Boscolo Lyon

Boscolo Lyon, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a luxurious retreat in the heart of Lyon, blending Italian elegance with a rich French heritage in a beautifully renovated 19th-century building.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall rating and sentiment for Boscolo Lyon are overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "top-class place to stay." The hotel boasts high scores across various platforms, indicating a strong consensus on its exceptional quality, service, and prime location. Its selection as a Michelin Key property further solidifies its reputation for excellence in hospitality, design, quality of service, and contribution to the local experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several key aspects of Boscolo Lyon:

• Exceptional Service: The staff's attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond are frequently highlighted.
• Prime Location: Situated on the Presqu'île, the hotel offers excellent access to major attractions, shopping, and dining.
• Luxurious Design: The hotel's Italian-influenced design, featuring sumptuous materials like black marble and Vicenza stone within a historic Haussmann-style building, creates an elegant and captivating ambiance.
• Superb Spa Facilities: The spa, notably the pool, is often described as a perfect spot for relaxation, with some guests noting it's rarely crowded. The spa is inspired by Roman baths and occupies a space that was formerly Roman baths, containing original stones and vaulted cellars.

3. Room Quality

Boscolo Lyon offers spacious rooms and suites, generally described as superb, comfortable, and luxurious. All rooms measure at least 98 feet² and feature luxurious decorations, plush bedding, and private marble bathrooms equipped with walk-in showers and bidets. Coffee and tea facilities are also provided. While many appreciate the design, some feedback suggests certain rooms, particularly those facing an interior courtyard, can be on the smaller side with "baffling design choices" such as minimalist beds and unattractive art that don't always align with the contemporary old-world style. Some guests have reported issues with inconsistent room temperatures and noise from neighboring air conditioning units.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's in-house restaurant, Angelo, offers an irresistible culinary experience with Italian cuisine. Chef Antonio Salvati, with a rich background in prestigious establishments, curates a menu blending diverse Italian influences with a Lyonnais touch, focusing on seasonal produce. Breakfast is highly rated (guest review score: 8.3) and includes continental, vegetarian, American, and buffet options, as well as à la carte choices. Guests praise the selection and high quality of the breakfast. However, one notable complaint mentions that only one cup of coffee or tea is included in breakfast, with additional cups incurring a charge, which some find unacceptable for the price point. The hotel also features a bar, offering a selection of Italian classics, exquisite mocktails, and original creations.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Boscolo Lyon consistently receives high praise. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly, attentive, helpful, and knowledgeable staff who are committed to providing outstanding service. Guests have noted instances where staff went "above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay" and were "very welcoming." The hotel also offers a 24-hour reception, concierge service, and valet parking.

6. Location & Accessibility

Boscolo Lyon boasts an excellent, central location on the Presqu'île, on the banks of the Rhône River. It is ideally situated within walking distance of key attractions such as Place Bellecour, the charming Old Town (Vieux Lyon), Rue Merciere Street, the Lyon National Opera House, and the Basilica of Fourvière. The hotel is also close to major shopping streets. Public transport accessibility is convenient, with Cordeliers metro station just a 5-minute walk away. Lyon Part-Dieu train station is a 10-minute drive, and Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is approximately 19 miles away, accessible via the Rhônexpress and metro line A. Valet parking is available for €40.00 per day.

7. Value & Pricing

With average room rates ranging from $301 to $350, Boscolo Lyon is considered a luxurious retreat. Many guests find the unparalleled comfort, exceptional amenities, and top-notch service to justify the price, considering it good value for money for a 5-star property.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Soundproofing: A few guests have reported concerns about soundproofing, particularly in rooms facing the river, with noise from neighboring air conditioning units being an issue.
• Room Temperature Control: Some reviews mention issues with room thermostats, leading to uncomfortable temperatures.
• Room Design: Specific design choices in some rooms, such as minimalist beds or certain art pieces, have been described as "baffling" or "unattractive," not always fitting the luxurious aesthetic, and the placement of toilets against windows resulting in cold seats.
• Gym Facilities: The gym is noted to be compact and lacking sufficient equipment, particularly free weights or strength training machines, focusing primarily on cardio equipment.
• Breakfast Policy: The policy of charging for additional cups of coffee or tea beyond the first is a point of contention for some guests, who deem it unacceptable at the hotel's price point.
• Minibar Issues: One guest reported an almost empty minibar that could not be restocked, with items being expensive when ordered via room service.

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