Hotel Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux-Arts (Lyon, France)

Few travellers fail to mention the hotel's enviable position on Place des Jacobins, a very attractive square with many tempting cafes, steps from an inviting riverside market. Though many guests find it enjoyable to walk to "everything" in Lyon, from the Old Town to the shopping district, the neighbourhood is well served by public transport and there is a taxi rank steps from the hotel entrance, too.

Many guests are charmed by the 19th century building's well preserved exterior, while noting that the guest rooms have been tastefully modernized, with comfortable beds, effective air conditioning, and good free Wi-Fi. Privilege rooms seem to be worth the extra cash if you have it, for the romantic city view from the balcony and swell Nespresso coffee.

The front desk staff are widely described as very friendly, professional, and enthusiastic. Tourists generally find their restaurant recommendations to be spot on, and those who speak English only are delighted to find the staff impeccably fluent in their language.

The building has just one lift, which guests describe as "tight" for two, and so you may find yourself waiting if you don't fancy the stairs. The hallways are also a bit "dreary" and due for an update to match the guest rooms.

Though many guests enjoy the buffet breakfast, it is generally considered fairly pricey. Some find the dining room is a bit too small for the number of diners at "prime" times as well.

Guests travelling with a car are disappointed that there is no parking on site, and the closest public lots are not inexpensive.