Carlton Hotel Lyon - MGallery Collection

The hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its historic building and a unique original antique elevator that transports guests back to a bygone era, blending classic charm with modern comfort. Its prime central location in Lyon is consistently highlighted, placing guests within easy reach of major attractions, shopping, and dining. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and explorers who appreciate walkability, as well as couples seeking a charming and romantic escape. Business travelers also find it a convenient and professional base due to its efficient service and central access. Guests consistently commend the attentive and friendly staff and the comfortable accommodations. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for potentially quieter nights and scenic views, and take full advantage of the convenient valet parking service to simplify arrival and departure.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities and amenities designed to enhance guest comfort. The lobby bar is a popular spot, offering a pleasant atmosphere for drinks and light food options, with many guests enjoying its service. While there is no large fitness center, the hotel does feature a hammam or steam room, and some guests have enjoyed relaxing massages. Most guests appreciate the free Wi-Fi, noting its reliability and speed. In-room conveniences include complimentary water bottles (both still and sparkling), a coffee maker (often Nespresso), an electric kettle, plush robes, and quality toiletries from brands like Codage Paris. The hotel's distinctive antique elevator, while charming and a unique feature, is sometimes noted by guests as being slow or inefficient, especially during busy periods.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is largely positive, with most describing rooms as very clean and spotless. However, some guests noted minor issues such as pet hair from previous occupants, stains on walls, or grime in bathroom grout, and a few reported unclean showers. Room size receives mixed reviews; many found them spacious or adequately sized for European standards, particularly suites, while others described them as small, compact, or cramped. The comfortable beds and comfy mattresses with quality linens are consistently praised for ensuring a restful sleep, though a few mentioned soft pillows or a mattress that retained heat. Noise levels are generally low due to good soundproofing and double glazing, but some street noise can be heard, especially from lower floors. Temperature control is inconsistent, with some guests finding the air conditioning ineffective or turned off during cooler months, leading to stuffy or warm rooms. Bathrooms are often described as spacious and clean, featuring large showers or soaking tubs, but some experienced poor water pressure, slippery shower floors, or minor limescale and mold issues.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast buffet consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as excellent, superb, and delicious. The spread is noted for its variety and high quality, featuring a generous selection of fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, and yogurts, including local specialties like brioche aux pralines. Many appreciate the availability of organic tea and coffee, and the popular hot chocolate. While the breakfast service is generally found to be attentive and competent, some guests noted that the breakfast room can become quite busy, leading to slower refills or depleted items later in the morning. A few isolated comments mentioned issues with cold hot food or items tasting old. The hotel also features a lobby bar that is well-regarded for its pleasant atmosphere and offers a selection of drinks, with some guests mentioning it provides light food options.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight, universally praised as perfect and ideal for exploring Lyon. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance of numerous key attractions, including Old Lyon, Bellecour Square, and the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica. The surrounding area offers abundant shopping streets, diverse restaurants, and charming cafes, making it convenient for both sightseeing and leisure. Accessibility is further enhanced by its proximity to metro stations, providing easy access to other parts of the city and the airport. For those arriving by car, valet parking is a significant and highly valued service, simplifying arrival despite its cost. While the immediate vicinity is generally considered safe, some guests noted the presence of homeless individuals or graffiti, though this did not detract from the hotel's secure environment.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their helpfulness and willingness to go above and beyond, from assisting with luggage and providing quick check-in to offering excellent concierge service with recommendations for local attractions and dining. The valet service is particularly commended for its efficiency and courteousness. While the majority of interactions are positive, a few isolated instances of less welcoming or stressed demeanor were noted, particularly during busy breakfast periods. There was also a serious concern raised by one guest regarding housekeeping discarding a personal item and denying it, which impacted their overall experience. Despite these rare exceptions, the staff's dedication to providing a high level of service is a recurring theme in guest feedback.

Additional Information
Beyond its core offerings, the hotel is celebrated for its distinctive historic ambiance, housed within a classic building from the late 1800s that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern comforts. The interior decor is often described as stylish and refined, contributing to a cozy and inviting atmosphere, though a few guests found the color scheme somewhat dated. Guests frequently appreciate thoughtful touches such as hot chocolate available at reception and special welcome gifts or notes for occasions like anniversaries. For loyal guests, the hotel offers loyalty program benefits, including room upgrades and welcome drinks. The hotel also maintains a pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests traveling with animals. A unique olfactory signature throughout the hotel adds to the memorable sensory experience for many visitors.