Lyon Park Lane: Your Dream French Escape Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the Lyon Park Lane experience. "Your Dream French Escape Awaits!" they say… well, let's see if that's just marketing fluff or the real deal. This review is gonna get messy, honest, maybe a little too honest. I'm not gonna sugarcoat anything.
(Accessibility - Ugh, the Crucial Bit)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. It's HUGE. Lyon Park Lane claims to have "Facilities for disabled guests." Okay, good. But "claims" is the operative word here. I want specifics! Wheelchair accessible? Got elevators? Are the doorways wide enough for a motorized scooter? (CCTV in common areas & CCTV outside property? Good, but not a substitute for actual accessibility info. I'm not talking just about ramps, people. I'm talking about truly inclusive design that anticipates different needs. Their website needs more detail on this. Seriously, it's 2024!
(Dining, Drinking, & Snacking - Where My Wallet Weeps)
Alright, let's talk grub. And I'm a FOOD PERSON. I'd wrestle a pigeon for a good croissant. This place boasts a ton. Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop. Good start. A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant. Phew. They’re covering their bases!
The breakfast [buffet]? Okay, let's spill the beans. I LOVE a good buffet, like, LOVE. But here, it was… serviceable. Not mind-blowing, but definitely the fuel I needed before stomping around exploring Lyon. A slightly soggy croissant, a decent (but not amazing) coffee, and a feeling of “mission accomplished.”
And the biggest win? Room service [24-hour]. That saved me more than once. After those late-night explorations, there's nothing like ordering in a burger and collapsing into a fluffy bed. (And they had bottle of water delivered too? Genius!) Don’t knock it until you've tried it.
The Poolside bar was a nice touch, the food was good and the drinks were too, a great way to relax and bask in the French sun.
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax - The Zen Zone)
Now, the good stuff. Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Okay, okay, I'm listening. That Pool with view? YES, PLEASE. I'm all about a good view, especially when I'm horizontal in water. I spent a good chunk of my time floating around there, feeling like some kind of French royalty.
The Spa/sauna situation was pretty sweet too. The Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage options were tempting, but my inner couch potato won out. I figured I could exfoliate later, right?
Fitness center? Meh. I'm on vacation. I'm burning calories by walking around, thanks very much. But hey, if you're into that kind of thing, it's there.
(Cleanliness and Safety - Gotta Breathe Easy)
Okay, let's get serious for a sec. Cleanliness and safety are paramount, especially after everything that's been through. They seem to take it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays. That's all good news. The Hand sanitizer was like, everywhere. Which, hey, I'm not complaining! Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Safe dining setup – all reassuring.
(Services and Conveniences - The Little Things Matter)
Alright, other stuff. Air conditioning in public area: essential! Air conditioning, period--in all the rooms is a lifesaver (I was thankful for this). Concierge: Helpful, not overly intrusive, which is how I like my concierges. Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless. Elevator: Thank GOD! Laundry service… I needed this. I went full-on tourist and got my entire Parisian wardrobe covered in chocolate.
The car park [free of charge] was a godsend. Finding parking in Lyon is akin to finding a unicorn.
(Available in All Rooms - The Nitty Gritty)
Okay, let's talk rooms. Now, my room was nice. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]. The essentials, basically. Additional toilet? Nope. But the bathtub was decent for a long soak after a day of walking.
A small anecdote: my interconnecting room(s) available was next to a family with screaming kids. Not the hotel’s fault, but next time I'm requesting a room with a massive wall.
(Internet Access - The Digital Detox (or Not))
Okay, let's talk Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas. Pretty standard, but essential. Let's be real: I needed to check my emails, update my Instagram, and, you know, see if I could find a decent boulangerie. It all worked fine, so no complaints there.
(For the Kids - Family-Friendly? Maybe)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities, and…that's about it in this section. I didn’t have kids (thank GOD), but I noticed a few families milling around. Seemed okay, but I can't give a definitive opinion.
(Getting Around - Escape the Chaos)
Airport transfer: Yes! Score! Car park [free of charge], Taxi service. Lyon's a walk-able city, though. I mostly hoofed it.
(Final Verdict - The Honest Truth)
Okay, so… Lyon Park Lane. Is it a dream French escape? Probably not. Is it a solid choice? Absolutely. It's comfortable, well-located (once you get your bearings), and has enough amenities to keep you happy-ish.
