**Ibis Lyon Gerland: The BEST Rue Mérieux Hotel? (Shocking Review!)**
Ibis Lyon Gerland: My Sort-Of-Shocking Stay & The Quest for the Perfect French Breakfast (Spoiler: It Was Close!)
Alright, folks. Let's be real. Finding a decent hotel in Lyon isn't rocket science. You've got choices, and navigating them is part of the adventure. I, however, like to make things… interesting. So, I booked the Ibis Lyon Gerland, the so-called "BEST Rue Mérieux Hotel?" (spoiler alert: titles can be a little misleading). This won't be your typical, dry-as-toast travel review. Buckle up.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Making it (Mostly) Easy
From the moment I rolled up (metaphorically, because I walked – though the accessibility is a big selling point, more on that later), I was in… well, Lyon. It’s not a fairytale, it's life, and sometimes that means a slightly less-than-perfect arrival involving a drizzle. The exterior, well, it's an Ibis. You know the vibe. Functional. Clean lines. Undistinguished-yet-familiar.
Accessibility - Let's Get This Right (and They Did!)
This is where I give HUGE props. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. That's the baseline, but they go beyond. Smooth entrances, wide hallways, and elevators that didn't feel like a sardine can. The room I got (more on that later), was designed with accessibility in mind. Handles, grab bars, everything you need, which is SUPER important. It’s rare to see a hotel really nail accessibility – I've seen places that claim to be, but then you arrive and… well, let's just say it's a struggle. Score one for the Ibis! They also list facilities for disabled guests which is a good start.
Okay, back to the accessibility points: Elevator? Check. A huge win when you're lugging luggage or, you know, just want to avoid the stairs (who doesn't?). And while I didn't require them, knowing there was a concierge and a 24-hour front desk with facilities for disabled guests felt reassuring. Now, if the front desk staff were always completely fluent in English, that'd be a perfect ten, but hey… France!
Rooms: Functionality &… The Lack of Soul.
My room? Clean. Functional. The air conditioning worked like a champ (Lyon summers!), which is a MUST. Daily housekeeping? Yep. And guess what? They provided free Wi-Fi! (You'd be surprised how many hotels still nickel-and-dime you on that.) Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!!! and Internet access – wireless is a win. They offered the usual suspects when it comes to room amenities: air conditioning, alarm clock, black out curtains (bless!), desk, free bottled water, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access (lan), ironing facilities, laptop workspace, safe/security feature, satellite/cable channels, toiletteries, towels, and a window that opens. But… let's be honest, it felt a bit… sterile. Like living in a really, really well-designed airport terminal. No real character. No "ooh, this is charming and French!" moments. Maybe some room decorations would help. The non-smoking rooms are definitely a plus. Having a desk and a laptop workspace was great since I could work from the comfort of my room. Also, they offer wake up service which is pretty helpful.
Internet! The Lifeblood of the Modern Traveler:
Internet access – wireless – check! Internet access – LAN – check! So, yeah, seamless connection, perfect for working (which I was doing), streaming (which I wasn’t ashamed to do). This is vital in today's world, and they delivered. No buffering, no dropped signals - a must!
Dining: The Breakfast Saga & the Quest for Croissant Perfection
This, my friends, is where things get…interesting. Breakfast [buffet]? Yes. Asian breakfast? No. But here’s the catch. I came in hoping for Parisian croissant-level quality, but was it just… adequate. Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Breakfast service - the usual suspects were there, and while technically fine, it lacked a certain je ne sais quoi. The coffee was a bit weak. The croissants weren't quite flaky enough. The butter… well, the butter was just butter. I’m being picky, I know. I’m a breakfast snob. But hey, you gotta have standards! (I did find a decent salad in restaurant when I got tired of croissants…)
I could see there was some potential for alternative meal arrangement. I thought they would have had a Vegetarian restaurant, but sadly I didn’t see one.
The "Things To Do" & "Ways To Relax" – A Mostly Missed Opportunity…Or Was It?
Okay, let’s be honest. The Ibis Gerland isn’t a spa resort. No Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool to write home about. There IS however swimming pool [outdoor], which is a plus. What did they offer? Nope. But that's ok! I actually preferred exploring Lyon on my own terms. The hotel is a solid base from which to wander.
