TL;DR

Historic retreat: – A 17th-century convent turned luxury hotel with character, elegance and spectacular city views.
Old-school luxury: – Sophisticated interiors, refined rooms and a timeless atmosphere.
Fine dining: – Michelin-level cuisine, stylish bars and a relaxing onsite spa complete the experience.
Hilltop escape: – A peaceful location above Vieux Lyon, suited to guests seeking relaxation over sightseeing.
Guest favourite: – Visitors praise the views, welcoming service and charming historic setting.
Check prices here

Villa Florentine is a convent turned boutique hotel just above Vieux Lyon, that offers a peaceful retreat and some fabulous city views

It puts all the high class comforts of a luxury hotel into a gorgeous 17th century building with plenty of tales to tell.

We love a building with character, and few hotels in Lyon have as much as Villa Florentine.

It’s also suitably stylish and sophisticated.

We’re talking soft linens and crisp moulding, elegant prints on the wall for decor, without going overboard.

It’s a bit outside the city, and up a steep hill, but Villa Florentine does provide plenty to occupy its guests with including a Michelin starred restaurant and spa facilities.

There are lots more central hotels in Lyon, and so we’d recommend Villa Florentine more to those already familiar with Lyon, or maybe just not much into sightseeing.

Those just looking for a fabulous, urban luxury retreat will have found their place here.

What are the rooms like?

29 rooms: – Elegant residences rather than conventional hotel rooms, with refined interiors and plenty of comfort.
Luxury suites: – Terraces, lofted suites and spacious layouts offer the best experience.
Classic design: – Neutral tones, quality furnishings and timeless décor create a sophisticated atmosphere.
Room features: – Well-equipped spaces include minibars, TVs and climate control.
See each room in detail here

As we said, it’s luxurious. The smallest rooms start in around 23 square metres, which is not mind-blowing, but we are looking at spacious rooms from the get.

The rooms feel more like elegant private residences than conventional hotel spaces.

Villa Florentine somehow manages to have all their guest rooms look basically the same while still avoiding the generic ‘hotel room’ vibe.

We’re talking black, brown, tan and white, managing a neutral palette without feeling super beige, which is no mean feat.

Every room is well-equipped, but we’re partial to the terraces, mostly attached to swanky suites.

If you’re on a budget, there are a few rooms with terraces, totally worth it, in our opinion.

There are also lovely lofted Mezzanine Junior Suites with convertible sofas that accommodate an extra guest if needed.

Many options have the possibility of a bathtub, make sure to include a note if that’s crucial to your stay.

Additionally, you’ll enjoy TVs, climate control, and some pretty swish minibars.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Michelin dining: – La Table de la Villa Florentine delivers refined French cuisine in a spectacular setting.
Casual options: – Le Comptoir offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Rooftop relaxation: – Segreto provides handcrafted cocktails in an intimate setting.
Spa escape: – Spa Apoticari adds hammam, sauna and treatments for complete relaxation.

When your hotel is removed from the centre, away on top of a hill, the quality of its onsite restaurants and bars is important.

No fears, here. At Villa Florentine we’re looking at Michelin-star meals just an elevator’s ride away.

The onsite restaurant, La Table de la Villa Florentine, serves up French fine dining in a stunning atmosphere.

The dining room is glass-clad, sunlight in from the ceiling and the beauty of Lyon on full display.

If you prefer something a bit more casual, there’s Le Comptoir.

Here you can opt for à la carte options, mostly Mediterranean with plenty of regional flair and the occasional inventive touch.

When it’s time for a nightcap, skip both of the dining rooms and head to Segreto.

Tuck yourself into a leather booth and enjoy any number of handcrafted cocktails.

And finally, when you really need to relax, there’s the onsite Spa Apoticari, with a collection of upscale treatment rooms, a hammam, and sauna.

How is the neighbourhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Hilltop setting: – Peaceful above Vieux Lyon with sweeping views and a quieter atmosphere.
Historic walks: – Nearby Fourvière offers basilicas, Roman ruins and scenic paths.
City access: – Central Lyon remains reachable on foot for those happy with a little hill walking.

Villa Florentine isn’t the most accessible option in Lyon, only because it sits on a hill. The hill though is right above the incredibly beautiful Vieux Lyon though.

Even before you get there the small streets running downhill from the hotel offer any number of upscale experiences, including fine dining, and cute boutique stores and cafes.

Once at the bottom of the hill be sure to grab the funicular back up to Fourvière, and enjoy the stunning sight that is Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière.

Deeper into Fourvière you’ll find any number of attractions, like the Roman theatre, the Tour Métallique, and the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls. The latter being farthest; about 20 minutes away on foot.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Our room had a garden view and terrace which was beautiful. A walk to the Cathedral and Roman Ruins and a walk to the old town. A very charming hotel with a lovely terrace area by the bar/restaurant and pool. The views from here were exceptional. The staff were warm and welcoming and helpful recommending restaurants and storing our luggage on our last day in town. We highly recommend and hope to be back. Thank you….”

“The staff were all really friendly and helpful. The location was fantastic, gorgeous view from the restaurant and pool area. The pool was really well maintained and clean. Very comfortable bed and they park your car for you….”