It's not perfect. The accessibility needs a serious upgrade. And while the buffet breakfast was adequate, it wasn’t life-altering. But the pool with a view? Worth it. The 24/7 room service? Worth it. The generally chill vibe? Definitely worth it.
(The Pitch - My Persuasive Attempt)
STOP SCROLLING. Seriously. Ditch the endless hotel searches and embrace the French escape you've been dreaming of. Lyon Park Lane isn’t just a hotel; it’s a launchpad for exploring the delicious chaos of Lyon. Imagine… waking up, maybe nursing a slight head, slipping into the swimming pool [outdoor], and letting the sun wash over you. Imagine the scent of fresh-baked bread wafting from the nearby boulangerie, drawing you in for the first croissant or pain au chocolat of the day before a day of soaking in the city’s atmosphere. After a day of exploring you could relax at the Poolside bar with a delicious drink, a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Are you a foodie? The restaurant options and room service [24-hour] will make you swoon. Are you a chill person like me? The spa, sauna, steamroom, and the pool will be your sanctuary. You're not just getting a room; you're getting a feeling.
Book your Lyon Park Lane adventure now. Don’t wait until next year. Book now, and let that dream escape start today. The free car park is a bonus. This review is based on my own experience and opinions, so your mileage may vary. But seriously, book it. You deserve it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m craving a croissant.
Unbelievable Weihai Escape: Hanting Hotel's Phoenix Lake Paradise!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Lyon, France, to the land of… well, let's be honest, probably to a lot of carbs and potential for jet lag-induced existential crises. And this isn't a rigid schedule; it's more of a… well, a suggestion, a battlefield where my ideals and my actual capabilities will clash in a glorious, probably slightly embarrassing, ballet. Here goes nothing.
Sejours et Affaires Lyon Park Lane - Lyon, France: A Messy, Honest, and Potentially Carb-Fueled Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and the (Almost) Perfect Apartment
- Morning (or, you know, whenever I actually drag myself out of bed after the flight): Arrive at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. Pray to the travel gods that my luggage doesn't decide to take a detour to, say, Reykjavik. The airport is a mess. Okay, not a mess, but it screams "business" and I just want a croissant already.
- Transportation: Take the Rhônexpress train (hopefully I buy the right ticket – my French is… developing) to Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu. From there, it's a taxi (or a panicked decision to try the bus, which will invariably involve me accidentally saying "Merci!" to the driver when I actually mean to be saying "Where the heck am I going?") to Sejours et Affaires Lyon Park Lane.
- Arrival at the Apartment: Ah, the Park Lane! The pictures online were… well, they were professional. Let’s hope the reality lives up to the illusion. "Modern" seems to be code for "slightly sterile," but hey, a clean (ish) bed is a beautiful thing after a long flight. Fingers crossed the Wi-Fi doesn't decide to stage a revolt.
- Unpacking and the Existential Dread of Laundry: Okay, this is where it gets real. Unpack. Try not to judge myself for the sheer volume of clothes I've brought. Contemplate the laundry situation. (My plan is to embrace the "lived-in" look for the first few days… until it becomes the "I'm never doing laundry" look).
- Afternoon: Wander around the neighborhood, map in hand (or, more realistically, frantically staring at my phone map and looking like a lost puppy). Search for a grocery store for snacks, because a girl needs fuel. (My first priority is to find a baguette. A good baguette. My soul needs it.)
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Attempt basic French greetings at a local bakery. Probably mangling it slightly, but hey, effort counts, right? Grab some pâtisserie, because YOLO – or at least, YOL-O-nly-for-a-few-days. Find a nearby place for dinner. Avoid anything that looks even remotely like a salad. I'm here for the food, folks!
Day 2: The Old Town Charm and the (Potential) Wine Spill
- Morning: Head to Vieux Lyon (the Old Town). Get incredibly lost in the traboules (secret passageways – hopefully, I won't get too lost!) and feel like I've stepped back in time.
- Lunch: MUST find a bouchon – a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant! This is the whole reason I'm here. I will order the quenelles (a sort of dumpling – sounds weird, tastes AMAZING). I will savor every bite. I will potentially embarrass myself trying to pronounce the menu items. But it will be worth it.
- Afternoon: Okay, confession time. I REALLY want to go to the Musée Miniature et Cinéma (the miniature and cinema museum). I'm a sucker for tiny things. It’s a bit on the touristy side, I know, but there's something magical about these things that tickle my senses.
