Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne St-Louis: Your Perfect Lyon Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, sometimes confusing, but utterly delightful world of the Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne St-Louis: Your Perfect Lyon Escape Awaits! They claim perfection, but let's get real. As a seasoned traveler (and lover of a good moan when things aren't quite right), I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, the good, the bad, and the slightly confusing. Prepare for SEO-fueled rambles, honest opinions, and a whole lotta travel-induced caffeine jitters.
First Impressions & The "Perfect Lyon Escape" Claim? (Let's Be Real, Okay?)
The name…well, it’s a mouthful. Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne St-Louis… it's like they threw all the keywords in a blender. But hey, at least you know where it is. The "perfect Lyon escape?" Okay, that's a bold claim. I'm envisioning escaping from…what, a particularly grumpy barista? A rogue suitcase? Let's see what happens…
(Accessibility)
- Accessibility: They've got the goods.
- Elevator? Check.
- Facilities for disabled guests? Appears to be a yes.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Big thumbs up. That's crucial. And vital.
- Accessibility: Let me tell you a story. A friend of mine, Claire, uses a wheelchair. Finding a hotel that genuinely gets accessibility is like striking gold. Ibis, from what I gather, seems to actually try. That's HUGE. It's not just about ramps; it's about sensible layouts, accessible bathrooms. Kudos, Ibis.
(The "On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges" Mystery Tour)
This is where things get…tricky. They say on-site accessibility, but I haven't found any specifics. So, potential warning: Dig deeper if this is a MUST for you. I'd probably call ahead and actually speak to someone. You know, before showing up with a rumbling tummy.
(Internet, Glorious Internet!)
- Internet Access: "Internet, internet, what is this thing?"… Well, the Ibis boasts both!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Thank the Wi-Fi gods!
- Internet [LAN]: (For the old-school nerds! 😹)
- Internet Services: They have it, you'll be fine.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Also available. So, you can Instagram your delicious pain aux chocolat (if you’re feeling boujee).
(Things To Do - Or, "How to Actually Escape Lyon")
- What's around?: They don't explicitly list "things to do." This is a starting point to explore Lyon city.
- Getting Around: They do offer taxi service and car park on-site, so at least getting around is easy.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Parking in Lyon is a nightmare! So I hope the parking is actually easy to park on and not as crammed.
(Ways to Relax - Or, "Where's the Champagne, Darling?")
Okay, here's where I start to feel a little…deflated. I'm not seeing spa facilities. This is not the place for you if you want to chill.
- "Ways to Relax": A small gym and fitness center. Yay, exercise!
- Gym/fitness: I'm a lazy traveler. A gym? Meh.
- Steamroom/Sauna/Steamroom/Spa/Spa/sauna. Nope, nope, and nope.
- Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. None of those, sad face.
(Cleanliness and Safety - The All-Important "Is-This-Place-Safe-To-Snuggle-Down-In?" Factor)
This is where the Ibis gets major points. Seriously. In the post-pandemic world, cleanliness isn’t just a nice bonus; it's a survival requirement.
- Cleanliness and safety: They seem to be on the ball.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Cashless payment service: Makes life easier.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification: Reassuring.
- Individually-wrapped food options: A necessity these days.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Common sense at last.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Bravo.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: That's good to know.
- Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yes, please.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Vital.
- Sterilizing equipment: Outstanding.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: You get the feeling I'll not wake up in a horror movie when staying here.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The All-Important "Can-I-Get-My-Carbs-On?" Factor)
Okay, let's talk food. I'm a HUGE foodie.
- Restaurants: They claim to have restaurants.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service: And a breakfast buffet. Now, this is a mixed bag.
- Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: That's nice and all, but a hotel buffet? One of my guilty pleasures. A good buffet can make or break a stay.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Good.
- The Buffet Experience: I hope they have a decent spread. A sad, limp buffet is a culinary crime.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yes! Perfect for a night after a exhausting day.
