Luxury Lyon Escape: Unbeatable Deals at Best Western Hotel des Barolles!
Luxury Lyon Escape: Best Western Hotel des Barolles - A Review from the Trenches (and Hopefully a Comfy Bed!)
Alright, listen up, fellow travel junkies! I've just clawed my way back from a whirlwind trip to Lyon, and I'm here to give you the REAL scoop on the Best Western Hotel des Barolles. Forget those sanitized, perfect reviews. This is raw, unfiltered, and probably a little sleep-deprived, so bear with me! We're talking Luxury Lyon Escape, and whether it lives up to the name, well, that's what we're here to find out.
First Impressions (and a Whole Lot of Luggage)
Okay, let's be honest, sometimes the first hurdle is getting there. I appreciated the Airport transfer option. Lyon airport is pretty standard, but after a long flight, that extra ease is HUGE. The car park [on-site] and car park [free of charge] are a godsend if you're driving – Lyon traffic is… well, it’s Lyon traffic. And the elevator? Bless its mechanical heart. This is crucial for accessibility, folks.
Accessibility Ace?
Now, I didn't personally need wheelchair access, but I did check things out. The website mentions "Facilities for disabled guests", and the elevator is a good start. I wish I could give a definitive answer, but I'd suggest contacting the hotel directly to confirm specific needs are met. It's always better to be safe than sorry!
Cleanliness & Safety - Because Let's Be Real Right Now
Post-pandemic travel still has me on edge (and, okay, maybe I'm a bit of a germaphobe anyway). I was pretty impressed with the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the fact they were clearly taking hygiene seriously. They had hand sanitizer everywhere you turned. The Rooms sanitized between stays bit made me breathe a sigh of relief. I didn't opt out of room sanitization, but the fact you could is a nice touch. Staff trained in safety protocol is a must-have nowadays. The Safe dining setup was reassuring too.
The Room - My Sanctuary (or at Least a Place to Collapse)
Okay, so the rooms. Let's get into it. I went for a standard room, which, let me tell you, after hauling yourself up from a crazy long flight, a comfortable bed becomes a top priority. The air conditioning was a LIFESAVER – Lyon gets HOT. Blackout curtains are non-negotiable for me. I am a light sleeper. The bed was a comfy, cocoon. I actually passed out almost immediately. Bonus points for the free Wi-Fi, because, hello, social media and getting organized! The hair dryer worked, the shower was a reasonable size, and the slippers felt like a mini-spa experience. But there was no extra bed :(
They did have a desk which was great for catching up on emails and getting some work done. Another plus was the free bottled water (little things, right?). The safe box was another must-have. A few extra things were there, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Ironing facilities, Mini bar.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Lyon Adventure
Okay, so it's Lyon. The FOOD. This is where the Hotel des Barolles gets some serious brownie points! The breakfast [buffet]… oh, the breakfast! (Even if it wasn't quite the Asian breakfast I'd secretly hoped for) It was a glorious spread of pastries, fresh fruit, and (important, important) strong coffee. I'm talking the kind of coffee that jolts you awake and gives you the energy to tackle the day. There's also A la carte in restaurant and Restaurants which is good
The Poolside bar was a definite highlight, especially after a day of sightseeing. Sipping a cocktail by the pool, watching the sun set? Pure bliss.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax - Because It's Lyon, Not Just a Hotel!
The hotel has a Swimming pool. Oh, and that Pool with view? Seriously Instagram-worthy. It's small, but perfect for a refreshing dip. I spent way too long in there. The Gym/fitness options seemed decent. They have a Sauna and Steamroom, as well.
Services and Conveniences - The Nitty Gritty
The 24-hour front desk is a life-saver when you’re jet-lagged and confused. They have a concierge, which is handy. Contactless check-in/out: yes, please! The luggage storage was a lifesaver before my flight. Bonus points for Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange. And the Daily housekeeping felt amazing.
For Those With Little Ones - A Parent's Perspective
While I wasn’t travelling with kids, the hotel's Family/child friendly designation is worth noting. They have Babysitting service, as well.
The Quirks
Okay, the truth? No hotel is perfect. I wish the internet was a bit faster, especially the Internet [LAN]. I'm also not sure if there was any fun, local quirks about.
