11 Rue Duhamel, 69002 Lyon

Hôtel du Simplon Lyon

Name: Hôtel du Simplon
Address: 11 Rue Duhamel, Lyon, 69002, fr
Price range: 64 EUR - 115 EUR

Budget
With parking
Pets allowed
3 stars
Family
Accessible for disabled
Design

Presentation

In the heart of Lyon's Presqu’île, precisely where the streets hum with a gentle urban buzz, the Hôtel du Simplon offers a unique haven. From the moment you step inside, a sense of familiarity sets in. Perhaps it’s the old piano placed in the lounge with its period mosaic floors, or the genuine smile of the person welcoming you that sets the tone. Here, everything seems designed to make you feel expected, but without pretension.

The overall atmosphere invites you to let go. The common areas exude friendliness, with their patinated wooden furniture and carefully chosen objects that tell a story without appearing to. The Simplon doesn’t aim to dazzle but rather to soothe. A peaceful ambiance prevails, striking a balance between discreet charm and human warmth.

The hotel's 37 rooms reflect this spirit with simplicity and refinement. Each one offers a distinct universe, accented with photographs, paintings, or nods to the city of Lyon. A headboard might evoke an architectural detail, a chair might recall the lines of an old workshop, and a lamp might cast a soft light reminiscent of a morning café.

Whatever the configuration of your stay, a room awaits you. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or friends, you can choose between single rooms, classic or superior doubles, triples, or quadruples. Some are more compact, others more spacious, but all share the same essential comforts: quality bedding, private bathroom, air conditioning, soundproofing, seamless Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TV.

In the morning, the scent of fresh bread and coffee guides your steps to the breakfast room. A well-curated buffet is laid out at dawn. Golden pastries, fresh fruit, local jams, and homemade products delight food lovers. Those who prefer can even enjoy this moment in the quiet of their room.

Cyclists will also find a place here: a secure storage area is provided for bikes, along with a repair kit. These simple yet valuable touches reflect the hotel's commitment to welcoming all types of travelers, from urban wanderers to Rhône river adventurers.

Attention to detail doesn’t stop there. The staff, attentive without being intrusive, is always available to guide, recommend, or simply share a few words. A small, close-knit team gives the establishment the feel of a contemporary inn, blending professionalism with spontaneity.

The Simplon is part of the Aubergistes Lyonnais, a committed collective that places people and the environment at the heart of its values. The hotel holds the Green Key label, a guarantee of responsible practices: resource management, selection of local suppliers, partnerships with solidarity associations, and the provision of spaces for community initiatives.

Far from impersonal standards, this hotel embraces its choices and slight imperfections, which contribute to its authenticity. It feels like a family home where objects have a soul, where you meet passing travelers, regulars, and sometimes even neighbors sharing a meal at the Petites Cantines.

The location makes exploration easy. Between the Rhône and Saône rivers, just steps from Perrache train station and the Ampère-Victor Hugo metro station, you can easily access all parts of the city. Bellecour is just a few minutes' walk away, and the quays invite long bike rides or strolls.

At the end of the day, you might enjoy a quiet moment in the lounge with a book borrowed from the hotel library, or simply watch the city come to life through the window. On some evenings, the old staircase creaks softly as you return to your room, as if it already knows you.

The Simplon doesn’t aim to appeal to all travelers, but to those who love inhabited places, those who appreciate authenticity without sacrificing comfort, those who like to feel that a place has been thoughtfully designed for them without artifice. It is in this sincerity that its strength lies.

During your stay, don’t miss exploring the many facets of Lyon. Perhaps start with a stroll through Place Carnot, nearby, before heading down to the Saône banks to admire the reflection of old facades in the calm water.

Then cross the bridge to reach the Saint-Jean district, where traboules reveal secret passageways and bouchons serve their specialties. Make a stop at the cathedral, take a detour up the Montée du Gourguillon, and you’ll find yourself transported to another time.

Art enthusiasts will want to visit the Musée des Confluences, just a few tram stops away, while the curious may prefer the cool ambiance of the Halles Paul Bocuse to discover local flavors. Aged cheeses, soft quenelles, or pink pralines: each bite is an homage to tradition.

For dinner, consider reserving a table at Flair on Rue de la Charité, a hidden gem offering inspired cuisine, or treat yourself to a terrace meal at the Bouchon des Cordeliers. If you prefer something more casual, step into L’Épicerie on the quays to share tartines and good wine with friends.

If music calls to you, check out the schedule at the Opera or a concert at the Transbordeur. Lyon is as vibrant at night as it is during the day, and the Hôtel du Simplon remains a gentle anchor to return to, unwind, and start dreaming of your next stay.

Some activities and discoveries near this hotel

Walk up Rue Victor Hugo to reach Place Bellecour, then continue toward the Saône riverbanks to explore the cobbled streets of the Saint-Jean district

Cross the Rhône by bike or public transport to discover the Parc de la Tête d’Or, a true green oasis perfect for picnicking under the trees or observing the animals in the zoo

Visit the Musée des Confluences, easily accessible by tram, for a captivating immersion into natural sciences, civilizations, and humanity’s stories

Treat yourself to a gourmet break at the Halles Paul Bocuse, where Lyon’s producers, artisans, and caterers celebrate regional flavors

In the evening, enjoy a concert on a barge moored along the quays or attend a performance at one of the city center’s theaters

Summary of some positive reviews found online

The warm welcome and kindness of the staff left a lasting impression on travelers, who felt expected and listened to from the moment they arrived

Many praised the quietness of the rooms despite the proximity to the train station, highlighting the quality bedding and the calming atmosphere of the premises

The breakfast buffet is widely appreciated for the freshness of its products, the variety of its offerings, and the option to enjoy it in the room

Guests value the charm of the lounge with its old piano and period features, perfect for relaxing after a day in the city

The location is considered ideal for exploring Lyon on foot or by public transport, and many mention the excellent value for money of the establishment