, crepes, fresh fruit, pastries in a buffet and then additional made to order items. The hotel’s location is exceptional – it’s a 5 minute walk to Place Bellecour and it’s right on the edge of Old Town. Most places we visited were less than a 20 minute walk from the hotel. There are numerous restaurant, bouchons, bistros, shops nearby. Everything felt like it was right outside our door. We had some important legal work that we need to attend to while at the hotel and the concierge went out of their way to be helpful – tracking down packages, helping us find notaries if we needed, finding the nearest international shipping locations and offering to go directly so we didn’t have to. They were just superb. Hotel Dieu was just a really great hotel and we would absolutely return.

We had a wonderful stay at the InterContinental Lyon. The hotel itself is absolutely beautiful, especially being located in the historic Grand Hôtel-Dieu. The amount of history and beautiful architecture throughout the property makes staying here feel like an experience in itself. The location is also excellent and very centralized, making it easy to walk around and explore Lyon. The bar is another highlight…the setting is beautiful and makes for a great place to relax and enjoy a drink in the evening while taking in the stunning dome. Overall, we really enjoyed our time here and would definitely stay again when visiting Lyon!

Room 356 with a river view-fabulous room with high ceilings and powerful air conditioning were great to come home to every day. Wonderful comfy bed, ample closet space and sitting area. Bathroom and toilet rooms were separate which came in handy for 2 people getting ready. Extremely quiet-the double glazed windows shut out most noise except Bastille Day fireworks and cheers of fans during World Cup. Only negative-no mini fridge available. We had the mini bar emptied out and then reconfigured the space on it to hold our items. The bar on 1st floor is gorgeous looking up into the dome. Have drinks here at least once. The historic Hotel Dieu complex is huge -spend some time exploring around. Most everything you need is a block or two away and the area is filled with great shops-Le Printemps is a few blocks out the back door.

What once was a hospital in the 1800’s has had a beautiful renovation by IHG. Overlooking the Rhone river and very close to commercial shopping areas as well as the “old city”. The spacious rooms are stunning, the beds and bedding supremely comfortable. Our room had a huge shower as well as a bath, surprisingly only a single wash basin where there was plenty of room for 2. A Nespresso coffee machine and stocked bar fridge (not free) was also present. It was sweltering hot 36°C during our stay but the hotel AC is incredibly effective. Go have a drink in the Dome Bar with its 32m high ceiling-it’s spectacular. The included breakfasts are great and could be had inside or in the courtyard.

We visited 2nd time in Lyon Intercontinental, previous time was three years ago when in town. We were expecting to be pampered and our expectations were met in great deal. Being with a status diamond elite and ambassador, we received upgrades to our room booking. The welcome, valet parking the rental car and check-in processes were all extremely swift and overly friendly. We entered from there to enjoy Sunday brunch lunch in the hotel restaurant, which was tasty and well served. Throughout the visit, we enjoyed the services of the gym, breakfast, bar and concierge support on daily basis and everything was always perfect. Extra credit goes to helpful staff at the breakfast and the excellent concierge, who tirelessly supported us with few items that we needed help with.