Luxury Lyon Escape: DoubleTree by Hilton Eurexpo Review & Hidden Gems!
Lyon's Not Just About Croissants: My Honest DoubleTree Eurexpo Escape (and Some Hidden Secrets!)
Alright, folks, let's be real. Lyon. City of lights. City of… well, I'm here to tell you it's more than just Instagrammable streets and buttery pastries. I’ve just clawed my way back from the DoubleTree by Hilton Eurexpo, and honey, I've got stories. And opinions. Lots of them. This isn’t your sanitized travel blog fluff piece. This is the raw, unfiltered, and probably slightly caffeinated truth.
(SEO Keywords: Lyon Hotels, DoubleTree by Hilton Eurexpo Review, Eurexpo Lyon, Luxury Hotels Lyon, Accessible Hotels Lyon, Spa Hotels Lyon, Family Friendly Lyon, Wi-Fi Lyon, Restaurant Lyon, Free Parking Lyon, Hotel Review)
First Impressions (and a Confession):
Okay, so I’m a sucker for a warm cookie. DoubleTree is famous for 'em, and yes, I practically inhaled mine upon arrival. Let's just say it set a good, sweet precedent. The Eurexpo location? Honestly, it's a bit further out than I thought it would be. My GPS had a meltdown. But hey, that's just me. The hotel itself? Clean, modern, and surprisingly… quiet. Which, after a transatlantic flight and a train, was a godsend.
Accessibility - A (Mostly) Thumbs Up:
I'm not a wheelchair user, but I did take a good hard look. The DoubleTree definitely caters to accessibility. Wheelchair accessible throughout, with attentive staff. I noticed elevator access (phew!), and the facilities for disabled guests seemed well set up. The rooms even had things like visual alarms and enough space to maneuver. Score.
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (and Coffee):
My room? Oh, she was a beauty. Non-smoking, thank goodness. Air conditioning that actually worked (crucial in the summer!). Plenty of room to spread out. The bed? Heavenly. Seriously, I could have easily spent a whole week just in that bed. I particularly appreciated the blackout curtains. Absolute game changer for a light sleeper like me. The desk was the perfect spot for catching up on some work and the Free Wi-Fi (yes, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was a LIFESAVER, even though there were some hiccups in the lobby for Internet access at times. The bathroom was large and clean, too.
**(Rambling Aside: I *always* check the *mirror* situation. A well-lit, flattering mirror is a sign of a hotel that gets me. DoubleTree, you passed.)**
Cleanliness and Safety - Because, You Know…:
Look, COVID changed everything. I'm a germaphobe these days. The DoubleTree gets points for the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and the fact that the staff are all trained in safety protocols. They also offer the Room sanitization opt-out available, if you prefer. The rooms looked clean, the whole time, and I felt safe at the end of the day. There was the Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They're taking things seriously.
Things to Do (Besides Eat Cookies):
This is where things get interesting. The hotel does have a Fitness center (I’m going to be honest, I’m not a gym person. But it was there!). The Pool with view looked tempting, even though I didn't get a chance to swim (regrets!). There's also a Sauna and Spa/sauna on site, which made me want to go, but the time just ran out for my schedule.
(Confession Time Part 2: I am terrible at relaxing! I’m working on it. But still, it’s nice to know those things are there!)
Dining, Drinking, and the Quest for the Perfect Croissant (Almost):
Okay, let's talk food. The restaurant at the DoubleTree is fairly good. I had Breakfast [buffet] one morning, which was pretty standard, but the coffee was decent. They also offer Breakfast in room, which is perfect for a lazy morning. The coffee shop was a great place to get coffee and have a quick break. I spent some time on the Terrace, which was a lovely spot. I did check out the bar. It was a great place to unwind. I think it would be exciting to discover the Asian cuisine in restaurant too.
(Anecdote: I actually went hunting for a truly “Lyonais” breakfast, and ended up wandering through a local market instead. Which, let's be honest, was way more interesting than a buffet. But the hotel food was definitely solid - just not quite “Lyon” enough.)
Hidden Gems (and the Eurexpo Advantage):
Here's the insider scoop: if you're at the DoubleTree for a conference at Eurexpo, you're golden. Convenience, people! And even if you're not, the hotel is a good base for seeing things. From what I gathered, the Car park [free of charge] is a HUGE bonus in a city like Lyon.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter:
The DoubleTree really shines in this department. They have a 24-hour Front desk, an Elevator, Daily housekeeping. I liked the Concierge service - the front desk staff was helpful and knowledgeable.