(Services and Conveniences - The "Make-My-Life-Easier" Department)
- Services and conveniences: They've got a pretty good offering.
- Air conditioning in public area: Wonderful. Lyon can get HOT.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: The usual suspects, all welcome.
(For the Kids - Or, "Are-The-Little-Ones-Welcome?"
- For the kids: They seem kid-friendly.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Good!
(Access, Check-in/out & Security - The "Keeping-It-Safe-And-Easy" Section)
- Access: They seem to take security seriously.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Excellent.
(Getting Around - The "How-Do-I-Actually-Leave?" Question)
- Getting around: They offer some decent options.
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Fine. If you're driving.
(Available in All Rooms - The "What's-Actually-In-The-Room?" Rundown)
- Available in all rooms: It's got the essentials.
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Lin
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram feed. This is me, in my feels, trying to figure out if a weekend in Lyon (South, 'cause apparently there are like, a million Lyonas) is worth the effort. And trust me, after the week I've had, every effort feels significant. So here's my attempt at an itinerary, a confession, and a potential train wreck, all rolled into one glorious, messy package:
Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne - The Beginning of the End (or the Beginning of Something Actually Fun?)
Friday Evening: The Arrival, the Panic, and the Promise of Croissants (Maybe).
- 6:00 PM: Arrive at the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. Okay, first hurdle: navigating this goddamn airport. It reminds me of a giant, metallic praying mantis… all long walkways and confusing signage. I'm pretty sure I walked past the same Duty-Free shop three times. Someone clearly enjoys a good perfume sample.
- 6:45 PM: Find the RhôneExpress train. After my initial panic attack (where I envisioned being stranded, alone, in the French countryside with nothing but a stale baguette and existential dread), I finally found it. Victory!
- 7:30 PM: Arrive at the Part-Dieu train station. Another moment of "where the hell am I?" before I fumble with my phone and summon a cab. I swear, my sense of direction is the complete opposite of my ability to eat an entire bag of crisps in one sitting.
- 8:00 PM: Check into the Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne hotel. Honestly? It looks… fine. Clean, functional… a beige haven of anonymity. My room is small, but hey, at least it has a bed. I'll take it.
- 8:30 PM: After a quick refresh, I get the courage to leave the room. The front desk suggests a nearby brasserie. If they have decent wine, I'm sold. I'm dreaming of a glass of something red and a simple, hearty meal. Because after all, I came here to enjoy myself…right? Or to escape from the things waiting at home?
- 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM: Dinner somewhere, praying for the best (and hoping the French don't judge me too hard because my franglais is deplorable).
Saturday: A Day of Eating, Exploring, and Potentially Regretting All My Life Choices.
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The hotel's included breakfast is… well, it's breakfast. The coffee is lukewarm, and the croissants look more like they've been through a war. But, I'm hungry, so I eat one. I try to avoid eye contact with the other guests who look alarmingly well-rested.
- 9:00 AM: Take the metro to Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon). This is the real Lyon, right? The one with the cobblestone streets and the secret passageways? I’m holding onto that romantic, travel-brochure hope.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Walking around Vieux Lyon:
- Wandering around Vieux Lyon's traboules - secret passageways. It's like walking through a maze! I got completely lost and had to sheepishly ask a local for directions. Humiliating, but the architecture is stunning. Makes you think about how old everything is, how many people have walked those same streets.
- Exploring the Saint-Jean Cathedral. It is magnificent, breathtaking. I wandered around for an hour, mesmerized. It's like time stood still, or maybe I have a terrible sense of time and lost track of the hours.
- Lunch at Bouchon - a real eating adventure.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: the Bouchon experience. I had read about Bouchons. Supposedly, they are the heart of Lyon's culinary scene. I decided to fully throw myself in and picked a popular place. Oh, the food… Heavy, rich, unapologetically meat-heavy. I had a sausage of some sort, and it was delicious in a guilty-pleasure, "I-need-a-nap-afterwards" kind of way. The atmosphere was boisterous, the wine flowed freely, and I was surrounded by a symphony of clinking glasses and lively conversation. And the thing is, one of my favourite parts about the experience was the table next to me, a family of French locals. The dad was telling the kids about the history of the area, how to eat their food, and laughing. The mom gave me a friendly smile. It made me feel like I belonged.
