Lyon's BEST Budget Hotel? Ibis Budget Chaponnay Review!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the Lyon budget hotel scene with the Ibis Budget Chaponnay! Forget perfectly polished travel brochures, this is the real deal – warts and all. I'm going to tell you everything you NEED to know, and then some, about this budget-friendly option. And honestly, let’s be real, budget hotels? They’re an experience.
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Accessibility:
Right, let's get practical. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, they claim to be, and I saw elevators. But, and this is a big but, the hallways weren’t exactly palatial. If you're a wheelchair user, double-check dimensions very carefully. They DO have Facilities for disabled guests, which is good, but always call ahead to confirm specific needs can be met. Elevator: CHECK.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Uh… not really. This is Ibis Budget. Think basic. There might be breakfast, but its more of a "grab what you can" situation. More on that later.
Internet Access (the Wi-Fi Saga):
Okay, free Wi-Fi is a HUGE selling point, isn’t it? They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and that's 100% true. Internet [LAN] is available, though who uses LAN anymore (grandmas mostly?). I can't tell you how fast it is, but I streamed a YouTube video, and it didn't buffer too much. Remember this is a budget hotel. "Don’t expect fiber-optic, people." Wi-Fi in public areas is also available (duh), and sometimes works.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Breakfast and Beyond!):
Alright, buckle up, because breakfast is ESSENTIAL for setting the tone of your day, especially when you're on a budget. This hotel is an experience, the Asian breakfast, western breakfast, Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service are all there to begin what to become a great adventure. The Breakfast takeaway service I found in the morning was fantastic.
Here’s where it gets FUN: The breakfast itself… let’s just say it's… basic. Think croissants (probably from a bag), instant coffee, and maybe, just maybe, some sad little packaged jams. The quality of the food is OK. I was really hungry and it all was fine.
The good news? There's a Coffee shop in the lobby. The bad news? It's also basic.
Since it’s a budget hotel, don’t look for a bar, or a Poolside bar, or any of the luxurious elements. There aren't are Restaurants or Snack bar.
Cleanliness and Safety (the post-pandemic reality):
Let's be honest, in the current climate, this is EVERYTHING. They seem to take things seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas is good to hear. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere and Staff trained in safety protocol. Rooms sanitized between stays? They say so, and I didn't notice anything that made me worry. Anti-viral cleaning products are used. Room sanitization opt-out available - always a good option if you prefer. More important the rooms looked clean to me.
Rooms (the nitty-gritty):
This is budget, remember? So, don't expect the Ritz. But frankly, I was pleasantly surprised.
- Air conditioning: YES! A lifesaver in summer.
- Air conditioning in public area.
- Free bottled water: I didn't find any, but that's okay. Buy some water at the next gas station or grocery store.
- Alarm clock: Present.
- Bathrobes: LOL. Nope.
- Bathroom phone: Only for calling 911 I think.
- Bathtub: Nope. Shower only.
- Blackout curtains: Decent, crucial for getting sleep.
- Carpeting: Yes. The carpet in my room looked a little bit worn, maybe they need a good cleaning.
- Closet: Basic, does the job.
- Coffee/tea maker: Nope. Bring your own instant if you're a caffeine addict.
- Complimentary tea: Nope.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Desk: Yes, small but functional.
- Extra long bed: Check.
- Hair dryer: YES! Thank goodness.
- High floor: Possibly.
- In-room safe box: Nope.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: I didn’t see any.
- Internet access – LAN: Yes, if that's still your thing.
- Internet access – wireless: YES!!
- Ironing facilities: I didn’t look for them.
- Laptop workspace: Fine.
- Linens: Clean.
- Mini bar: ABSOLUTELY not.
- Mirror: Present.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- On-demand movies: Nope.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Reading light: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Nope.
- Safety/security feature: Fine.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yep.
- Scale: Nope.
- Seating area: Not really, unless you count the bed.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Shower only.
- Shower: Fine.
- Slippers: What?
- Smoke detector: Present.
- Socket near the bed: Yes, essential for charging your phone.
- Sofa: Nope.
- Soundproofing: Pretty decent, considering the price. I wasn't bothered by noise.
- Telephone: Yes, for emergencies.
- Toiletries: Basic, bring your own.
- Towels: Clean, but thin.
- Umbrella: Nope.
- Visual alarm: Probably, I didn't check.
- Wake-up service: Yes.
- Wi-Fi [free]: YES!
- Window that opens: Thank goodness, for fresh air.
Services and Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area: Check.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: I doubt it.