The Bottom Line (and My Honest Opinion)
Is the Best Western Hotel des Barolles a perfect hotel? No. But is it a solid, comfortable, and conveniently located base for exploring Lyon? ABSOLUTELY. The location is great, with easy access to… well, everything. The staff are friendly and helpful. Most importantly, the bed was comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious.
Here's my unfiltered recommendation:
Book it if: You want a well-located, comfortable hotel with great service and a delicious breakfast. You are looking for an easy base to explore Lyon, particularly if you are coming from a train to Lyon. It is not a flashy, ridiculously glamorous place.
Maybe skip it if: You are looking for over-the-top luxury, or if you need a ton of space, or you are on a tight budget and want to save every penny.
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Here’s what makes this deal irresistible:
- Prime Location: Explore Lyon’s historic districts, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife, all within easy reach.
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- Delicious Dining: Fuel your adventures with a delectable breakfast buffet, and enjoy the Poolside bar
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously formatted travel itinerary. This is me at the Best Western Hotel des Barolles in Lyon, France, and honey, it’s going to be… well, let's just say it's gonna be real. And probably slightly chaotic.
Trip: Lyon, France – Existential Crisis in a City of Deliciousness (and Random Squirrels)
Hotel: Best Western Hotel des Barolles - Lyon Sud Saint-Genis-Laval (because, let's be honest, that mouthful of a name alone deserves a medal).
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Curse of the Mini Bar
Morning (aka, "Wake Up, You’re In France!"): Flight from… well, let's just say miles away. Landed in Lyon. The airport was a blur of trying to remember basic French (Bonjour! Merci! Où est le… le… toilette?) and grappling with luggage that seemed to have multiplied in transit. Found the hotel. It looked… fine. Clean, I guess. The receptionist seemed mildly amused by my struggle with the self-check-in kiosk. (Side note: Why are these things always trying to trick you?!)
Afternoon: The Room and the Unholy Allure of the Mini Bar: Okay, so, room: decent. View: of… a parking lot. But whatever, I'm in France. I’m supposed to be gazing off into fields of lavender, not a… cement rectangle. The real danger? The mini-bar. That siren song of tiny bottles and inflated prices. RESIST. RESIST, I tell myself! (Spoiler alert: I didn't. But more on that later.) Also, attempted a nap to fight the jet lag. Failed miserably. My brain was buzzing with the sheer foreignness of it all. And the faint smell of… fresh croissants? Was that the hotel smelling of croissants?! Truly, a mystery.
Evening: First Meal. (And Instant Regret of the Mini Bar, Part 1): Dragged myself out. Needed food. Desperately. The hotel’s restaurant was… well, the kind of hotel restaurant that’s there. I ordered… something. Vaguely resembling a steak with some questionable potatoes. Ate it. Then, returned to the room. That's where the mini bar made its comeback. Those teensy bottles of… something looked so innocent, so beckoning. (Let's not mention the price. My wallet's still weeping).
Day 2: Exploring Lyon (and Fighting My Inner Tourist Monster)
Morning: The Old Town (Vieux Lyon) - And Suddenly, History Hits You in the Face. Literally: Alright, woke up feeling… mildly guilty about the mini-bar. But hey, it's Lyon! Time to explore! (And find a REAL coffee). Took a taxi to the Old Town. Whoa. Cobblestone streets. Medieval buildings. And about a million other tourists. Immediately got the urge to run screaming from the hordes. Managed to contain my inner tourist-hater (sort of). Did the obligatory stroll through the traboules (those secret passageways – how cool is that?) and felt a twinge of excitement. This place… it was beautiful.
Afternoon: Lunch (Heaven on Earth) and the Basilica of Fourvière - Spiritual Height-ing and Actual Heights: Found a little bouchon (traditional Lyonnaise restaurant). OMG the food. Seriously. Heaven. I had something called "Quenelles" (little dumpling things – don’t judge) in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Died. Went to heaven. Came back to life. Ordered more. Absolutely no regrets. (And this is a theme with this trip). Then, I climbed up to the Basilica of Fourvière. The views were incredible (and also a tiny bit vertigo-inducing). The Basilica itself? Gigantic and OTT (over the top) in the best way possible. Felt a tiny bit like I was in a Disney movie (minus the singing mice).
