Le Roosevelt ★★★★

Lyon is a charming city full of life and I was excited to be discovering it on my weekend city break. Although by the time I arrived late on the Friday night I was perhaps just as excited to see a warm cosy bed, and thankfully the Roosevelt Hotel was ready to oblige. As I slipped through the glass door from the darkened streets into the bright, immaculate lobby I was drawn into a warm, relaxing ambience. The staff were equally as warm and welcoming as I checked in and was shown to my room.

The room was as immaculate as the rest of the hotel and a great size, with a large comfortable bed and a lovely, tiled en-suite, all decorated in mellow tones. The fact that my room overlooked a quiet street was something I really appreciated as I was afforded a peaceful nights sleep.

After awaking refreshed, I considered heading to the nearest bakery but was too  tempted by the selection of food on the hotel breakfast buffet. And after an enjoyable breakfast I was ready to head out and explore. Beginning with a stroll along the river I found my way to the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town. Around the Place Neuve St Jean I admired the beautiful mix of renaissance mansions, mostly built by Italian silk merchants in the Middle Ages. I let the history draw me in as the beautiful roads twisted together all vying to tell their own stories. The streets are full of cafes and restaurants, some old and traditional, others quirky and new, all equally as tempting. It’s so easy to join the locals and tourists alike, sitting sleepily in the sun for hours, sipping an expresso and enjoying the world carrying on around you. With an afternoon in the Musee des Beaux Arts, a delectable dinner, and an evening at the opera house it was with heavy feet and a light heart that I made my way back to the hotel, only a 20 minute walk away (and only 5 minutes if you cheat and take a taxi like I did!).

The Roosevelt Hotel may not be the most extravagant, but it certainly delivers exceptional four star quality service and ambience, while being perfectly placed to make the most of this friendly city.