Novotel Paris Gare De Lyon - Paris, France 

Great hotel in a great location - wonderful for family
Posted: Thu, Jul 24 2008
Having been stranded in Paris by a cancelled Easyjet flight on our way to Toulouse, a very helpful SNCF agent at Orly arranged our train the next day south and booked us a night at the Novotel Gare de Lyon. We were apprehensive booking, as the rate for a family room that day seemed low (155?), but were delighted to find a new, well equipped (nice gym, swimming pool) hotel, extremely conveniently located. Needing to catch a train the next day, the location couldn't be beat; but we were easily able in the morning to walk from the hotel to the Place de la Bastille and Notre Dame with plenty of time to spare. We would definitely recommend it, and happily stay here again.

Smart and spacious
Posted: Tue, Jul 01 2008
Novotel is a brand which should deliver given the price bracket and the fact that primarily it is aimed at the discerning (?) business traveller. In the case of this recently built Novotel located two steps from Gare de Lyon station (perhaps four steps until you have worked out the exit from the station which leads to the hotel's 'back' door), after spending two nights there for my money the brand delivers 100%. The check-in was efficient, the staff eager to please and the paperwork was all over in a couple of minutes. The room numbering system in the hotel is a bit frustrating (room 321 is nowhere near room 320 for example) but once in the room all is forgiven. Large and airy, our room had a sofa, mini-bar and view out on the square behind the hotel (beware two sides of the hotel have views of nothing but one does look out onto a large open space with lots of people watching opportunitiies). Despite the proximity of the station, we didn't find noise to be an issue thanks to good double glazing; internal sound proofing is good. The main breakfast is before 9.30 during the week (10.30 at weekends) and is a good mix of continental and cooked items but there are other options in-house from 4.30am to midday. The pool is small and narrow so don't expect much but there is one which for a Parisian hotel at this price range is very rare; the small gym has some useful machines is located, rather bizarely, in an open space which can be viewed from above by all floors (so working that body is not for the self conscious!). The location is incredibly handy for public transport thanks to the Gare de Lyon being on the doorstep. It is also an easy walk to Bastille using the Plants Walkway located on the former railway line (look for the railway arches and find stairs up) for a wide variety of bars and restaurants. Also, use the metro to visit Bercy (don't bother walking there) and explore the small shops and eating opportunities in this up and coming area. Finally, try and experience the champagne cruise from Eiffel Tower run by o-chateau.com - just magical. Overall, we paid about ?100 a night on an early booking deal (incl breakfast) and it felt very good value for money given our experience; we will return.

Decent location, relatively nice rooms
Posted: Sun, Jun 29 2008
This hotel is walking distance from the train station and the metro. The staff at the reception were friendly and the rooms were of a decent size. It was clean and the bathroom was very well-mantained. The selection of TV channels was ample. Overall, it was a satisfactory stay.