Evening: Dinner (More Heaven on Earth) & Wine – Possibly a Little Too Much Wine (Oops): Back to the bouchon life. This time, I tried something called "Salade Lyonnaise" (okay, the salad was good but I was really there for the lardons and a poached egg – don't judge). The wine, however, was calling my name. Okay, okay, confession time: I had a lot of wine. Maybe a little too much. Ended up having this great conversation with a woman from… somewhere. I can't remember where. But we laughed, we talked about life, and I think I may have revealed a few too many secrets. (Note to self: Next time, pace yourself.)
Day 3: Silk, Secrets, and the (Ongoing) Mini-Bar Saga
Morning: Silk Weaving and a Serious Case of "Shopping-itis": Lyon used to be the silk capital of the world (still makes some, apparently). Went to a shop that had a display. It was quite nice, I suppose. But let's be honest, I was secretly fantasizing about buying all the silk scarves. The colors, the textures… ugh. My poor credit card. RESIST. RESIST. (Again… spoiler alert: I caved. More on that later.)
Afternoon: An Ode to Food, and a Final Confrontation with the Mini-Bar: Okay, I’m seriously obsessed with the food here. Spent the afternoon wandering (and snacking). Every corner offered up more temptation. More cheese. More bread. More pastries. I was a walking, talking, carb-loving machine! In the evening came the inevitable. Back in the hotel room, the mini-bar. I’m not proud. But I am tired. I had one last, epic mini-bar battle. It didn't go well for my wallet. I'm pretty sure I'm going to need to take out a small loan to cover the damage.
Evening: Packing (a disaster) and a Final, Tearful Goodbye (to the Mini-Bar): Packing was an absolute disaster. Trying to squeeze all my purchases (mostly silk scarves and cheese-related items) into a suitcase that was clearly too small was a Herculean effort of sorts. As I packed, I stared one last time at the mini-bar, and, I have to say, I almost shed a tear. It was a messy, expensive, but ultimately delicious whirlwind of emotions.
Day 4: Departure and Existential Reflections (Mostly About Cheese)
- Morning: Woke up with a slight headache and a deep, profound craving for a croissant. Checked out of the hotel. The receptionist raised one eyebrow. "Mademoiselle… the mini-bar…?" I just shrugged and smiled apologetically.
- Afternoon: Flight home. Sat back on the plane, exhausted but exhilarated. The memories of Lyon flooded back – the beauty, the food, the wine (oh, the wine!). The mini-bar. And cheese. Most importantly: the cheese.
- Conclusion: Lyon. It did a number on my wallet and my waistline. It challenged my basic French skills. It made me question everything I thought I knew about mini-bars. But it was also brilliant. I'm not sure I'm changed. But I definitely feel… fuller. Of experience. And (let's be honest) cheese. And maybe I'll go back. But next time, I'm packing a bigger suitcase. And a restraining order for the mini-bar. Good luck to me.
Okay, spill. Is this "Luxury Lyon Escape" *actually* luxurious, or is it just code for "slightly less budget than usual?"
Alright, honesty time. "Luxury" is a slippery word, isn't it? Let's be real: we're talking a Best Western. But the Hotel des Barolles? It's a *good* Best Western! The rooms are definitely a step up from the ones I've stayed in where you swear the carpet predates sliced bread. Think tastefully decorated (mostly), comfy beds (essential!), and a bathroom that doesn't feel like you're showering in a phone booth. They've got a nice little gym (I used it...once. Okay, twice). And the staff? Honestly, they were lovely. I asked for a spare pillow, expecting a hassle, and BAM, pillow delivered with a genuine smile. That's a small luxury, people. A small, but important, luxury.
The "unbeatable deals" part? That's legit. I snagged a rate that was seriously shocking. My wallet actually breathed a sigh of relief. I'd say for the price, it felt pretty darn luxurious. It's not the Ritz, but it's also not trying to be. That's the charm, really.
Tell me *everything* about the location. Is it even remotely close to the good stuff in Lyon? Because I'm all about the food and the pretty views, and frankly, I don't know Lyon at all.
