Hotel Le Royal Lyon - MGallery

Le Royal has looked over Place Bellecour, one of the largest squares in Europe, since it opened in 1912, and it remains the address for travellers who want old-school Lyonnais elegance in the dead centre of the city. It is part of Accor’s MGallery collection of characterful hotels and is rated five stars. There are 72 rooms, including 10 suites, decorated in a warm, classic style with rich fabrics, and many look out across the square towards Fourvière. Dining has become a real draw since the arrival of PAVYLLON, the contemporary restaurant of the multi-starred chef Yannick Alléno, open on weekdays. Côté Bellecour, a lounge overlooking the square, serves from late morning until midnight, and breakfast is served in Côté Cuisine from 6:30 to 11:00. There is a bar, room service, air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome. With Bellecour metro station on the square, every major sight is a short walk or a couple of stops away.

Location and getting around: Place Bellecour is the hinge of the city. From the hotel you can walk across the Bonaparte bridge to Vieux Lyon in a few minutes, ride the funicular up to Fourvière, stroll the shopping streets of the Presqu’île north towards the Opera, or follow the Saône quays to the river cruise departure point. Bellecour station on metro lines A and D links you directly to Part-Dieu station and the Confluence district. The ONLYLYON tourist pavilion, where you collect the Lyon City Card, is on the square.

Rooms: rooms range from classic doubles to suites, and those facing the square have the best outlook, with views to the basilica on its hill. Rooms are traditionally furnished rather than minimalist, which suits the building. Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out until noon.

Who it suits: couples, food lovers who want a serious restaurant downstairs, first-time visitors who want everything on foot and travellers who prefer a classic hotel to a design concept.

Good to know: there is no on-site car park, but public parking is nearby, so ask the hotel for the best option before you drive in. Breakfast is generally charged separately unless included in your rate. PAVYLLON is closed at weekends, so book a weekday dinner if it is part of the plan. Place Bellecour is a major hub of the Fête des Lumières, so book early for December.