Lodging in Lyon

Hotel le Royal Lyon

Christine, we stayed three nights with Valerie and Phillipe at Aux deux Ateliers in the 6th Arrondissement of Lyon-Villeurbanne. A unique building, it's a converted weaving workshop; Valerie is the perfect hostess, available to help with whatever you need and an interesting, engaging personality. I highly recommend it. There is a large park and good public transport nearby. Valerie and Phillipe were kind enough to pick us up and drop us off at the train station, they're delightful, easygoing people.

It's a wonderful city, good luck!

http://www.aux-deux-ateliers.com/#/welcome/3981357

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g207360-d2469923-r180267427-Aux_Deux_Ateliers_Chambre_d_Hotes-Villeurbanne_Lyon_Rhone_Rhone_Alpes.html

My Lyon Gallery:

http://thecedarchest.smugmug.com/Lyon-2014/

Twice we've stayed at apartments owned by Corinne L. and her husband. The 2d time the apartment was in a really good location for getting around, and had a great view. Here's the link for the apartment through the service we went through the first time; the 2d time we went directly to Corinne: http://www.urbansejour.com/appartement/lyon/lyon-3-saxe-gambetta-avenue-appartement-meuble-avec-1-chambre-location-saisonniere/1.

Here's a link to my blog post which includes our stay there; you can see the view from the apartment: http://www.mainelywinenews.blogspot.com/2013/04/from-loire-to-auvergne-to-lyon.html

Thanks so much everyone for the excellent recommendations! I looked at all the web sites and read the trip advisor reviews. My next question to you is location? I realize that Lyon has very good public transportation, but we really enjoy staying within walking distance to the main sights.

Hotel le Royal Lyon is in central Lyon. Google Map the address and determine whether it's located near the sights you want to see.

The Saxe-Gambetta apartment is about a 15 minute walk to the center, and just down the street from a Metro stop I'm assuming the Royal Hotel is closer to the center. It partly depends on whether you want a hotel or an apartment.

Check out Hotel Le Phenix and see what you think -- it's on the north edge of the old town by the river.
Re-vamped old building, and I was pleased that the room had a jetted whirlpool tub yet was reasonably priced.
And it's walkable to my favorite bouchon, Bouchon des Femmes.

Sorry, I mis-wrote above -- my favorite bouchon in Lyon is Le Bouchon des Filles.
It's just slightly out of the way by a street or two, but is head and shoulders above most of the heavily touristed spots in the old town.

I'll second Le Bouchon des Filles. If you go, make reservations.

OK, I've made a note to make a reservation at Le Bouchan des Filles. Still working on the lodging, but thanks everyone for all the suggestions!

We enjoyed three excellent restaurants in Lyon, the first quite a traditional bouchon, the second a bit up the scale but still old fashioned, and the last a rather modern take on French food:

1. Cafe des Federations
2. Daniel and Denise-the rue Crequi location. This is a Joseph Viola restaurant-outstanding.
3. Le Petit Frere. This one was recommended to us by our B & B hostess, it's in the neighborhood.

Bon appétit!

Thanks, Dave! I've added them to my list. I'm really looking forward to eating in Lyon!