Okay, so the Hotel des Barolles is…well, it's not *smack dab* in the Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) district. You'll likely need to take a tram or bus. (Don't panic! Lyon's public transport is actually pretty good, unlike trying to drive in Paris – shudder!). It's about a 20-ish minute ride, if I remember correctly, maybe a bit longer depending on traffic! But here's the thing:
Firstly, it's in a quieter area, which is a major plus. After a day of gorging yourself on coq au vin and strolling along the Saône River, you'll appreciate a peaceful night's sleep, believe me. Secondly, being *slightly* out of the center means you dodge the truly insane tourist crowds. And finally, it forces you to *explore*. Hop on that tram, get off at different stops, and discover some hidden gems. That little boulangerie I found near the hotel? Oh. My. God. The croissants… I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
It's not perfect, but it's manageable. And Lyon's so beautiful that even the tram ride can be enjoyable. Just… pack a book or download some podcasts, you know, for the occasional delay. (Because, let's be honest, delays happen everywhere...)
What's the breakfast situation? Because I'm one of those people who lives for breakfast. I need the deets!
Okay, breakfast is *important*. It sets the tone for the day, for crying out loud! Hotel des Barolles' breakfast situation is... decent. It's included in the "Luxury Lyon Escape" package (score!), and it's a buffet. There's the usual: pastries (yay!), bread, cereal, yogurt, fruit (glorious French fruit!), cheese (mmm, cheese!), and some hot options.
The coffee? It was... serviceable, I suppose. Not the best coffee of my life (that honor goes to a tiny café I stumbled upon near the Musée des Beaux-Arts). But it'll get you going. The pastries were good. The croissants? Not AS superb as those boulangerie ones. But the pain au chocolat? Definitely good. (Okay, I'm getting distracted by bread again...)
The main thing is: it's convenient, it's filling, and it's free. And hey, the staff kept the buffet well-stocked, which is always a plus. Don't expect haute cuisine, but it does the job. And honestly, I'm more than happy with a decent pastry and some fruit after stumbling out of bed.
Okay, let's talk about the "Unbeatable Deals" part. What kind of money are we talking here? Give me the lowdown on the hidden costs.
Ah, the million-dollar question! So, the deals. When I went through the "Luxury Lyon Escape," it really *was* a good price. Like, I checked other hotels, and they were *way* more expensive. I hate to admit, I'm a bit cheap. I just LOVE finding a bargain!
The key is looking at the fine print. Make sure you understand what's *actually* included. Is breakfast really free? Are there any taxes or fees you *won't* be expecting? Are you on the hook for a parking charge? (Parking in Lyon can be a nightmare). I ALWAYS double-check for those hidden costs. Otherwise, what's the point? You might think you're getting a steal, when you actually aren't.
For me, the deal was great. I was able to enjoy the hotel while still having money for all the delicious food I ate. That's a major win, my friends. Just do your research. Comparison shop. Read the reviews. And then, when you see a deal that looks good, JUMP!
Let’s be honest: what was the *worst* thing about staying there? Give me the real deal, no sugarcoating.
Alright, alright. I'm not a shill, I swear! Okay, the worst thing? Hmm… honestly? The air conditioning in the bedroom! It was temperamental. One night, I was sweating like a competitive marathon runner. Another night, I was reaching for an extra blanket. It was like the hotel was playing a cruel game of Goldilocks! *Too hot, too cold, too hot, too cold.*
I did mention it to the reception, and they seemed very apologetic and sent someone to tinker with it. It helped… slightly. But it was still a bit hit-or-miss. Look, it wasn't a deal-breaker. I survived. But if you're the kind of person who *needs* a perfectly regulated temperature to sleep, pack extra layers, or maybe request a different room. (Or, if you're like me, just embrace the discomfort and tell yourself it builds character!).
Okay, okay, I get it. It's not perfect. But would you recommend this "Luxury Lyon Escape" at the Hotel des Barolles? Be honest, again!
Absolutely. Yes. A thousand times, YES.
Look, I'm a seasoned traveler. I've stayed in everything from flea-ridden hostels (never again!) to ridiculously overpriced boutique hotels. And this Hotel des Barolles adventure? While not perfect, it was a *fantastic* experience for the price. Here’s why:
- It was clean and genuinely well-maintained.
- Staff were pleasant.
- It served as a comfortable base for exploring a truly beautiful city.
- The deals wereOcean By H10 HotelsBest Western Hotel des Barolles - Lyon Sud Saint-Genis-Laval France
Best Western Hotel des Barolles - Lyon Sud Saint-Genis-Laval France
