Hôtel Lyon Métropole ★★★★

How many other city hotels can lay claim to an Olympic-sized, open-air swimming pool? Even when the weather isn’t ideal it still makes you feel like you’re on holiday at the seaside. There is also an elegant indoor pool, four tennis courts (two of which are indoors) and an enormous spa. It’s not a picture-postcard-pretty hotel, but its tranquil setting on the banks of the river Saone more than makes up for it. You’re far enough removed from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, but still within easy reach of town either by the hotel shuttle service (small fee), local bus or a bicycle from the Velo V just outside the hotel (There’s also free exterior parking if you choose to drive).

With the hotel being so conveniently located - La place Bellecour is just 20 minutes away - there is absolutely no excuse not to head off to explore Lyon. The city is a UNESCO world heritage site, and has also developed a reputation as the capital of gastronomy in France. It’s well-known to cinema-buffs as the cinematographe was invented here by the Lumière brothers, and it’s also made famous by its ‘fête de lumières’ light festival in December. There is also plenty to do if you have children, or if you’re still a child at heart. Cycling through the ‘Tunnel Modes Doux’,open to pedestrians, cyclists and buses, you’re treated to a range of screens displaying videos and animations. Or follow your sweet tooth to Chokola, a shop-cum-laboratory dedicated to chocolate, where you’re greeted by a wall of liquid chocolate as you enter. Then head to Parc de la Tête d’Or for a romantic stroll to walk off the calories.

After a day’s sight-seeing I’m looking forward to relaxing back at the hotel. I don’t have the energy for tennis and frankly have never been very good at it, but the spa is calling me. It’s fully equipped with gym, sauna, Jacuzzi, Turkish baths and treatment centre. It’s impossible not to be relaxed after a spell in the open air Hydrojet pool which is heated to a balmy 37 degrees, or take it a step further and try the sensory experience of the flotation tank. Maybe you’ll go to the other extreme and treat your senses to an exfoliation treatment with aromatic spices ... After returning from the spa, wrap yourself in your bathrobe and slippers and enjoy the view of the pool or river from your room. The hotel has been recently renovated and the 174 Bedrooms are spacious and light and decorated in neutral colours with all the essentials: hairdryer, air-conditioning, flat screen TV and complimentary toiletries.

As the capital of gastronomy, Lyon has more than enough divine restaurants to keep you busy for weeks, but it’s your holiday and you have permission to decide that you just don’t want to leave the comfort of the hotel. Head down to the spacious bar before dinner and settle down in one of the comfy chairs to gaze out at the endless pool or peruse the equally expansive list of drinks. The decor in the Brasserie Lyon Plage is all wood, blues and whites, and brass fittings which lends it a distinctly seaside air. There’s even an outdoor terrace to bask in the good weather and sunshine. Chefs George Desriaux and Anthony Monnet have designed a menu based on fresh produce and I’m going to round off a perfect day with my favourite dessert: Tarte fine aux pommes et glace caramel fleur de sel.