Hotel du Simplon

This hotel offers a charming and authentic experience, with its central location near Lyon Perrache station serving as a key feature, making it highly convenient for exploring the city. Guests consistently highlight the friendly and helpful staff and the hotel's commitment to cleanliness. While some rooms are noted for their compact size, the comfortable beds generally ensure a restful stay. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and business travelers due to its excellent transport links and proximity to attractions. Families also find it accommodating, with options like bunk beds. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room away from the street for a quieter experience, and be mindful of the bathroom dimensions, which are often described as small.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential amenities, though some guests note the absence of certain in-room conveniences. While there is generally Wi-Fi available, some reviews indicate occasional connectivity issues. Guests appreciate the presence of an elevator for easy access to upper floors. However, some rooms lack a fridge or coffee/tea making facilities, which is a point of feedback for several visitors. The air conditioning receives mixed reviews, with some finding it effective and others reporting issues or noise. The hotel also offers secure bike storage in its courtyard, a thoughtful addition for cyclists. The lobby and lounge areas are described as welcoming and comfortable, contributing to the hotel's cozy atmosphere.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as immaculate and well-maintained. However, room size is a recurring topic, with many finding them quite small, particularly for more than one person or with luggage, though some larger rooms are available. The comfortable beds and quality bedding are consistently praised, ensuring a good night's sleep. The bathrooms, however, are frequently described as minuscule and sometimes outdated, with some featuring a compact, all-in-one design where the toilet is very close to the shower. Noise levels are a mixed bag; while some rooms are quiet, others facing the street can be affected by street noise or noise from neighboring rooms due to thin walls. Some guests also mention issues with window coverings not fully blocking light and a lack of storage space in rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel receives largely positive feedback, often described as copious and offering a good variety of fresh products. Guests appreciate the selection, which typically includes pastries, bread, eggs, and local items. The coffee quality is generally well-regarded, with options from a machine using real beans. While the breakfast buffet is praised for its offerings, some guests find the cost to be on the higher side. The breakfast room itself is noted for its pleasant atmosphere, often described as having a bistro-like or charming feel.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location, being very close to the Lyon Perrache train station and various public transport options including the metro and tram. This makes it incredibly convenient for guests arriving by rail and for exploring the city. It is also within easy walking distance of many popular attractions, including the old town and central shopping areas. Parking is a frequently discussed topic; while the hotel offers secure private parking nearby, it comes at an additional cost and some guests find it expensive or note that the garage can be tight for larger vehicles. The surrounding neighborhood is generally considered lively and cultural, with many restaurants and cafes, though some areas are described as quieter or, occasionally, a bit less appealing.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome and the staff's willingness to provide recommendations and assistance. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. Many reviews commend the staff's professionalism and their efforts to ensure a pleasant stay, from the reception team to the cleaning staff. Their responsiveness to guest requests and their overall positive demeanor are recurring themes in the feedback.

Additional Information
The hotel is noted for its charming, traditional ambiance, offering a unique character that stands apart from standardized chain hotels. It also embraces an eco-responsible and social initiative, which is appreciated by guests. For those traveling with pets, the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, even providing amenities like dog biscuits and bowls. Some guests have noted specific issues with the room keys, which can have heavy keychains, and there have been isolated reports of the hotel attempting to process payment before arrival, contrary to booking terms. The hotel's age means some areas, like the staircases, have a charming creak, adding to its authentic feel.