- Evening: Wine tasting! Find a cozy wine bar (again, French-speaking skills will be put to the test). I will try not to spill red wine on myself. (Spoiler alert: I will probably spill red wine on myself. It’s inevitable.) Order a plate of charcuterie. Embrace the feeling of being a sophisticated traveler… or at least, someone faking it really well.
- Late Night Debrief: Back at the apartment, debrief on the night. Note: I'm already beginning to lose my grip on reality. The food's amazing, but the jet lag is kicking in. Attempt to write down a journal entry (probably filled with gibberish and food-related cravings). Stumble into bed, probably with a stray crumb of bread from earlier.
Day 3: Cooking, Climbing, and Contemplating Life (and Maybe Wine)
- Morning: Okay, cooking class. This is ambitious, even for me. But I want to learn how to make French food properly. Pray to the cooking gods that I don't burn anything. I've already accepted that I’m going to make a mess! Hopefully, the instructor is patient with ineptitude.
- Lunch: The fruits (and potential disasters) of my cooking class! Hopefully, it's edible. Probably more like "slightly charred, but still delicious."
- Afternoon: Climb up Fourvière Hill for panoramic views of Lyon (and, hopefully, some fresh air to clear my head). The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a must-see, even if it's a bit ostentatious for my taste. Maybe a good spot to contemplate life (or at least, how many more pain au chocolats I can responsibly consume).
- Evening: Return to the Old Town. Do it again! It’s that good. Stumble upon a hidden café. Enjoy the relaxed vibes and people-watching. Order a glass of wine (obviously).
- Late Night: Watch a film on my laptop or read a book. Realize that I haven't spoken to anyone other than restaurant staff all day. Feel a pang of loneliness amidst the beauty. Resolve to be more social tomorrow. (Yeah, right.)
Day 4: Day Trip? Or Just Another Croissant? The Big Decision
- Morning: The big question: Day trip? Beaujolais wine region? Or just explore more of Lyon? Probably the latter. Honestly, I'm already overwhelmed.
- Brunch: Found a bakery that seems to be my happy place. The most important thing for today is a croissant. This is non-negotiable.
- Afternoon: Explore a new museum. Or, you know, wander around the city aimlessly, getting lost in the pretty side streets.
- Evening: Find a really good restaurant. Splurge on the meal. Revel in the delicious food. Write a passionate love letter to Lyon in my head.
- Late Night: Packing. The dreaded packing. Contemplate how much more I can possibly bring home. Curse myself for the impulsive purchases. The usual.
Day 5: Departure and the inevitable post-travel blues.
- Morning: One last attempt to find a perfectly flaky croissant. One last stroll through this beautiful city that I am barely beginning to understand.
- Transportation: The Rhônexpress again. Hopefully, I get on the right one!
- Departure: Adieu, Lyon! I will miss you. (And your food.)
- Final Thoughts: Did I see everything? No. Did I follow my itinerary perfectly? Never. Did I embarrass myself? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Oh, hell yes.
This is just a suggestion, a guideline. Life (and travel) rarely goes according to plan. Embrace the chaos, the wrong turns, the language barriers, the spilled wine, and the general messiness of it all. That's where the real memories are made. Now, where's that next croissant…?
Escape to Portland: Luxurious Hillsboro Getaway at Hampton Inn & Suites
Lyon Park Lane: Your Dream French Escape Awaits! (… Maybe. Let's See.)
So, you're thinking about Lyon Park Lane? Smart move, or maybe not? Buckle up, buttercup, because my experience was… well, it was *something*. Let's just say I've got opinions. Here's the lowdown, in all its messy glory.
1. What *exactly* is Lyon Park Lane? Is it a hotel? A time-traveling portal? Do I need my passport *and* my therapist?
Alright, alright. Deep breaths. Lyon Park Lane, from what I gathered about a week after I actually *left* it, is more of a renovated apartment complex, pretending to be a boutique hotel, in the heart of Lyon. Think… exposed brick, possibly too many exposed beams, and they *really* love the word "authenticity." Passport? Yes. Therapist? Maybe. Depends on your tolerance for… *interesting* bathroom arrangements (more on that later).