The "Almost Perfect" Moment (And My Emotional Breakdown):
Remember that "single experience" I promised to double-down on? Okay, here we go…
I was in a bad mood. The flight was delayed. The train was late. My feet hurt. I just wanted to lie down. I had one meeting and wanted to make things good.
Then, I saw it. The seating area. It had a large, soft sofa facing the window. It was the one moment I had during my entire stay. I knew then that I was ready for my meeting.
(Yes, I almost cried. I'm a drama queen. Get over it.)
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us):
They have Family/child friendly facilities, which is great to know if you're traveling with kids.
The Verdict: Is the DoubleTree the Lyon Luxury Escape You Need?
Honestly? For the price, the location (especially if you're at Eurexpo!), and the overall comfort level, I’d say yes. It's not the most "Lyonais" experience, but it's reliable, comfortable, and easy. It’s perfect if you want something straightforward with great amenities.
My Final Score: 4 out of 5 warm, gooey cookies. (-1 point for the slight lack of "Lyon" vibes, which is totally subjective, mind you. And my hang up.)
The Offer You've Been Waiting For (Because I Know You're Still Reading!):
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Crave a relaxing escape in Lyon, with a dash of convenience and a generous helping of comfort?
Book your stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Eurexpo with our exclusive "Luxury Lyon Escape" package, and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of local Crémant sparkling wine upon arrival: Cheers to your well-deserved getaway!
- Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability): Sleep in, explore longer – it’s your call!
- Free upgrade to a room with a view. (Subject to availability)
- 10% off all restaurant and spa services: Indulge. You deserve it.
- Free access to the fitness suite (if you desire) with use of a swimming pool.
PLUS:
- Stay connected with Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, including your room!
- Enjoy the convenience of free parking and easy access to Eurexpo (if you need to!).
Click Here to Book Your "Luxury Lyon Escape" Now! (Link to your booking page)
Don't wait! This offer disappears faster than a plate of warm cookies on a cold day. Book your Lyon adventure today!
(P.S. – Remember to try the croissants. Even if they aren’t perfect. Embrace the imperfections. Like me.)
Vienna Hotel Wuhan: Unbeatable Huquan Metro Station Luxury!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my attempt at a "travel itinerary" for the DoubleTree by Hilton Lyon Eurexpo Saint-Priest. Honestly, just the name alone makes me want a nap. But hey, duty calls! And the promise of French pastries…well, that's a powerful motivator. So, here we go, my messy, opinionated, and probably slightly hysterical guide:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Breakfast Debacle
Morning (or, more realistically, Late Morning): Arrive at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS). Assuming I don't miss the flight, which is always a distinct possibility. I've been known to get lost in the duty-free shop for an eternity looking at overpriced perfume I'll never buy.
- Transportation: Taxi. Because public transport in a new city with luggage? No. Just, no. Unless, you know, I really blow my budget.
Early Afternoon: Check into the DoubleTree. Pray the room isn't on the 17th floor and I’m not next to the elevator. Or the ice machine. Because elevator hums and ice machine clangs are my personal hell. I'm already picturing the room service menu.
- Quirky Observation: I always judge a hotel room by its pillows. Are they fluffy clouds of comfort, or sad, deflated lumps? This is crucial. My quality of life depends on it.
Late Afternoon: The Great Breakfast Debacle begins. I mean, it has to! This is France. This is serious business. Head down to the breakfast area.
- Anecdote: The last time I tried a "continental breakfast" at a hotel, I somehow managed to spill orange juice on the only clean white shirt I had. The croissant, however, was divine.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, I love a full buffet and breakfast can be a bit of a chore for me. Let's face it, I am not a morning person. The first thing I do at a buffet is check where the coffee is. The next thing I do is make sure there are plenty of bacon options. This breakfast buffet better have decent coffee. And bacon. And pain au chocolat. If it doesn't, I'm writing a strongly worded email to management.
Evening: Rest. Yes, rest. Because jet lag. Maybe a brief wander around the hotel, just to get the lay of the land. Maybe. Possibly. This is a maybe kind of evening.