- During the experience, I'm pretty sure I ate a whole sausage, a plate of potatoes with cheese, and a desert that included cream. It was pure indulgence. And yeah, I might have overdone it slightly. But honestly? Zero regrets.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A walk to digest (or at least try). I walk along the Saône, trying not to think about all the calories I just consumed. The river is beautiful, the sun is out, I feel a slight warmth in my chest. Maybe I should have lived this life earlier.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Art of Being Overwhelmed and Underwhelmed at the Same Time.
- Find a Museum: Seriously considering the Musée des Beaux-Arts. I'm a total art dummy, but I like to at least try to look cultured. The reality? I'll probably spend most of the time staring at the descriptions, pretending to know what I'm looking at.
- Stroll Around the Presqu'île: I want to see the Place Bellecour. The heart of the city. See how the locals live. This is where I'll get a small espresso and watch the world go by. Then, take some pictures for the feed.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Pre-Dinner Drinks - Finding a "Real" Bar (and Praying for Good Company). Seriously, any good recommendations will be a blessing. I'm looking for somewhere with good cocktails and a lively atmosphere. Possibly somewhere I can try to speak French with a local (while apologizing profusely for my terrible accent).
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Late Dinner and City Lights- A quest for more food (and a little bit of magic). Hopefully, I'll find a place that isn't too touristy. Somewhere where the locals go. I just hope for a little bit of magic, a memory that will last beyond tomorrow.
Sunday: The Farewell and The Bitter-Sweet Departure.
- 9:00 AM: I'm dragging myself out of bed. The hangover is mild, thankfully, but exhaustion kicks in. Sighs.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: A final stroll.
- Finding a boulangerie and grabbing a pain au chocolat (or two, or three, who's counting?) for the train.
- Walking around the area, just taking in the last bit of the city. I want to remember the feeling of the city.
- 12:00 PM: Check out of the hotel. The Ibis, in all its beige glory, has served its purpose.
- 1:00 PM: Head to the train station. Reflecting on everything, all the food, all the places, all the people.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at the airport. Head home.
And that's it. The plan. The reality? Who knows. Maybe I'll eat too much cheese. Maybe the French will think I'm a complete idiot. Maybe I'll have a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. Or maybe I'll just spend the weekend wishing I had stayed in bed with a good book. Either way, I'll report back. Wish me luck. I have a feeling I'm going to need it.
Crescent Hotel Beverly Hills: Sonder's Hidden Gem (Luxury Awaits!)
Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne St-Louis: Get Ready for the... Experience! (FAQs...ish)
Okay, so you're thinking about the Ibis Lyon Sud Vienne St-Louis? Smart move (maybe?). Let's get this straight, it's not the Four Seasons, but hey, it's a roof over your head, right? Here's the lowdown, with all my glorious, messy thoughts thrown in.
The Basics (or, Surviving Your Arrival)
Q: Where *exactly* is this place? Seriously, I'm geographically challenged.
A: It's in Vienne. Yep, Vienne, France. Think… a bit south of Lyon. (Don't ask me about driving directions. I'm still traumatized by the parking situations, more on that later… the GPS tried to take me through a cow pasture at one point. No kidding!) Q: How far is it from Lyon? Is it a pain to get there?
A: Ugh, that depends. By car (assuming you make it past the cow pasture route) it's a not-terrible drive. Train... I haven't tried. I'm more of a "hop in the car, pray to the GPS gods" kind of traveler. It's close enough to Lyon for day trips, but you're not *in* the heart of the action. Which, let's be honest, is kind of a plus if you're tired of the city's hustle. Q: What's the check-in/check-out situation? Am I gonna have to wait an hour after a long flight?
