Okko Lyon Pont Lafayette

Okko Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Okko Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently garners high praise for its modern design, exceptional service, and prime riverside location in Lyon's chic 6th arrondissement. Housed in a renovated Haussmannian building, the hotel seamlessly blends historic architecture with contemporary interiors by French designer Patrick Norguet.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Okko Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette is overwhelmingly positive, with an impressive overall rating of 9.2 on Agoda and 8.6 on Booking.com, reflecting "excellent" guest satisfaction. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's warm and inviting atmosphere, exceptional value, and impeccable cleanliness.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the hotel's all-inclusive concept, centered around "The Club." This 24-hour communal space offers complimentary snacks and hot and cold drinks throughout the day, as well as a popular evening "aperitivo" featuring local wines, cheeses, meats, soups, and pies. The stylish lobby and lounge areas provide comfortable spaces for relaxation, socializing, or working. The modern design, friendly staff, and fantastic location are also frequently cited as key strengths.

3. Room Quality

The 85 rooms are described as minimalist, modern, and stylishly designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Each 18-square-meter room (including Double and Premium Rooms) features a plush Queen bed, a flat-screen TV, WiFi, a Nespresso machine, and an en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and Nuxe toiletries. Some rooms offer balconies with views of Lyon and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière or the Rhône river. While generally clean and well-maintained, some guests have found the "pod-like" bathrooms to be tiny. Rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned, although some older reviews mention issues with air conditioning only going down to 19 degrees Celsius and some rooms having single-pane windows that let in noise and drafts.

4. Dining Experience

While there isn't a traditional full-service restaurant, the hotel offers a fantastic daily buffet breakfast with a wide array of fresh, organic products, including pastries, breads, cheeses, cold cuts, and fruits. Guests praise the variety and quality of the breakfast options, noting that dairy- and gluten-free diets are also catered for. In the evenings, the complimentary "aperitivo" in The Club provides a delightful selection of regional cheeses, cooked meats, soups, and savory tarts, alongside local wines and beers. Snacks and refreshments are available in The Club 24/7.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Okko Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette consistently receives excellent ratings, with staff performance scoring an impressive 9.6. Guests frequently describe the staff as warm, friendly, helpful, and exceptional, dedicated to ensuring every need is met. Their commitment to top-notch service contributes significantly to a memorable stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a stellar location rating of 9.2, situated directly on the banks of the Rhône river in the vibrant 6th arrondissement. It's a short walk to the lively Presqu'île district and its attractions like Place Bellecour (15-minute walk) and the Museum of Fine Arts (12-minute walk). The area is known for its bars and nightclubs, and it's approximately a 20-minute walk to Lyon's Old Town and Saint-Jean Cathedral. Public transportation is easily accessible, with a direct bus line to Lyon Part-Dieu train station (a 10-minute ride) and a metro station (Foch) nearby. For those arriving from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, a taxi or private transfer takes about 30 minutes, or the Rhônexpress tram connects to Lyon Part-Dieu.

7. Value & Pricing

Okko Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette offers exceptional value for money, with a rating of 8.8. The average price per room is around $143, which is considered competitive for an elevated experience in the heart of Lyon, compared to the city's average of $131. The all-inclusive offerings of The Club, including breakfast, snacks, and the evening aperitivo, significantly enhance the perceived value. Standard rooms can range from approximately $149 to $710.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some recurring issues have been noted. Guests have occasionally mentioned the compact nature of the "pod-like" bathrooms. Some older reviews also highlighted concerns about air conditioning limitations (only going down to 19°C) and noise/draft issues in certain rooms, particularly those on higher floors with single-pane windows. A specific complaint mentioned being told off for eating a personal sandwich in the lounge during lunchtime, as only breakfast and dinner are officially served there. Lastly, some guests have noted the absence of a traditional reception area to leave luggage, with an alternative on the first floor sometimes proving difficult to access via elevator. There is also no on-site parking available, though a fee-paying car park is located 400m away.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. okkohotels.com
3. agoda.com
4. booking.com
5. fromheretosunday.com
6. oyster.com
7. visiterlyon.com
8. pierreblake.com
9. thehotelguru.com
10. myboutiquehotel.com
11. booking.com
12. tablethotels.com
13. hoteles.com
14. okkohotels.com
15. travelweekly.com