Where to Stay in Lyon 2025: From Design Hostels to Luxury Hotels
Discover Lyon's best accommodations from €20 design hostels to luxury Renaissance hotels. Complete guide to France's gastronomic capital.
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Where should I stay in Lyon, France?
The best area to stay in Lyon, France depends on your budget and interests. Presqu'île is ideal for First-time visitors wanting everything within walking distance with prices around €150-300/night. Budget travelers should consider hostels in Vieux Lyon (€20-45/night), while luxury seekers will find excellent options in Croix-Rousse (€200-500+/night).
Related questions:
- • What's the cheapest area in Lyon?
- • Is Lyon safe for solo travelers?
- • When should I book hotels in Lyon?
Essential Lyon Accommodation Info
TL;DR: Stay in Presqu'île for first-time visitors, book 2-3 months ahead, budget €60-100-€100-200 per night for good value.
- 1 Budget accommodation in Lyon ranges from €20-45 for hostels to €60-100 for budget hotels
- 2 Best neighborhoods include Presqu'île, Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse
- 3 Book 2-3 months in advance for best rates, especially during May-June, September-October, December (Festival of Lights)
- 4 Mid-range hotels (€100-200) offer the best value for most travelers
- 5 Consider location carefully - staying centrally saves on transport costs
💰 Lyon, France Accommodation Prices 2025
Prices vary by season, location, and booking timing. Peak season rates can be 50-100% higher.
Lyon, France's gastronomic capital, offers an exceptional range of accommodations reflecting its position as both a UNESCO World Heritage site and a modern business hub. From €20 designer hostels in the Presqu'île to €700+ luxury hotels overlooking the Saône River, Lyon provides sophisticated lodging for every traveler. Whether you're seeking Belle Époque elegance near Place Bellecour, contemporary design in Part-Dieu, or historic charm in Vieux Lyon, I'll guide you through Lyon's accommodation landscape to find your perfect base for exploring this magnificent city in 2025.
Best Lyon Hotels by Category
🎨 Best Design Hotel: Mama Shelter Lyon
€100-180/night • Philippe Starck-designed hotel with urban flair
Location: 7th Arrondissement
Why it's great: Innovative design, rooftop restaurant, 24/7 pizza service, and creative atmosphere
🏛️ Best Luxury Experience: Villa Florentine
€400-800/night • Renaissance convent with panoramic city views
Location: Fourvière Hill
Why it's great: Historic setting, Michelin-starred dining, panoramic views, and spa services
🌿 Best Hostel Experience: Slo Living Hostel
€25-45/night • Eco-conscious hostel with designer interiors
Location: 1st Arrondissement
Why it's great: Sustainable practices, co-working space, local experiences, and stylish design
🏰 Best Historic Hotel: Cour des Loges
€250-500/night • Four Renaissance houses in UNESCO district
Location: Vieux Lyon
Why it's great: Historic architecture, courtyard setting, luxury amenities, and prime location
Quick Comparison of Top Accommodations
Mama Shelter Lyon
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Villa Florentine
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Slo Living Hostel
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
Cour des Loges
Features:
Pros:
- + Prime location
- + Great value
- + Excellent service
Cons:
- - Can be pricey
- - Book early
| Accommodation | Price | Location | Features | Pros | Cons | Best For | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mama Shelter Lyon ★ 4.5 | €100-180/night | 7th Arrondissement | Innovative designrooftop restaurant24/7 pizza serviceand creative atmosphere |
|
| Design Hotel | View |
| Villa Florentine ★ 4.5 | €400-800/night | Fourvière Hill | Historic settingMichelin-starred diningpanoramic viewsand spa services |
|
| Luxury Experience | View |
| Slo Living Hostel ★ 4.5 | €25-45/night | 1st Arrondissement | Sustainable practicesco-working spacelocal experiencesand stylish design |
|
| Hostel Experience | View |
| Cour des Loges ★ 4.5 | €250-500/night | Vieux Lyon | Historic architecturecourtyard settingluxury amenitiesand prime location |
|
| Historic Hotel | View |
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Lyon, France
🛍️Presqu'île
Lyon's peninsula between rivers offers luxury shopping, restaurants, and central location with easy access to all attractions.
Best for:First-time visitors wanting everything within walking distance
Average cost:€150-300/night
Vibe:Elegant, bustling, cosmopolitan
Pros:
- Central location
- Shopping paradise
- Restaurant variety
- Metro access
🏛️Vieux Lyon
Renaissance quarter with cobblestone streets, secret passageways (traboules), and traditional Lyonnaise restaurants (bouchons).
Best for:History lovers and cultural enthusiasts
Average cost:€120-250/night
Vibe:Medieval, charming, authentically French
Pros:
- Historic atmosphere
- Traditional dining
- Tourist attractions
- Unique architecture
🎨Croix-Rousse
Former silk-weaving district now a trendy neighborhood with artist studios, vintage shops, and panoramic city views.
