Searching for a hotel in Lyon we read several reviews and absolutely liked the pictures of the Carlton - and we did not regret doing so. It is really a most romantic hotel with all the fin-de-siecle charm you can get while not missing modern amenities. There is a covered car park one or two streets away which simplifies things. We got a really good rate over Expedia. The reception was extremely nice and helpful. You could easily walk to the interesting spots as the hotel is well-situated in the heart of the isle of Lyon.

Located in central Lyon on a jammed one-block long street, this hotel doesn't have much presence upon arrival but in the end was worth the minor hassles. Without a GPS I think we'd still be driving around Lyon - Paris is easier! The Hotel Carlton is an Accor property although has apparently been through several owners; it's an old hotel with lots of charm (great murals in the salon/barr off the lobby; ancient and cool wrought iron elevator; rooms with high ceilings and decorative plasterwork.) What's not charming is the staff. We (2 couples) arrived with a car full of a week's worth of travels. First one must block the entire street to unload as there is parking on both sides, secondly the so-called doorman couldn't care less, didn't hold the door and not only offered no assistance but when asked by two women to help with bringing the suitcases up the flight of stairs to the elevator simply walked away. Parking the car was an easy chore for the guys; turns out Lyon brillantly has an underground, well lit and clean car park and the driving entrance was only 2 blocks away but the escalator bringing them up to the street less than one block.
Hotel rooms were very large with well appointed comfortable beds. We had no view but the window was quite large and could be opened. There was a minibar, closet, desk and one of the two rooms had a room safe. Bathroom was antiquated pink tile; except for the lack of counter space was fine.
The Carlton was only a half block from the pedestrian walkway that runs through the center of Lyon with numerous shops, restaurants, etc. so going to dinner or strolling was a pleasure. We had a very reasonable rate of 99E booked through the Accor website (with the Accor membership); for this location I'd expect to pay more. Breakfast of room service extra but quite good and prompt.

The location of this hotel is difficult to beat, central, easy to find and made it easy to get around the Lyon Presqu'île. The first impression is quite good, the entrance old fashioned and discreet. Lyon has a very user-friendly short-term bike rental system... pick one up in any bike park, leave it in any other... The hotel has one bike park just outside (also a taxi rank) and another within a few hundred meters.

Staff were polite and helpful at all stages.

To anyone who doesn't like/can't do stairs... Do not stay at this hotel, for 2 reasons: 1) there are a few steps before you get to the lift and 2) the beautiful old-fashioned lift is very impractical and once during our short stay, it just wouldn't work.

The room was small; the double bed was small and not terribly comfortable. Our room was on the inside, giving on to... nothing, the backs of other buildings, mostly grey and uninteresting.

It was very hot for April and therefore the room felt quite hot. The A/C just made noise and stirred hot air around.

Room décor was tacky.. Green striped wallpaper... only one bedside table.. no tea/coffee making facilities ("only in the junior suites").. the curtains were not inspiring :) The room was clean and it was a non-smoking room. An amusing point... Why do they put an ashtray in a non-smoking room?

The bathroom was much better than the room.. not big but new, bright with a nice deep bathtub. Bath towels too small.

With its location, double windows and double entrance door, the room was nice and quiet and we were never disturbed by noise from corridors/other rooms.

Breakfast was OK, though the room felt crowded. A good assortment of bread, croissants, pain au chocolat or raisin, ham, cheese. Didn't care for the cooked stuff. Facilities for making your own egg and toast. décor in the breakfast room... red. no other word for it :)

So for the Carlton, no clear-cut answer.. It was OK and we might try it again, maybe a different room.

I stayed at the Carlton for 3 nights in August. I had a superior room, booked through accor website for 90 E a night (I could have booked at 65E a night but it would have been non refundable) I thought it was a great old hotel, emphasis on old. This is not the hotel to stay in if you want a brand new room - go to a Hilton for that. My room was absolutely charming but on the second floor with no view - be sure and ask for a view of the Plaza with the merry go round. The windows block out all sound so noise should not be an issue. Staff were pleasant enough although i did not ask for much. Breakfast in the room was the same price as in the breakfast room, which I have not found to be the case with other hotels. Bed and pillows were just fine and A/C worked very well although rug could really use a good scrubbing. The location could not be beat and overall I thought a good value.