- Business facilities: Basic. There's probably a Xerox/fax in business center if you ask.
- Cash withdrawal: Don’t expect one.
- Concierge: Nope.
- Contactless check-in/out: Probably, I didn't try it.
- Convenience store: No.
- Currency exchange: Nope.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Doorman: Nope, it's a budget hotel.
- Dry cleaning: Seriously?
- Elevator: Check.
- Essential condiments: In packets at breakfast, maybe.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes.
- Food delivery: Probably.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Nope.
- Indoor venue for special events: Nope.
- Invoice provided: Yes.
- Ironing service: LOL.
- Laundry service: Nope.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Doubtful.
- Meetings: Highly unlikely.
- Meeting stationery: Nope.
- On-site event hosting: Don't think so.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Nope.
- Projector/LED display: Laughable.
- Safety deposit boxes: Maybe.
- Seminars: Nope.
- Shrine: Nope.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Nope.
- Wi-Fi for special events: LOL.
- Xerox/fax in business center: If you ask nicely.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service: Nope.
- Family/child friendly: Yes, no specific facilities though.
- Kids facilities: Not really.
- Kids meal: Nope.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Probably not.
- Bicycle parking: I think so.
- Car park [free of charge]: YES! A big WIN!
- Car park [on-site]: And convenient.
- Car power charging station: No.
- Taxi service: Probably.
- Valet parking: Nope.
Things to Do / Ways to Relax (Spoiler: not much of this!):
Forget the spa days, folks. There
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Qingyuan City's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your average, pristine travel itinerary. This is my attempt at taming Lyon, starting from the (hopefully) not-too-grim depths of an Ibis Budget in Chaponnay. Brace yourselves, because honestly, I'm winging most of this.
The Unofficial, Utterly Disorganized Lyon Itinerary from a Nervous Traveler (Me)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in the Ibis Budget (Chaponnay)
14:00 - Arrival & Panic: Okay, so I landed at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. Pretty smooth flight, until I saw the "Chaponnay" bus stop. Chaponnay? Sounds like a medieval torture device. Finding the Ibis Budget was an adventure in itself (Google Maps, you magnificent beast, you), and honestly, its beige aesthetic is giving me slight prison vibes. The room is tiny. Am I supposed to live in this box for days? Breathe, Sarah, breathe. Pro-tip: bring your own air freshener. The air feels…lived in. I'm already questioning all my life choices. And did I pack enough socks?
15:00 - The Great Grocery Store Hunt (and the Realization I Speak Zero French): Okay, gotta get sustenance. I'm starving, and the vending machine at the hotel sells questionable-looking sandwiches. Armed with my rusty high-school French and a desperate plea to the gods of Google Translate, I stumble into a local supermarket. The signage is a blur of vowels and consonants. I end up buying…a baguette, some cheese that looks suspiciously like radioactive waste, and a bottle of something vaguely pink. Wish me luck. I’m pretty sure I just asked the cashier if I could have a “baguette of happiness.” He looked confused. Mission failed.
17:00 - The Chaponnay Stroll (and the Existential Dread Intensifies): Chaponnay. It’s… quiet. Too quiet. I wander around, feeling like the only person who doesn't know where they're going. A woman with a poodle smiles at me. I take it as a sign that I should order a pastry at this point. I almost tripped on a curb, and a pigeon gave me the stink eye. I officially need a drink and a decent map.
19:00 - Dinner in the Room of Doom: That nuclear-waste cheese is actually… not terrible. Baguette, cheese, pink drink… this is the life! My life, in a tiny hotel room. I stare out the window at the industrial park, questioning how I got here. (Don't worry, I'll definitely go to the city tomorrow. Maybe.)
21:00 - Collapse & Pre-emptive Homesickness: Exhausted. I give up on trying to understand anything. I decide that if I wake up, it's success.
Day 2: Lyon Proper (Pray for Me)
09:00 - Breakfast Disaster: Nope. That hotel breakfast is a crime against humanity. I grab a croissant somewhere on my way to the train station.
10:00 - Into the City! (Maybe): Finally! The train to Lyon! The city center! I'm excited… and terrified. The maps on the train have me confused. I'll somehow figure it out.
11:00 - Vieux Lyon & the Tête d’Or Park: Overwhelming Beauty, Slight Panic: Okay, Vieux Lyon. This is… stunning. Cobblestone streets, Renaissance buildings, the works. So pretty it's almost overwhelming. My brain can't process it. I walk through a narrow street. I think I saw a ghost. I am then distracted by the fact that there are now too many people around and I need to find a quiet spot to think. I stumble into the Parc de la Tête d’Or. A freaking botanical garden! I feel like I'm in a movie. But also, I'm pretty sure I got lost. I sit on a bench. The lake is beautiful. Children are screaming. I desperately need a coffee. I get over my anxiety and get back on the train.
