The Collège Hôtel brings a sense of humour to Vieux Lyon. It stands on Place Saint-Paul at the northern end of the old town, by the church of Saint-Paul and the Saône, and it is decorated throughout on a school theme, with authentic vintage school furniture and objects that give the public spaces a nostalgic, back-to-class feel. Upstairs, the mood changes completely: its 40 air-conditioned rooms are minimalist and all white, calm and bright, with flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi, and some of the higher rooms in the category the hotel calls Troisième Cycle, or postgraduate, have balconies or private terraces with views across the city. At night the facade, designed by the artist Pablo Reinoso, lights up its 130 windows. Next door, the Baràgones bar adds a Latin American touch from late afternoon until midnight, Monday to Saturday. The hotel is officially rated four stars, has a lift and private parking, accepts pets for a supplement and holds an environmental label for its sustainability work.
Location and getting around: you are in the UNESCO-listed old town, a few minutes on foot from the Rue Saint-Jean, the traboules, the cathedral and the Musée Cinéma et Miniature. The funicular to Fourvière leaves from Vieux-Lyon station at the other end of the quarter, and the Saône footbridges put the Presqu’île and its shops within ten minutes. The Saint-Paul railway station next door serves western suburbs, while metro line D at Vieux-Lyon links to Bellecour and Part-Dieu. Two Vélo’v bike-hire stations are just outside.
Rooms: the white rooms divide guests, but most love the calm after a day in the busy lanes. Ask for a balcony or terrace room for the views over the rooftops, and note that rooms vary in size. There is also a room hire option for meetings, with three meeting rooms.
Who it suits: couples, design lovers and first-time visitors who want to wake up in Vieux Lyon and walk out into the bouchon lanes. It is less suited to families who need connecting rooms or a pool.
Good to know: breakfast is charged separately. Private parking is available for a daily fee and should be reserved, which is valuable in an old town with little street parking. Evenings around Place Saint-Paul can be lively at weekends, so light sleepers should request a higher room.
Why stay here
- ✓Back-to-school themed decor with vintage furniture
- ✓All-white minimalist rooms
- ✓Rooms with balconies or terraces
- ✓Baràgones bar next door
- ✓Private parking (fee, reserve ahead)
- ✓Lift and air conditioning
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Pets welcome (supplement)
Good questions
Where is the Collège Hôtel in Lyon?+
It is at 5 Place Saint-Paul at the northern end of Vieux Lyon, by the Saône. The Rue Saint-Jean and the traboules are a few minutes’ walk away.
Does the Collège Hôtel have parking?+
Yes, private parking is available for a daily fee. Reserve it in advance, because space in the old town is limited.
What is the theme of the Collège Hôtel?+
The public spaces are decorated on a back-to-school theme with vintage school furniture and objects. The rooms, by contrast, are minimalist and all white.
