Hotel de Normandie

The hotel is primarily distinguished by its exceptional proximity to the Perrache train station and major transport hubs, offering unparalleled convenience for travelers in transit and those exploring the city. Despite its central location, many guests find the hotel surprisingly quiet and well-insulated, providing a peaceful retreat. It is a suitable choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking good value, as well as sightseers and business travelers who prioritize easy access to public transportation and the city center. Guests frequently commend the hotel's general cleanliness, comfortable beds, and the friendly demeanor of its staff. To ensure a smooth experience, guests should be aware of the hotel's policy requiring keys to be left at the front desk when leaving the premises.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides essential facilities to enhance guest convenience. An elevator is available, though some guests have reported occasional issues with its functionality. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property, with most guests finding the connection reliable, while a few experienced intermittent service. For quick refreshments, vending machines are located in the lobby, offering snacks, water, and coffee. A notable point for many guests is the absence of air conditioning in the rooms; instead, fans are provided, which some found insufficient during warmer periods. Heating is available, though its effectiveness varied for some visitors. The presence of a 24-hour reception and luggage storage facilities are consistently appreciated, adding to the overall convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. While many guests found their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, some reported issues such as visible stains on carpets and walls, dust accumulation, and unpleasant odors. The beds are generally described as comfortable, though a few guests found them too soft, and pillows received varied opinions. Rooms are typically basic in design, with some being spacious while others are noted as small. Noise levels are generally low despite the hotel's proximity to the station, thanks to good soundproofing, though some guests experienced internal noise from pipes or other rooms. Bathrooms are often described as small, with some guests noting issues like broken shower doors, mold, or loud pipe noises, and a lack of shelving for toiletries. Lighting in rooms can be limited, with some guests finding them dark due to restricted natural light.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a breakfast service, which garners mixed reviews. Many guests found the breakfast to be satisfactory, correct, and a convenient start to their day. However, a significant number of guests felt the breakfast was quite basic, lacking variety, and overpriced for the limited selection offered, typically consisting of a croissant, bread, and coffee. There is no mention of a full-service restaurant or in-room dining options beyond the breakfast service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is its most highly praised attribute, situated just a few minutes' walk from the Perrache train station, making it exceptionally convenient for arrivals and departures. Its proximity to metro, tram, and bus stops ensures excellent public transport links, allowing guests easy access to various parts of Lyon and its attractions. Many popular sites are within walking distance. The immediate neighborhood around the station receives mixed comments; while some find it tranquil, others note it can appear less inviting, particularly at night, with concerns about the area near the station tunnels. Parking is not available directly at the hotel, but paid parking options are accessible nearby.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professional demeanor. Guests frequently highlight the welcoming attitude of the reception team, who are available 24/7 and are often commended for their attentiveness and willingness to assist with requests. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. However, some guests reported less positive interactions with specific staff members, citing instances of unfriendliness or dismissiveness. A unique hotel policy requires guests to leave their room keys at the reception desk every time they exit the hotel, a practice some guests found inconvenient or unusual. Housekeeping services are provided daily, with towels changed regularly, though some guests had minor issues with the cleaning process.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a deposit policy requiring a €50 security deposit upon arrival, which is not always clearly advertised beforehand. The hotel maintains a strict cancellation policy, with no refunds typically offered for last-minute cancellations, even in unforeseen circumstances, which has caused frustration for some guests. Furthermore, the hotel's pricing can fluctuate significantly during local events, leading to higher rates that some guests felt did not align with the hotel's basic amenities. Some guests reported issues with pests, which negatively impacted their stay. Additionally, the hotel has a policy against receiving visitors in rooms, even during daytime hours, which some guests found restrictive.