13:00 - Lunch in the Presqu'île: Meat-Lover's Paradise? (Probably Not for Me): I'm at a restaurant. I think. It's in a bougie area. The menus are all in French. Everywhere. I order something with the best of my ability. I think it's a steak sandwich. The waiter is very polite, but I can tell he's judging my pitiful French. It's delicious. But I also feel like I'm staring into a cultural barrier. The meat is great, not too expensive. I'm not sure what to make of the French.
15:00 - The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière & My Near-Death Experience with a Staircase: Whoa. This basilica is insane. Gold, grandeur, the works. Seriously, the view from up here is breathtaking. I'm pretty sure I saw a ghost of a nun inside, however. I tried to walk away and almost fainted on the stairs. I am now not sure if I’m being dramatic.
17:00 - A Moment of Respite (Coffee & Croissant) & The Pain of Being a Tourist: I needed that coffee. Also, a pastry. I now feel a little less lost. Lyon is beautiful. But it's crowded. Everyone else seems to know what they're doing. Sigh. I'm just a tourist, right? Trying to fit in. A small group of people from another country are talking about me. I feel like I'm on a reality TV show.
19:00 - Dinner - The Great Search (Again) & The Bitter Taste of Regret: Back to Chaponnay tonight. I should have been more prepared. I'm tired. I settle for another baguette-and-cheese situation. This time, the cheese is…better? Or maybe I'm just delirious from the day.
21:00 - Meltdown & Bedtime (Early): Okay, I'm done. I'm going to bed. Can I get out of here tomorrow?
Day 3: The Unexpected Spark & the Lingering Doubt
09:00 - An Attempt at Optimism: Okay, today, today is going to be different. I will plan the trip and not randomly walk around.
10:00 - Planning - Not quite!: I'll try to look for museums. And then… I get distracted and start looking for funny videos on the internet. I look for new places to go. And for some reason, I spent most of the day on internet looking for stupid cat videos. At least I have more energy now.
13:00 - Lunch (Slight Win!): I found a cafe. I ordered food. It came. The language barrier didn't doom me. I might be making it. I got some delicious pastries as well.
15:00 - Museum… Maybe? Ok, I am not going to museums. Today is my own day.
17:00 - A Random Act of Kindness & A Small Glimmer of Hope: A woman saw my despair and gave me directions for the most amazing art shop. It was beautiful. The people are so friendly and I'm not the only lost person here.
19:00 - The Final Baguette & Acceptance: Yep. Baguette and cheese again. But, you know what? I'm starting to like it. It's my routine.
20:00 - The Longing Sigh. Well. I'm going home soon. Lyon, was not a waste. I think I will come back.
Day 4: Departure - Freedom! (And Maybe a Tiny Bit of Sadness?)
09:00 - The Escape: Bye-bye, beige prison! I am out of here.
10:00 - Farewell Chaponnay: I'm waiting for the shuttel. Chaponnay, you were…an experience.
14:00 - Airport & Reflections: Well, I did it. I survived Lyon. Was it perfect? No. Did I get lost multiple times? Absolutely. Did I question the entire meaning of my existence? Possibly. But hey, I ate some cheese, saw some beautiful things, and I have a story to tell. And I didn't die. Now I am ready for my flight. This trip gave me an idea of what I am capable of. I wouldn't trade the experience for another.
This is my truth, the raw, unfiltered mess of my Lyon adventure. May your own travels be less chaotic… or maybe, just maybe, as gloriously messy. Bon voyage, you magnificent travelers! And if you see a pigeon looking for me, tell him I'm sorry.
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Ibis Budget Chaponnay: The Truth You Actually Want To Hear (Maybe...)
So, is this Ibis Budget Chaponnay thing REALLY a budget-friendly paradise, or is it more like... budget-friendly purgatory?
Okay, let's be real. Paradise? Nah. Purgatory? Well, that depends on your expectations and your tolerance for aggressively functional furniture. Think of it more like a slightly-worn-but-still-useful hand-me-down coat. It gets the job done, keeps you covered, and hey, the price is right. I'd go with the "slightly-worn-but-still-useful" analogy. It definitely leans practical more than luxurious.
The rooms... are they shoeboxes? And if so, do they at least have a nice view of... something?