Cleanliness & Safety: Did They Pass the Anti-Germ Gauntlet?
Absolutely. Cleanliness and safety seem to be taken seriously, especially given the times. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seems so Rooms sanitized between stays? – good. Cashless payment service? Easy. I actually felt safe. They even had a doctor/nurse on call (thankfully, I didn't need them!), and first aid kit. They also offer hygiene certification, safe dining setup, and Shared stationery removed .
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Foodie’s Battlefield
A la carte in restaurant? Nope. Bottle of water? I’m sure they offered it. Coffee shop? Nope. Happy hour? Wishful thinking. Poolside bar? Alas, no. Restaurants? The hotel had a restaurant but it was not to my taste. Room service [24-hour]? Yes, it was available and that was great. Snack bar? No. Soup in restaurant? Probably. Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant? Basically.
Services & Conveniences: The Practical Stuff
Air conditioning in public area? Check. Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center… they kind of offered all of these things. It's pretty standard.
For The Kids:
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal… The hotel is pretty family friendly, which is good.
Getting Around:
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking I did not ask for these.
Final Verdict: The "Shocking" Truth
Ibis Lyon Gerland: The BEST Rue Mérieux Hotel? (Shocking Review!)
The BEST? Probably not. A solid, reliable, and (crucially) ACCESSIBLE choice? Absolutely. It's a great base.
What I loved: The accessibility. Seriously, they nailed it. The cleanliness. The location (Rue Mérieux is pretty convenient). The fact that the Wi-Fi actually worked (and was FREE!).
What could be better: The breakfast (I’m still dreaming of perfect croissants!). The lack of general charm and soul.
Would I recommend it? YES, especially if accessibility is a priority. For a short stay, it's a great option. It's clean, convenient, and provides a comfortable base.
Target Audience Offer:
Book Your Lyon Adventure at Ibis Lyon Gerland – Where Comfort Meets Convenience (And Accessibility Wins!)
Are you looking for a hotel in Lyon that actually understands accessibility? Do you want a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located base for exploring the city? Then, book your stay at the Ibis Lyon Gerland!
- Unbeatable Accessibility: We pride ourselves on providing a genuinely accessible experience for all guests. Enjoy seamless access and thoughtfully designed rooms.
- **
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn’t your sanitized, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-hungover experience of yours truly, about to brave the hallowed halls of the ibis Lyon Gerland Rue Mérieux. Let’s get this show on the road, shall we?
The Lyon Labyrinth (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sausage - Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and a Questionable Croissant
- 14:00 (ish): Touchdown in Lyon. Okay, let’s be honest, it was more like a bumpy landing, followed by a mad dash for baggage claim. The airport… well, let’s just say it’s not exactly a work of art. Think concrete, fluorescent lights, and the faint smell of lukewarm coffee. My optimistic self thought, "Ah, the gateway to adventure!" My slightly neurotic self was already calculating the odds of losing my passport.
- 15:00: Getting a taxi. Found a very chatty driver who told me all about the history of saucisson (French dried sausage) and the best places to buy it. He also insisted I try the tripe sausage. I politely declined, the thought of it making my stomach clench.
- 16:00 (ish): Check-in at the ibis. This is where things get… interesting. First impressions: clean, minimalist, and a tiny room. No room service and no free waters. It is what it is. I have a feeling this might be one of those "you get what you pay for" kind of places. The wifi is slow. Already regretting not splurging on that Airbnb with the balcony.
- 16:30: Okay, gotta be strong. Let's get this show on the road. That croissant from the bakery downstairs? Not so great. Kind of bland. A definite sign of things to come, perhaps? Feeling a bit pessimistic.
- 17:00-19:00: Wandering. I decided to just get out and get walking. I wandered around aimlessly. I saw a few cute dogs and a very chic woman with a scarf that really knew its angles. Feeling a bit disoriented. Lyon is… bigger than I expected. The architecture is stunning, though! Definitely a win.