A: Standard Ibis stuff. Check-in's usually pretty smooth. Check-out is usually a breeze. They aren't going to make you wait around, which is good, because who wants to? I just want to crash after a long trip!
A: It's in Vienne. Yep, Vienne, France. Think… a bit south of Lyon. (Don't ask me about driving directions. I'm still traumatized by the parking situations, more on that later… the GPS tried to take me through a cow pasture at one point. No kidding!) Q: How far is it from Lyon? Is it a pain to get there?
A: Ugh, that depends. By car (assuming you make it past the cow pasture route) it's a not-terrible drive. Train... I haven't tried. I'm more of a "hop in the car, pray to the GPS gods" kind of traveler. It's close enough to Lyon for day trips, but you're not *in* the heart of the action. Which, let's be honest, is kind of a plus if you're tired of the city's hustle. Q: What's the check-in/check-out situation? Am I gonna have to wait an hour after a long flight?
A: Standard Ibis stuff. Check-in's usually pretty smooth. Check-out is usually a breeze. They aren't going to make you wait around, which is good, because who wants to? I just want to crash after a long trip!
The Room Itself: Is it a Prison Cell or a Cozy Nest? (Spoiler Alert: Somewhere in Between)
Q: What are the rooms like? Clean? Spacious? Do they have... air conditioning?
A: Okay, let’s be realistic. It's an Ibis. Clean? Yes, usually. Spacious? Define spacious. It's functional. You'll have a bed, a bathroom (with, thankfully, HOT water), and maybe a tiny desk. Don't expect a suite fit for royalty. Air conditioning? Pray to whatever deity you believe in. Seriously, check the weather forecast before you go. That Lyon heat can be killer. I remember *one* trip, it was so boiling, the AC in my room was spitting out lukewarm air and I wanted to scream.
Then there was the *other* time. Oh boy, the *other* time... The bed. Oh, that glorious, supportive, pillowy (Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a tad) bed! I fell asleep the second my head hit the pillow. Seriously, it's the thing that got me through a *very* rough travel experience. It was a lifesaver. I'd almost go back just for that bed! (Don't tell my partner I said that).
Q: Is there Wi-Fi? (Because, you know, *life* depends on it). Are there enough outlets?
A: Yes, thankfully, there's Wi-Fi. It's usually decent. Outlets? Okay, this is a critical question. Modern life depends on being plugged-in! I'd advise bringing a power strip. You’ll thank me later. And a universal adapter! (You know, just in case.)
A: Okay, let’s be realistic. It's an Ibis. Clean? Yes, usually. Spacious? Define spacious. It's functional. You'll have a bed, a bathroom (with, thankfully, HOT water), and maybe a tiny desk. Don't expect a suite fit for royalty. Air conditioning? Pray to whatever deity you believe in. Seriously, check the weather forecast before you go. That Lyon heat can be killer. I remember *one* trip, it was so boiling, the AC in my room was spitting out lukewarm air and I wanted to scream.
Then there was the *other* time. Oh boy, the *other* time... The bed. Oh, that glorious, supportive, pillowy (Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a tad) bed! I fell asleep the second my head hit the pillow. Seriously, it's the thing that got me through a *very* rough travel experience. It was a lifesaver. I'd almost go back just for that bed! (Don't tell my partner I said that).
Q: Is there Wi-Fi? (Because, you know, *life* depends on it). Are there enough outlets?
A: Yes, thankfully, there's Wi-Fi. It's usually decent. Outlets? Okay, this is a critical question. Modern life depends on being plugged-in! I'd advise bringing a power strip. You’ll thank me later. And a universal adapter! (You know, just in case.)
Amenities and Such: The Extras (or Lack Thereof)
Q: Does it have a restaurant? (Because, let's be honest, I don't want to *cook*).