Shoeboxes? Pretty much. They *are* efficient. I once tripped over my own suitcase in one. It's a real test of your packing skills – minimalist is the name of the game. Think less "hotel suite," more "capsule hotel, Lyon Edition." As for the view... let's just say I spent a good chunk of my stay contemplating the intricacies of the parking lot. My particular room gazed upon a rather sad-looking patch of gravel and a couple of bins. Romantic, it was not. But hey, you're there to explore Lyon, right? Not admire scenic vistas from your cramped quarters. Silver lining: less time spent staring out the window, more time eating croissants in town!
Breakfast... Is it a continental dream or a carb-coma nightmare? Be honest!
Okay, the breakfast... ah, the breakfast. It's... *functional*. Imagine a buffet designed for maximum efficiency and minimal fuss. There were croissants, they were... acceptable. There was coffee, it was... caffeinated. I'm not going to lie, I snuck some Nutella from the jar (don't judge!), and that elevated the experience significantly. Think of it as a pre-adventure fuel-up. It'll get you going, but don't expect Michelin-star quality. The upside? It's cheap, and you don't have to hunt for a café first thing in the morning. Plus, it's a great place to people-watch. I saw a family trying to build a tower of bread, which provided crucial mid-morning entertainment.
The staff: Are they helpful or more like, "Don't bother me, I'm busy"?
The staff were... fine. Efficient. They weren’t exactly singing show tunes, but they efficiently checked me in, answered my (limited) questions, and directed me to the nearest vending machine. They got the job done. No complaints there, really. They're not there to be your best friend, they are there to facilitate your sleep... which, is all I really asked for anyway.
Location, Location, Location! How inconvenient is it, really, to actually *get* to Lyon?
Okay, this is where things get a little... location-dependent. Chaponnay itself isn’t *in* Lyon, which is a potential stumbling block. You're not exactly stumbling out of the hotel and into the Vieux Lyon. You'll need to factor in travel time via public transport or car. I took the tram most of the time. It was... fine. A bit of a trek, but manageable, especially if you’re organized (which I rarely am). It’s not ideal if you're wanting to be in the center of the action at the drop of a hat, but it's a good compromise when trying to save some serious dough. Consider it a chance to experience the "real" Lyon, beyond the tourist hotspots. Plus, those extra steps help burn off the croissants, right?
The Noise! How noisy is it generally? I'm a light sleeper!
Okay, this is crucial. I'm also a light sleeper, and I can tell you it was... *variable*. Occasionally, you could hear the rumble of passing trucks, the incessant hum of some unseen air conditioning unit, or the distinct sounds of someone, somewhere, snoring rather loudly. EARPLUGS ARE YOUR FRIEND. Seriously. Pack them. I should have. I didn't, and I paid the price with some fitful nights. But, it’s a budget hotel, and you get what you pay for.
Okay, spill. The *worst* thing? What made you want to scream into a pillow?
Ugh. Okay, fine. The worst thing? The shower. The shower was... a logistical challenge. Tiny. I'm not a particularly large person, but I felt like I was trying to shower inside a phone booth. The water pressure was, let's say, *optimistic*. It ranged from a trickle to a slightly-less-than-a-trickle. And the curtain? Forget about it. The floor got a LOT of water on it, always. It was a constant battle against the encroaching wetness. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but it definitely made me appreciate my shower at home that much more. Seriously, they need to upgrade those showers. Just my personal, slightly-damp, opinion.
The *best* thing? What redeemed it? What made you, you know, not completely regret your choice?
The best thing? The price! Seriously, the price. I could afford to eat ALL THE FOOD in Lyon because I wasn't blowing my budget on accommodation. That, and the fact that it was a clean, safe place to collapse after a day of exploring, and I got to meet a particularly friendly pigeon on the windowsill outside my room (he never came in, sadly). And the fact that it was cheap enough to leave me feeling, well, maybe a little bit smug? Knowing I was saving money while still getting to experience Lyon? That was worth the slightly-less-than-stellar shower, and the parking lot view, and the questionable coffee.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Honestly? Yes. (Maybe with a sturdier pair of earplugs and a waterproof bag for my toiletries, and definitely a better shower plan.) If you’re on a super-tight budget and prioritize exploring Lyon over luxury, then yes, absolutely. It's not glamorous, but it gets the job done, and that's what counts. Plus, I have a thing for budget-friendly travel. It's a challenge, and it keeps things interesting. Plus, think of all the money you'll save that you canTravel Stay Guides
