If you’re looking for a hotel that has charm and feels like a neighborhood rather than the same hotel you visit in every city, Cour des Loges in Lyon is exactly that. With centuries of history, vaulted ceilings, and a location right in the center of Vieux Lyon, it makes for an unforgettable stay.
I spent two nights here hosted by the hotel, and the experience was every bit as charming as expected.
Cour des Loges is a new hotel, as it was just completely renovated and reopened in June. I stayed there just a few weeks after it had reopened, so the spa was not yet available, and they were still working on the rooftop garden, as well.
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A Glimpse Into History
Cour des Loges is a restored Renaissance building that once housed wealthy merchants in the 14th century. Walking through its arched passageways and stone staircases feels like exploring a museum, as you’ll find different themed rooms as you go, including a koi pond on the roof.
The UNESCO-listed neighborhood of Vieux Lyon is my favorite place to stay in the city, as it’s quieter with so much history to search out. Cour des Loges may have been recently renovated, but the Old World feel remains.
Getting to the Hotel
The hotel is located in an area with restricted traffic. Cars (meaning your cab) cannot simply drive into the area without a code to lower the bollards that block the streets.
If you take the Metro to arrive, it’s an easy walk, but know that it is cobblestones, so make sure you think your luggage through. Backpacks are ideal, as are small wheeled suitcases that aren’t too heavy to get stuck in the cobblestones.
However, if you arrive by car, either a cab or a car service you reserve, make sure to get the code from the hotel ahead of time. My ride thankfully knew exactly what to do to access the area, but if you don’t know about it in advance, you may have a surprise walk to the hotel.
Location That Can’t Be Beat
The hotel sits in the heart of Vieux Lyon, which means you have easy access to the beautiful cobblestone streets, traditional bouchons, and artisan shops right outside the door. For anyone visiting Lyon, staying in this district provides easy access to landmarks like Saint Jean Cathedral, Fourvière Hill, and the Saône River.
Step out of the hotel and be within minutes of some of the city’s most authentic dining experiences, though the hotel also has amazing options. It’s also easy to access the rest of Lyon either by walking across the nearby bridge or by taking the Metro, with more than one station nearby.
There’s so much to do in Lyon, and it is a great city for all ages. I spent 48 hours in Lyon on my most recent trip and managed to hit almost all my favorite places.
Rooms That Blend Old and New
Each room at Cour des Loges has its own personality. Some feature painted wood beams, others have frescoes or vaulted ceilings, and even rooms in the same category will look a little different.
I was able to see several different rooms during my stay, and I loved how no two spaces looked alike. It’s one of the few hotels where you could return again and again and always have a new experience, depending on the room you’re given.
The furnishings combine antique pieces with modern touches, creating a cozy yet elegant feel. The rooms are updated with the amenities travelers expect today, and they’re a pretty reasonable size for European hotels.
I absolutely loved the chandelier in my room, and the fresco painted on the headboard of the suite I toured is like nothing I’ve seen in any other hotel. The mix of historic detail and modern convenience is part of what makes staying here so memorable.
Dining Worth Staying In For
Lyon is famous for its bouchons, but Cour des Loges holds its own when it comes to food. The hotel is home to three different dining options, both for guests and visitors to Vieux Lyon.
Le Comptoir, just outside the hotel with both indoor and outdoor seating (depending upon the weather, obviously!), is open Thursday to Monday for lunch and dinner. Les Loges is a gastronomic restaurant within the indoor Florentine courtyard, which is open Tuesdays to Saturdays for dinner. The Bar Lounge is a more cozy and laid-back dining option that focuses mostly on the beverages but also has a full menu of snacks and meals, open every evening of the week.
I enjoyed dinner at Le Comptoir, where I sat outside on the patio overlooking the courtyard, and it made for amazing people-watching. Just like every interaction with the hotel I had, the service was impeccable.
The menu isn’t huge like you’ll see in the States, but the items I chose – and those I saw at tables around me – were fantastic. The diners were mostly not from the hotel, which also tells me that this restaurant has earned its good reviews to attract locals and others staying nearby.
Almost as soon as I sat down, the waiter brought out an amuse-bouche and a basket of bread, something you don’t always see in European restaurants. They offer a seasonal prix fixe menu, which I chose, and they have a lunch version available during the week, as well.
The three courses included aubergine with fresh cheese, herbs, and oil for an appetizer, and it was light and fresh and delightful. The main course was a slow-cooked roast with seasonal vegetables and an unexpected pot of mashed potatoes, and it finished off with a poached peach made with agastache and topped with an almond streusel.
It was a perfect meal that wasn’t too heavy, though no, I did not eat anywhere near all the bread in the basket provided. Food always tastes better in Europe, and this was an absolutely delightful dinner that was not an overly expensive meal, especially given the amount of food provided.
I also enjoyed breakfast at the hotel, which is located in the same indoor courtyard as Les Loges. You have the option to include breakfast with your hotel reservation or simply walk in to experience it.
It includes all the buffet items you would expect in a European breakfast, from breads and pastries to yogurt and charcuterie. The surprise to me was the offer to make me the daily special egg, which I accepted, and the poached egg I received may have been one of the best I’ve ever had.
This image shows just a portion of the breakfast buffet. There is also a “fancy” coffee machine, fresh-pressed juices, and so much more that can’t be captured in just one photo.
Service with Character
The service at Cour des Loges balances professional hospitality with a personal touch. The moment I arrived, the staff greeted me with my choice of pastry and water at check-in, which set the tone for the attentive service throughout my stay.
Staff are knowledgeable about the history of the property and the neighborhood, and they’re quick to offer recommendations on what to see and where to eat. When I went to explore the city when rain threatened, they insisted I borrow an umbrella rather than go back upstairs to get one from my room, for example.
Because of its size, the hotel feels intimate rather than overwhelming. During my two nights, I noticed how the staff treated each guest as an individual, which made the stay warmer and more personal.
Get Your Hotel Loyalty Points
If you are a Radisson Rewards member, Cour des Loges is a hotel within their umbrella. Not only can you earn points towards future stays, but when you book and are a member, there is a discount available to make your stay even more economical.
I love the more unique hotels, especially when I’m traveling somewhere truly interesting like Lyon. This combines the best of both worlds.
Cour des Loges Is Worth Booking
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Cour des Loges is a luxury hotel that’s also a historic landmark right in the heart of Lyon’s Renaissance charm. The recent renovation completely changed the rooms to ensure they meet the needs of today’s travelers while still retaining its original charm.
From the unique character of each room to the unforgettable dinner at Le Comptoir and fantastic service from check-in to check-out, every moment here made my solo travel comfortable. Cour des Loges delivers an experience that feels timeless and unforgettable.