- 19:00-21:00: Dinner! Okay, I went to this "traditional" bouchon everyone raved about. It was a chaotic, noisy affair. The food was… well, let's just say I'm still deciding if I liked it. The quenelles (fish dumplings) had a texture that I'm not sure I'm entirely sold on. It tasted like… a slightly soggy cloud. But the atmosphere? Electric. Everyone was talking, laughing, clinking glasses. I felt a little bit like I’d stumbled into a French movie. The Beaujolais wine was… potent. Now, I'm considering ordering a late-night pizza.
- 21:00- onwards: The pizza place was closed. Okay, bed it is.
Day 2: The Food Coma, the Funicular, and the "Oh My God, I'm French!" Moment
- Morning: Breakfast. The ibis breakfast didn't look too inviting. I will skip.
- 10:00: I have a plan! A massive food coma, I think the wine got to me! I've decided to visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Apparently, it's a big deal.
- 11:00-13:00: The museum was amazing. I got truly lost in some of the art. And that massive sculpture garden? Perfection. Honestly, I had a moment where I just stood there, feeling overwhelmed by beauty, and starting crying. Okay, maybe it was also the wine.
- 13:30-15:30: I braved the funicular to Fourvière Hill. The views were breathtaking! And that basilica? Wow. Just… wow. I felt a bit like I was in a historical movie. I almost felt religious and a small epiphany. I definitely could see myself living in Lyon.
- 16:00: I'm hungry. I am going to a cafe to read my book. The "Oh My God, I'm French!" moment: ordering a coffee. I asked for un café au lait, which I thought was proper. The barista looked at me like I’d sprouted a second head and explained I'd ordered a breakfast-sized thing. I tried again. She said something I couldn't understand. I gave up and ordered a regular coffee. I love French people!
- 17:00-18:00: Walking around. I've been looking for a nice restaurant.
- 19:00-21:00: Dinner plans in the Guillotière district. My research said it's "hip and happening". Turns out, it is happening. And delicious. I had the best steak, accompanied by a bottle of local wine.
Day 3: Farewell, Lyon (and a Slight Hangover)
- 09:00: Last breakfast in Lyon. The croissant was better this time, perhaps because my expectations were so low. The coffee was, thankfully, strong.
- 10:00: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Managed to grab a few things. Got a small bottle of that delicious Beaujolais wine.
- 11:00: Checked out.
- 12:00: The Lyon experience, overall? An adventure. A beautiful, chaotic, slightly messy adventure. I definitely got lost, and I learned the hard way that French people don't mess around with their coffee. But I loved it. Next time, I'm going to try that tripe sausage, I swear!
- 13:00: Airport transport. Goodbye, croissant! Goodbye, Lyon! I swear I'll be back!
- 16:00: Arrive at home.
And there you have it. My Lyon misadventure. Remember, travel is not always picture-perfect. It's about the unexpected moments, the slight disappointments, the moments of sheer beauty that catch your breath, and the questionable croissants. Embrace the messiness. That's where the real memories are made. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to pour myself a glass of that delicious Beaujolais. À votre santé! (Cheers!)
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Ibis Lyon Gerland: The "Best" Rue Mérieux Hotel? (A Seriously Rough Review!)
Okay, Let's Just Dive Right In: Is the Ibis Lyon Gerland Actually Good? 'Cause I'm Already Skeptical...
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't going to be a fluffy, marketing-approved review. "Good"? That depends on your definition. If your definition of "good" involves, say, clean towels and a bed that *doesn't* feel like you're sleeping on a concrete slab... well, let's just say the Ibis Lyon Gerland and I have had a complicated relationship. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, from mild amusement to utter exasperation.
Honestly? The first hour in the room, I think I tripped over the questionable carpet about five times. And the air conditioning, if you could call it that, sounded like a dying walrus. But maybe, just maybe, I'm being too harsh. Let's see...
The "Best" in Rue Mérieux? Is That Even Possible? What's the Location Like, Really?