A: They typically have a restaurant, but *check* the hours. Sometimes, especially if you arrive late, your food choices can be limited. Think basic, but filling. Don't expect Michelin-star dining, folks. I remember one time, after a late flight, I was *starving*. All that was left was… uh… some questionable-looking sandwiches and chips. Lesson learned: stock up on snacks! Or, you know, eat a proper meal *before* you arrive.
Q: What about parking? Because parking in France is a *nightmare*, isn't it?
A: This. Parking. Oh boy, here we go… It's usually okay. They *have* parking. But, and this is a big but, it can fill up. I’ve had to circle the lot a few times. That said, it IS better than battling the street parking of a major city. So, a win, I guess.
Q: Is there a gym or pool? (Trying to pretend I'll actually use them).
A: Nope. No gym. No pool. You're here for the city, not a spa day. Get out there and walk! (Or, in my case, eat pastries… lots and lots of pastries).
A: They typically have a restaurant, but *check* the hours. Sometimes, especially if you arrive late, your food choices can be limited. Think basic, but filling. Don't expect Michelin-star dining, folks. I remember one time, after a late flight, I was *starving*. All that was left was… uh… some questionable-looking sandwiches and chips. Lesson learned: stock up on snacks! Or, you know, eat a proper meal *before* you arrive.
Q: What about parking? Because parking in France is a *nightmare*, isn't it?
A: This. Parking. Oh boy, here we go… It's usually okay. They *have* parking. But, and this is a big but, it can fill up. I’ve had to circle the lot a few times. That said, it IS better than battling the street parking of a major city. So, a win, I guess.
Q: Is there a gym or pool? (Trying to pretend I'll actually use them).
A: Nope. No gym. No pool. You're here for the city, not a spa day. Get out there and walk! (Or, in my case, eat pastries… lots and lots of pastries).
The Neighborhood: Surrounding Area (And the Mysteries Within!)
Q: Is there anything interesting to see or do nearby?
A: Vienne itself is… interesting. It's not exactly bustling with nightlife, but it has charm. Roman ruins! Definitely worth a look. Cafes? Yes, thankfully. The Rhône River is close by. Lyon is your big draw, though. Plan on some day trips.
Q: Is it safe? (Because, you know, I'm a worrywart. Don't judge).
A: Generally, yes. I've always felt safe. But, as with anywhere, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Use common sense. Don't wander down dark alleys alone. (I mean, *that's* pretty much global travel advice, right?)
A: Vienne itself is… interesting. It's not exactly bustling with nightlife, but it has charm. Roman ruins! Definitely worth a look. Cafes? Yes, thankfully. The Rhône River is close by. Lyon is your big draw, though. Plan on some day trips.
Q: Is it safe? (Because, you know, I'm a worrywart. Don't judge).
A: Generally, yes. I've always felt safe. But, as with anywhere, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Use common sense. Don't wander down dark alleys alone. (I mean, *that's* pretty much global travel advice, right?)
The Verdict: Would I Go Back? (The Honest Truth!)
Q: So, bottom line: is this place worth it? Would you recommend it?
A: It's a perfectly *decent* place. For the price, you get what you pay for. It's a good base for exploring the area. The bed is heavenly. The location is pretty convenient (once you've navigated that cow pasture GPS detour). Would I go back? Probably. Especially if I need a solid night's sleep and a reasonably priced place to crash. It's not going to be the most *memorable* hotel experience of your life, but it'll do the job. Just pack some snacks. And a power strip. And maybe some earplugs, just in case. You never know what noises you'll be exposed to!
A: It's a perfectly *decent* place. For the price, you get what you pay for. It's a good base for exploring the area. The bed is heavenly. The location is pretty convenient (once you've navigated that cow pasture GPS detour). Would I go back? Probably. Especially if I need a solid night's sleep and a reasonably priced place to crash. It's not going to be the most *memorable* hotel experience of your life, but it'll do the job. Just pack some snacks. And a power strip. And maybe some earplugs, just in case. You never know what noises you'll be exposed to!
