Collège Hotel
With a quirky school theme that stretches from the front desk through to all the rooms, the Collège Hotel does not want for character. It is well-planned rather than overbearing however, with antique school furniture throughout and old black-and-white school photographs enlarged on every door. The hotel also boasts an enviable location in the heart of Vieux Lyon making it convenient for exploring the city on foot.
While the rooms are small, they are smart and contemporary in brilliant white with vintage desks and lockers taking the place of modern closets and tables. There is breakfast buffet served daily in the hotel’s ‘cantine’ which includes a selection of hot and cold options as well as freshly-squeezed juices and coffee and tea brewed to order.
There’s also a small library and a large roof terrace offering sweeping view of the city.The 1930’s building in which it is set is easily found: the façade is adorned with a sculptural installation of school chairs by French-Argentinean artist Pablo Reinoso.
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Rooms
There are 50 rooms divided into three room categories at Collège Hotel. Although they are all similarly sized, the primary difference is the view, with Undergraduate and Graduate rooms overlooking the old city streets and Fourvière hill, while Post Graduate rooms have balconies and panoramic views. The ‘school’ theme runs throughout every room category, featuring desks and antique photographs of school children. All rooms have white bathrooms with walk-in showers, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Location
Collège Hotel is located at the northern tip of Vieux Lyon, making it easy to explore this historic part of town on foot. The proximity to the river adds additional ease if visitors would like to walk to the Presqu’île, about 20 minutes on foot, or to Les Halles about a 25-minute walk.
Food and Drink
While there is no restaurant at the hotel, its location in the heart of the old town means there are many cafes and restaurants within walking distance. A buffet breakfast is also served daily in the Cantine, a bookcase-lined room with long tables and benches. Next door, the hotel’s cocktail bar, the Baràgones, opens in the evenings and serve Argentinean and Caribbean-style tapas.
Our opinion
We enjoy Collège Hotel’s unusual character and especially love its location in the heart of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with charm and history.
Lyon itinerary suggestions
Nearby accommodation
Nearby places
Places & hotels on the map
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Cour des Loges
Centrally located in Vieux Lyon is Cour des Loges, a distinctive five-star property whose historic premises, individual design and Michelin-starred restaurant make it a memorable place to stay. In addition you’ll get a spa, hanging gardens and an indoor pool.
Hotel Silky
Located in the heart of the Presqu’île, Hotel Silky is a convenient spot for visitors looking to explore Lyon on foot. The hotel combines simple, contemporary design with local heritage and warm and friendly service.
Villa Florentine
A winding five-minute drive uphill from Lyon’s old town, the grand Villa Florentine sits above the city and offers sweeping views of Lyon, spacious rooms, a poolside terrace and gourmet dining.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions
This full-day tour gives you the chance to explore the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. With your private driver-guide, visit the Côte Dorée and sample gamay wines before enjoying an indulgent lunch. In the afternoon, sample white Burgundies in Mâconnais.
Burgundy, the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits
Explore the Côte d’Or region of Burgundy on this private, full-day tour. Your driver-guide will take you through the storied vineyards and prestigious appellations of the region, with pauses for tastings, lunch and a chance to explore an 11th-century wine cellar.
Gourmet walking tour of Lyon and Les Halles covered market
Discover why Lyon is known as the culinary capital of France on this private tour of its bakeries, markets, restaurants and delis. Learn about its renowned chefs past and present and sample some local delicacies such as praline brioche and coussin de Lyon.