Day 2: Eurexpo and the Pizza Predicament
- Morning: Actually, I might have to get out of bed this morning. Depending on what exactly I'm supposed to be seeing at Eurexpo. Is it… stimulating? Because if there are endless rows of product displays, I'm gonna need a double coffee.
- Messy Observation: Ugh, expos. The bane of my existence. Too many people, too many brochures, and usually, something I desperately want to buy that is ultimately unaffordable.
- Lunch: Okay, food is back on the cards. This is where my grand, if somewhat unrealistic, plans for cultural immersion begin to fall apart. I'm envisioning myself sampling regional delicacies. I'm envisioning learning a few phrases. I'm envisioning a charming bistro, and then…
- The Pizza Predicament: I give in and order pizza.
- Anecdote: The last time I attempted to order something in French, I ended up accidentally ordering a bowl of snails. They were probably delicious, but I felt incredibly awkward. Pizza it is.
- Emotional Reaction: Fine. Pizza is fine. Pizza is always fine. It will be a fine pizza. Maybe they'll have a good pizza.
- The Pizza Predicament: I give in and order pizza.
- Afternoon: More Eurexpo. I'll try to focus. Maybe I'll find something interesting. Maybe I won't. The pressure to "network" haunts me, but I'm more likely to network with the pastry cart than with anyone else. I'll try to do my best though.
- Evening: Dinner somewhere, possibly in Saint-Priest- not sure. Hotel restaurant or somewhere nearby. I'll need it to be easy. The goal is to not have a problem with the kitchen, in English or French.
Day 3: Sweet Surrender and the Departure Nightmare
- Morning: Last breakfast. The stakes are high. I can't fail. The pain au chocolat must deliver. The coffee must be strong. If it's all good, perhaps I’ll actually enjoy this meal.
- Doubling Down: I decide to get extra croissants. Because I deserve it.
- Emotional Reaction: This could be the best breakfast of my life, or the worst. There is no in-between. This is breakfast in France!
- Afternoon: Time to check out. The usual scramble to pack, the frantic search for my phone, and the inevitable realization that I forgot to buy souvenirs. I can't believe I forgot.
- Messy Structure: Rush. Pack, rush. Check out, Rush. Taxi to the airport. Is this right? I hope I packed my bag.
- Quirky Observation: I swear the airport always looks bigger on the way home. It's like a giant, echoing void designed to eat all your remaining Euros.
- Evening: Fly home. Pray the flight isn't delayed. Pray the person next to me doesn't spend the entire flight talking. Pray I didn't leave anything important behind. And of course, pray that the next trip is to a place with even better pastries.
And that, my friends, is it. My deeply flawed, human, and hopefully somewhat entertaining attempt at a travel itinerary. Wish me luck. I'll need it. Especially when it comes to the croissant situation.
Desaru Beach Paradise: 60 TV, WiFi, & Waterpark Fun!
Okay, spill it: Is the DoubleTree by Hilton Eurexpo really "luxury" or just…fancy-ish?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Luxury" is a slippery slope, right? The DoubleTree Eurexpo...it's *nice*. Think *upscale comfort* rather than full-blown "gilded taps and a butler who only feeds you grapes." (Though, hey, maybe they offer that for a premium… I didn't ask!). The lobby is sleek, the rooms are modern, and the bed… oh, the bed. Seriously, I could have happily spent my entire weekend just *being* in that bed. It has that signature DoubleTree cookie, which, let's be honest, is always a good start. So, not *palatial*, but definitely a solid, lovely, and dare I say, luxurious-feeling experience. More like, you know, a very nice apartment in a hip part of town. Not the chateau, but still… pretty darn good.
How's the location? Easy to get around? I’m terrible with directions.
Okay, so the Eurexpo part… that’s where the *conventions* are. Think… trade shows. Which, if you're *not* there for a tech convention, means it’s a slightly… *industrial* landscape at first glance. But the hotel is super close to the tram, and the tram gets you downtown Lyon in *minutes*. Minutes! I mean, I got on the tram, looked at my phone for a sec, and BAM, Vieux Lyon. So even if you’re a navigational disaster (like me, seriously I get lost in a revolving door) the location is surprisingly convenient. Just don't expect cobblestone and flower boxes *right* outside the door. You’ll get that, but you’ll have to… *move* a bit. It's a trade-off. Convenience vs. Instant Charm, you know?
