Lyon

 

Even though I came back to London , I didn’t stay there for long. Next trip was to Lyon but not on purpose, it was just kind of on the way to where we were going, but you can read about that In my next post.

 

I don’t really have a lot of French experience. I visited Paris once in 2013 but that’s about it. All I can remember is that France has that special something, but then again, most countries do.

 

We arrived to Lyon around 6pm, we were quite tired upon our arrival but as soon as I stepped in to Cour des loges I felt alive again.

 

 

Personally I love when they refurb old buildings and give them life again and Cour des loges is exactly that. Once upon a time it was a monastery in which only the pupils and the priests lived, but now it is just a charming luxury hotel in central Lyon.

 

My trip to Lyon was of a short nature but it has not left me without an awe. Streets of Lyon remind me of the Croatian coast, as the cobbles are quite common and the city is not friendly for high fashion items.

 

We just strolled around the block of the hotel and obviously one of the things that caught my attention was the amazing church on top of the hill that looks like something out of a Disney movie.

 

Just around the corner there is a small square with little restaurants so ventured in to one to get a taste for the authentic food. I ordered a set menu with salmon as a starter then switched to a beef steak in wine sauce, all topped up by everyone’s favourite chocolate mousse and a glass of red wine.

 

 

Now normally I would order a bottle and share it with Charles, but as I mentioned before, we were quite tired and not prepared to get seriously French.

 

Now my favourite part of course.

 

I love hotels, but not any type of hotels, I love special hotels. Cour des Loges is a perfect little hidden gem of Lyon. Our room was a superior room, and even though you would expect it to be big it is actually not that big, but that is due to the original architecture of the building. Nevertheless rooms are splendid and they all have amazing big baths so you can just sit there and relax.

 

 

 

 

Speaking of relaxing, I also went to their spa and found an amazing pool and an even better jacuzzi. Just that is worth coming here for because you can really relax 100%.

 

Corridors are interesting and full of little secrets. The concierge was really nice and showed me around a bit. If he hadn’t showed me what I am about to show you, I would never know how amazing this hotel really is.

 

 

 

Look a wardrobe!

Wait….

What?

A secret room gets my five star right away. How cool is this idea? I passed by it many times and never even thought that behind It there is a world similar to Narnia. On top of the fourth floor and access to the hanging gardens, with amazing views of Lyon and even has its residents there, but don’t worry. They beehave well.

 

Some rooms even have the view of that amazing Disney church on top.

Obviously there are some details in the hotel that are unmissable, like the ‘’fire lounge’’, and ‘’le bar’’. I call it ‘’le alchemist bar’’ because it seriously looks like someone is about to pour me some absinth.

From our floor we had a straight view down to the lobby where they served breakfast. That is the place where you really get to take the whole décor and the idea in. And also if you look far enough you will find the stone staircase in the corner which is just ‘’wow’’.

Concierge played a trick on me, and made me look for a signature carving of the architect him self. Of course, I didn’t find it, but he came and helped me out showing me this little tiny face carved in to the column on the second floor.

There are some other cool parts of this property – for example this spooky dungeon entrance for the staff. I was tempted to walk in but too many people were coming out on occasions.

 

Of course this hotel has a downside but it is also an upside. The parking of the hotel is 35 euros per night — which means if you stay there for 4 days you literally spent the same amount of money on parking as you would for one more night. The upside is, that the hotel has parking, because in that area you really wouldn’t find anywhere to park. Another thing that I found was a little bit sad was that the menu of the mini bar said there is champagne, but there was no champagne there. I love champagne so I was a bit upset, also not having it in the fridge just means some people won’t drink it, which means they won’t spend money. But you can always call room service and order something in your room. I have a little bit of reluctance to call room service, and always feel embarrassed to do so, so I rarely order anything.

 

Speaking of room service, I have not tried the food in the restaurant, although I have heard they have a Michelin star which is great, unfortunately can’t really say what it is as I have not seen it or tried it, but if any of you do, make sure you tell me.

 

 

So I just want to end this with a couple of bullet points on Lyon and Cour des loges itself.

 

PROS

 

Lyon is a beautiful romantic city on the river and really photogenic

Great food and wine can be found all around

Cour des Loges is in a great location right in the heart of it all

The décor is amazing and the rooms are comfortable and clean

Hotel offers parking but you need to tell them in advance

Restaurant has a Michelin star

Hotel also has a spa with jacuzzi and the pool

Staff is incredibly nice

All the movies are free and you have your own Wi fi router

Best concierge you will ever meet

Baths are amazing

 

CONS

 

Parking is 35 euros

Items on the mini bar menu are not in the mini bar

 

FACTS

 

Lyon is quite an expensive city and not recommended for budget travellers

If you want romance, personally to me it’s more romantic than Paris

Cozy restaurants and bars and very friendly people

Loads of Frog legs and baguettes 😀