Best for:Creative types and local culture seekers
Average cost:€80-150/night
Vibe:Artistic, laid-back, authentically local
Pros:
- Local markets
- Artistic scene
- City views
- Unique character
🏢Part-Dieu
Lyon's business district with modern hotels, major train station, and shopping center - perfect for business travelers.
Best for:Business travelers and train connections
Average cost:€90-180/night
Vibe:Modern, efficient, business-focused
Pros:
- Transport hub
- Modern amenities
- Business facilities
- Shopping center
Staying in Presqu'île
Pros
- Central location
- Shopping paradise
- Restaurant variety
- Metro access
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Staying in Vieux Lyon
Pros
- Historic atmosphere
- Traditional dining
- Tourist attractions
- Unique architecture
Cons
- Can be pricey
- Tourist crowds
- Limited parking
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Lyon
Lyon offers excellent value compared to Paris, with quality accommodations at every price point. The city's compact size means budget options still offer great locations.
Top Hostels (€20-45/night)
Budget Hotels (€60-100/night)
When to Book: Seasonal Price Guide
Lyon maintains relatively stable pricing year-round, with peaks during major events like the Festival of Lights in December and business conferences.
🔥 High Season: May-June, September-October, December (Festival of Lights)
Spring and fall bring perfect weather and business travelers. December's Festival of Lights creates extreme demand with prices tripling. Book 6 months ahead for the festival.
💰 Low Season: January-March, July-August
Winter offers great deals except during major trade shows. Summer sees locals leave for vacation, creating availability and lower prices in business hotels.
Essential Booking Tips for Lyon
⚠️ Festival of Lights Planning
The Fête des Lumières (December 8-11) is magical but accommodation prices triple. Book by June or consider staying in nearby cities like Villeurbanne with metro access.
💡 Bouchon Restaurant Packages
Many hotels offer packages including traditional bouchon dinners. These provide excellent value and guaranteed reservations at authentic restaurants.
✅ Business Hotel Weekend Deals
Business hotels in Part-Dieu and Cité Internationale offer 40-50% discounts on weekends when corporate guests leave. Perfect for leisure travelers.
ℹ️ Lyon City Card Included
Some hotels include the Lyon City Card (€25-35 value) providing free public transport and museum entry. Always ask when booking.
Getting Around Lyon
Lyon's efficient public transport makes any neighborhood accessible. The metro, trams, and buses connect seamlessly, with most tourist sites within 20 minutes of each other. The Vélo'v bike-sharing system offers 4,000 bikes at 340 stations - many hotels provide free access cards. From Lyon's two train stations (Part-Dieu and Perrache), TGV trains reach Paris in 2 hours and the Alps in 90 minutes. The funiculars to Fourvière are not just transport but attractions themselves. Consider the 24/48/72-hour transport passes for unlimited travel including the airport tram.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyon Accommodation
1 What's the average hotel cost in Lyon?
Lyon hotels average €80-150 per night in 2025. Hostels cost €20-45/night, budget hotels €60-100/night, mid-range €100-200/night, and luxury properties €200-500+/night. Presqu'île and Vieux Lyon command premium prices.
2 Which Lyon neighborhood should I stay in?
Presqu'île for shopping and dining, Vieux Lyon for historic charm, Croix-Rousse for artistic atmosphere, Part-Dieu for business travel, or Confluence for modern architecture. All areas well-connected by metro.
3 When is the best time to visit Lyon?
May-June and September-October offer perfect weather and fewer crowds. December's Fête des Lumières is magical but busy. July-August can be hot with some restaurants closed for vacation.
4 Is the Lyon City Card worth it?
Yes! The 3-day card (€30) includes all public transport, 23 museums, guided tours, and river cruise. It pays for itself with just 2-3 museum visits plus transport, making it excellent value for sightseeing.
What's the average hotel cost in Lyon?
Which Lyon neighborhood should I stay in?
When is the best time to visit Lyon?
Is the Lyon City Card worth it?
Final Thoughts
Lyon perfectly balances French sophistication with approachable prices, making it an ideal base for exploring France. The city's accommodation scene reflects its dual personality - historic quarters offer Renaissance charm while modern districts provide contemporary comfort. Food lovers will appreciate hotels near traditional bouchons, while business travelers benefit from excellent conference facilities. With prices 25-30% lower than Paris but quality just as high, Lyon delivers exceptional value. Whether you choose a designer hostel, boutique hotel, or luxury property, Lyon's compact size ensures you're never far from its gastronomic delights and cultural treasures.
Next stop on your journey? Check out our guide to where to stay in Marseille !
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About the Author
Marco Castelletti
A Rome native with a passion for European culture, Marco has spent two decades exploring every corner of the continent. His architectural background gives him unique insights into Europe's historic cities, while his foodie soul ensures readers find the best local trattorias and hidden wine bars. Currently based in Barcelona, he splits his time between writing and leading cultural tours.
