Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette

We checked out at 6am on Monday after two nights that were uncomfortable because the air conditioning was deliberately off over the summer weekend, without that being disclosed beforehand. On Saturday evening, the central climate control only blew warm air. Night staff said they couldn't fix it and supplied portable fans that didn't help. We couldn't open the windows for relief because of mosquitoes. On Sunday, the desk offered us another room, but it had exactly the same problem. Staff then confirmed the central AC was turned off for the season and the building technician wasn't available over the weekend. We made a formal complaint. After that, the Managing Director emailed to defend the hotel's position. She said switching off AC was justified because outdoor night temperatures were 10°C, overlooking daytime sun heating the rooms and the mosquito problem. She called our discomfort a negative “perception,” blamed us for not checking out early, and said our 1-star rating was “too severe” because we'd completed the two-night stay. The hotel advertised an amenity but disabled it centrally without telling guests, then blamed us for being uncomfortable. What great hospitality from a four-star hotel.

The lounge was a highlight, cozy and comfortable, and a nice place to unwind after the day. I just found the evening bar menu limited, both for drinks and food, and more choice would make it a better destination inside the hotel. The rooms were notably clean and well kept, and staff were consistently pleasant and welcoming from check-in. The place has a corporate feel that might not suit everyone, but it was a reliable, comfortable stay. An espresso machine in the room would also make mornings nicer for people who want a good coffee without heading out. Some comparable hotels already provide one. A few small improvements like these could help this hotel stand out.

The breakfast and the hotel team really stood out, with lots of quality choices and friendly, efficient service. We were given an executive room, so I can’t speak to the standard rooms. Ours was spacious, comfortable, and in excellent condition. There was construction on the street during our stay, and a room facing it could be noisy. Apart from that, we had a great visit at the Mercure Lyon Centre Lafayette.

We liked everything about our Christmas break in Lyon and would definitely return in summer. The hotel is in a great spot, about five minutes from the food market, with plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby for a good lunch. The city itself is beautiful and clean, and the service was good too.