2. The Vibe. Is it all romantic sunsets and croissants? Or more… stressed parents with cranky kids?
Okay, the croissants *were* decent, I'll give them that. The vibe? Hmmm. It *aspirations* were definitely "romantic sunset." The reality? A bit more… frantic. Lots of echoing footsteps in the hallways. I swear I heard a toddler wail at 3 AM for three nights straight. It's a mixed bag. If you're looking for utter tranquility, maybe look elsewhere. If you enjoy a bit of urban energy… and strong coffee… you might be alright. It felt like they were *trying* to be super hip, and it sort of worked, but still had a slightly… off… feeling.
3. The Rooms: Were they Instagram-worthy? Or more like, "Did someone forget the lightbulb?"
Alright, the rooms. Here’s where things get… *complicated*. The exposed brick? Chic. The slightly wonky windows that wouldn't fully close and let in the Parisian chill? Less chic. My room (Room 307, never forget) was *almost* Instagram-worthy. Then you'd notice the dust bunnies clinging to the bottom of the antique chair. (I swear, I should have brought a feather duster just to maintain *some* semblance of sanity.)
And the bathroom, oh, the bathroom. The clawfoot tub was gorgeous, don't get me wrong. But the toilet? It was *this close* to being practically *in* the shower. And getting into that tub was like attempting an Olympic sport. I'm not kidding, I almost took a spectacular tumble. Twice. I felt like I aged 10 years every time I tried to use it.
4. Breakfast: Baguettes and joy? Or stale bread and regret?
Okay, the breakfast… mixed feelings. The baguettes *were* good. Seriously. They were almost worth the price of admission. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Heaven. The coffee was… serviceable. The yogurt was fine. The fruit? Seemed a bit… lonely. Like, it looked like they'd raided the clearance section of a grocery store. But let's be honest, I'd eat a cardboard box if it meant I could hold onto those baguettes.
5. Location, Location, Location! Is Lyon Park Lane slap-bang in the middle of everything, or a mile away from civilization?
Location is *good*. Fantastic, even. You're walking distance from some amazing restaurants, the shops were great, the metro was super convenient, and the old town was literally just around the corner. You're *in* it all. Which, depending on your personality, is either a huge plus or your idea of living hell. For me? Mostly a plus. I love a good walk and some great food and it delivered that. Just, you know, be prepared for the "urban energy" I mentioned earlier.
6. The Staff: Charming and helpful? Or MIA?
The staff were… *a character*. They were genuinely trying, and most of them were super nice. There was one dude at the front desk who seemed to know every single person who walked in - which was impressive. Helpful, mostly yes. Charming, sometimes. But there was a definite sense that they were overworked, like they were barely keeping their heads above water. I asked for an extra towel once and it took them three hours and a follow up call to get one to my room. A small price to pay!
7. Value for money: Did I feel like I got a steal? Or was I ripped off?
Okay, this is where I waver. It wasn’t *cheap*. It wasn’t *extortionate*. It was… in that "middle ground" that's always the hardest to judge. Considering the location, and the baguettes, I suppose it was *okay*. But the dodgy bathroom, the dust bunnies (which, let's be honest, were *everywhere*), and the slightly chaotic vibe… It’s a hard sell for the price. If you're on a budget, probably not. If you're willing to splurge a bit for location and ambiance… maybe. But do a thorough check of your room first, and maybe bring your own feather duster.
8. Would I go back? *Would* I, really?
Hmm… good question. The location's amazing, the baguettes are legendary, and the staff *were* trying. But the wonky windows, the wailing toddler, the bathtub that threatened to send me to an early grave… It's a tough call. Maybe. *Maybe* if I could guarantee Room 307 wasn’t available. Maybe if I could bring my own feather duster and a hazmat suit for the bathroom. Maybe. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted by other boutique hotels… it's 50/50 for me. I honestly couldn't decide.
9. Any major disasters? Did you get mugged? Did the building collapse? (Spit it out!)
Disasters? Thankfully, no building collapses! No muggings! Although… I did get *locked in* the bathroom once. For a good fifteen minutes. The lock was ancient and refused to budge. Panicked visions of being found weeks later, mummified in a clawfoot tub, danced in my head. Eventually, I managed to jiggle the handle enough to get out. So, that was fun. Otherwise, just the usual minor travel stressors: a taxi that didn't show up, one dodgy stomach after eating one too many pastries, and the constant fear that I was going to fall in the aforementioned bathtub. Good times.
