Hôtel Mercure Lyon Centre Lumière (Lyon, France)

The rooms are widely described as spacious, clean, and nicely decorated, if a little light on storage space for clothes. Guests appreciate the extra touches in the Privilege rooms, such as the Nespresso machine and complimentary minibar.

Many travellers are pleased to report a warm welcome at the front desk, and also send their compliments to the chef: the breakfast buffet offers an extraordinary variety of fresh breads, cheese, cold meats, pastries, and cooked dishes.

Though the hotel is located in a quiet suburb, guests often point out that there is a metro station within a five-minute walk which offers a direct route to Vieux Lyon! Speedy walkers can get there in about half an hour on foot. Other neighbourhood highlights include a large supermarket and the Frères Lumière Museum. A tram line to the Part-Dieu station is also close by, and the airport is about 30 minutes away.

Guests have been disappointed to find the restaurant is closed on weekends, and there are few options in the immediate neighbourhood, though there are many exceptionally good options within easy reach on the Metro.

Recent travellers have described the common spaces and guest bathrooms as a little "tired," and some feel the overall level of the amenities provided is more appropriate to a "three star" than the hotel's advertised four stars.

Though many guests find much to like about the hotel and its staff, others find their overall opinion dragged from "good" to "just ok" by uninformed or disengaged personnel, downmarket in-room amenities such as disposable cups, or ineffective air conditioning.