Rue Mérieux. Home sweet Home to the Ibis. Location. The *location*! Okay, it's in Gerland, which, if you're into science museums and the like, is fine. But if, like *me*, you envision a trip to Lyon as a culinary adventure, with romantic walks along the Saône, and a *certain* level of charm… well, Rue Mérieux doesn't exactly scream "romance." It's…functional. Close to the metro, which is a HUGE plus, I'll give it that. Walking in the dark though? Bring a friend. Or a flamethrower. (Kidding. Mostly.)
One time, I actually *saw* a tumbleweed blow past. Okay, I might be exaggerating, but the wind did make me question all life choices. The upside? The park nearby's actually rather nice. The kids loved it.
The Room Itself: Can We Talk About the Room? Is it a Prison Cell or a... Well, A Room?
Oh, the room. The infamous Ibis room. Picture this: small. Really small. Like, "couldn't swing a cat" small. And, honestly, probably not *clean* enough to even *consider* swinging a cat. There were some... stains. Let's just leave it at that. The bathroom? Tiny. So tiny. I swear I could touch all four walls simultaneously. And the shower? The water pressure was… well, it dribbled. Basically, it made me cry. From the sheer inadequacy of the shower. And the lack of space. And the…well, you get the picture.
I had a window. Thankfully. But the view was... of another building. So, essentially, a view of someone else's life. It kind of emphasized my own sense of existential dread. And I think I may have lost a sock in the process.
Breakfast: Worth Waking Up For? Or More Like a Crime Against Croissants?
Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. I approach hotel breakfasts with a certain level of optimism. Especially when, after a night in a small room, you desperately need some carbs. Well, here comes the reality check. The croissants were… passable. The coffee? Let’s just say I made quick trips to the local coffee shop as soon as the breakfast bar opened. The fruit looked like it had seen better days. The yogurt… I’m pretty sure it hadn’t seen *any* days. It was… a breakfast. I ate it. I survived. I didn't *enjoy* it, but I survived. And I may have taken a second croissant. Desperate times, people.
The juice machine, I swear, was just water with a tiny hint of something fruity. Perhaps the ghost of a fruit. I tried to be positive, but, yeah, the breakfast situation was a real bummer. I swear I've had tastier breakfast at a bus stop.
Staff: Are They Actually Friendly, Or Just… Present?
The staff! Okay, they tried. Really, they did. The front desk people were generally pleasant and helpful. They seemed, at least, *used* to the many complaints. They weren’t *overjoyed* to see me, mind you. More like a weary acceptance of another guest. Which, to be honest, I get. It's a thankless job. But still. A smile goes a long way, especially when you're dealing with a questionable shower and a carpet that’s seen things.
One staff member, bless their heart, actually *tried* to help me with the air conditioning. "Monsieur, it is the… *charm* of the hotel," they said, with a forced smile. Charm? More like a rusty, wheezing death rattle. Bless them, though. They tried.
Let's Get Personal: What's One Thing That *Really* Annoyed You? (Rant Time!)
Okay, okay, here's the rant. The walls. They're thin. So, so, so thin. I could hear *everything*. The people in the next room's conversation, the guy from down the hall's snoring... My neighbours were apparently having a party - a *very* loud party - till 3 am. I didn't get any sleep. I complained, but, well, what do you do? The walls have no sound proofing!! NO SOUNDPROOFING! I was beyond exhausted. I just wanted to sleep. I was so tired the next day.
It's enough to make you question the meaning of life. And definitely made me question my budgeting skills when I booked it. Seriously. WALLS! I'll never trust hotel walls again.
Okay, Fine. Is There *Anything* Good About the Ibis Lyon Gerland? Be Honest.
Alright, alright, let's not be completely negative. The location, as previously mentioned, is close to the metro. That is a huge plus. The price, I guess, is okay if you're really, really on a budget. It’s functional. It's a place to sleep, I suppose. And, the cleaning staff, while I am unsure as to the cleanliness, was always polite and cheerful. So, yeah, there are *some* redeeming qualities. But they're buried under a mountain of underwhelming experiences.
It's not the worst place I've ever stayed. But, oh boy, it's not the best. I'm not sure if I'd go back. Perhaps if they did a complete renovation and added some soundproofing. And got a top-of-the-line shower! (AndSmart Traveller Inns