Okay, you’re talking about the tram. What's the *best* way to get to the city center from the DoubleTree? Details, please!
Right, so listen up, directions-impaired friend. From the hotel, you walk *straight* (seriously, don’t wander off!) to the tram stop. It’s T3, super easy to spot. Buy your ticket – I think it was like, €2 something – and hop on. Check the screen, make sure it’s headed *into* Lyon (very important, unless you like a scenic tour of… well, *not* Lyon). Stay on until you get to either Part-Dieu (the bigger shopping area) or, ideally, *Vieux Lyon* (Old Lyon). Vieux Lyon is where the magic happens… cobblestones, bouchons (hello, food!), the works. It's about a 20-30 minute ride, tops. Seriously, even *I* managed this. Don't overthink it! Unless you are like me and get on the *wrong* tram once. And then get even more lost trying to find the right tram. The tram is your friend, but your attention span… maybe not so much!
Let's talk food. Is their restaurant worth bothering with, or should I venture out?
Okay, this is where things get a little… fuzzy. The restaurant at the DoubleTree... it's *convenient*. And the breakfast buffet? Solid. There's a waffle station! *Waffles*. They do a perfectly serviceable club sandwich. But listen… Lyon is the *gastronomic capital* of France! You’re *in* bouchon heaven. So, yeah, by all means, have a quick meal there if you’re tired and just want to collapse, but… *go explore*. Walk the cobblestones, find a hidden bouchon, and eat until your buttons threaten to pop! The hotel restaurant is fine, but you're in Lyon! Don't waste your precious stomach real estate on *fine*. Go for spectacular!
Hidden gems! Give me the insider scoop! Where should I go, what should I do, that's *not* in the guidebook?
Alright, alright, deep breaths. Okay! Here’s the good stuff. First, find a *traboule*. Traboules are these secret passageways that run through buildings – super cool and a total Lyon thing. They're often unmarked, which is part of the adventure! Look for little archways or doors. I got hopelessly lost trying to find them; my partner had to pull me out of a dead end more than once. It really added to the feeling of *discovery*. Then, go to the Musée des Beaux-Arts (museum). It's stunning and often overlooked by the tourist hordes. And finally... **the *best* thing**: find a *bouchon* that isn't *too* famous. Everyone raves about the big names, but honestly, the smaller, more local bouchons (the traditional Lyonnaise restaurants) are where the real magic happens. The food is richer, the atmosphere is cozier, and you feel like you’re *really* experiencing something. I randomly stumbled upon a bouchon, *Le Bouchon des Cordeliers*, and the *quenelle* (a kind of local dumpling) with lobster sauce… oh. My. GOD. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. That's what I mean by hidden gems, right? The unplanned moments.
What did you REALLY think of the rooms? Be honest!
Okay, *fine*! The rooms. They were… good. Really, really good actually. Clean, modern, the usual DoubleTree lovely-ness. But… and yes, there's a but… the *soundproofing* wasn’t *perfect*. I could occasionally hear a bit of noise from the hallway. And honestly? It woke me up both nights! Seriously! Not the end of the world, but enough to make me miss out on some precious sleep. I packed earplugs for the second night, and that did the trick. So yeah, lovely rooms. Just, maybe, pack those earplugs, just in case. Also, the lighting was a bit… *sterile*. Some mood lighting would have been lovely. Just a suggestion! Still… the bed… *dreamy*. Really, completely, and utterly dreamy. I could’ve stayed in that bed all day. Maybe that’s all the luxury I needed.
Okay, final verdict: Recommend it? Would you go back?
Okay, so… would I recommend the DoubleTree Eurexpo? Absolutely! For the price, the comfort, the convenient location (especially for exploring Lyon), yes. I'd definitely go back. But… and this is a big but… I’d probably demand a room at the *end* of the hallway, away from the elevators. And pack those earplugs! And on my next visit, I’m going to spend even *more* time in Old Lyon, and I'm going to seek out more of those hidden away little bouchons! Ultimately, it's a great base for exploring a fantastic city. Lyon is worth the trip, and the DoubleTree? Well, the DoubleTree makes the whole thing a lot more… comfortable. And let's be real, theHotel Finder Reviews
