Staying in Lyon

What exactly is your budget, in euros? I stayed at the Hotel du Theatre. It was a very central location, near the Place Bellcour, and I'd stay there again. My only issues: 1. I stayed in an unrenovated room when the renovated rooms were much nicer (but this was about 5 years ago, and I believe all the rooms have been renovated) 2. There's no elevator, and even the lobby is up a flight or two of stairs. Here's the price list page of their website, so you can see if it's in your budget: http://www.hotel-du-theatre.net/en_tarifs_en.php As for where to stay, Lyon has a wonderful transit system, so you can get anywhere of interest easily from a variety of central areas. But if you have a car (as pointed out above), that will change things (driving in the center is not a good idea).

Will you have a rental car? Must you be near the train station? We had a rental car and stayed at the Hotel Central. 98Euro/night. Not bad. About 3 doors away from Brasserie Georges, possibly the largest restaurant in Lyon. Holds 400+ people. It did become quite full the evening we were there. Reasonalby priced food.

We stayed at La Residence - it's a good value in a central location on a pedestrian street.

I am traveling by myself via train. I want something more then a hostel. But like to stay close to the main things to see. Most likely a two star hotel.