Business hotel that’s far from bland

Bev Fearis checked into one of Lyon’s oldest inns, the Logis Charme et Business Hotel, to see if a business hotel, which claims to also have charm, can work for a Valentine’s break.

Location
A 15-minute drive from the centre of Lyon, the hotel is in the quiet and affluent hillside commune of Limonest. It’s just off the main street, which is also home to a handful of restaurants, designer furniture shops, the usual bakers and pharmacies, and, I noticed, more spas than you’d expect for such a small town. We found the hotel easily, parked in the leafy car park – free for guests and with CCTV – and crossed the shady courtyard terrace, admiring the hotel’s rustic facade.

First impressions
The small reception area is stylish and contemporary but warm and cosy. Low slung velvety chairs, oversized vases full of flowers and large wooden sculptures give the place a homely feel. The reception area leads directly to the restaurant and bar, which has floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the terrace. Just off the reception are two intimate and stylish meeting rooms, which I imagine have inspired many creative brainstorming sessions, unlike many of the bland, soulless rooms you often find in business hotels.

Bedrooms
Our first floor L-shaped bedroom definitely had the wow factor, dominated by the kingsize bed, an elegant black velvet arm chair, and a large picture of a deer printed on a black canvas. A small window looked over the street behind the hotel. A sofa bed had been made up for our son, who immediately tucked into the Celebration chocolates on the tea and coffee tray and settled down with the remote control for the flat-screen TV. The bathroom had a super deep bath with modern taps (they looked good but it was difficult to know which was hot and which was cold), and a built-in shower. On the side of the bath were bath salts and gels branded with the hotel’s name.

Wining and dining
Like many Logis hotels, the restaurant here is the focus. It’s popular with locals as well as guests, many of whom stay here specifically because of the fine dining. It’s not usually open on Sunday evenings (there’s room service instead) but it was Valentine’s Day, so a special seven-course menu had been laid on for €95 per person. It kicked off with his’n’hers champagne cocktails in the bar (mine was slightly sweeter), followed by excellent wines by the glass, specifically chosen to accompany each course. All the food was intricately made, rich, creamy, and full of colour and flavour. The highlight was the main course of duck, served with three different types of carrot (foolishly I had gone through life believing there was only one) and the dessert of heart-shaped chocolate fondants, beautifully presented, with edible flowers, on one plate to share. Très romantique!

Leisure time
The hotel has a small spa, with a hot tub and steam room. Bathrobes and slippers are provided in the bedrooms for the short walk along the corridor. There’s a treatment room too, for massages and facials.

Highs
I’d definitely go back to the restaurant on a visit to Lyon and special mention must go to Emmanuel, the charismatic and witty bar man and wine waiter who talked us through the wines and looked after our son so well over dinner, chatting with him about Star Wars.

Lows
There was a step down into our bedroom which I think some people, for example my elderly parents, might have struggled with. I’m guessing the hotel would bear that in mind when allocating rooms.

Verdict
Just as the name suggests, this hotel is predominantly aimed at business guests but, thanks to its warm, stylish decor and homely feel, has also been designed to ooze charm. I would recommend it for an executive looking for something other than the bog standard chain hotel and for a good value romantic weekend break (rates drop considerably at the weekends). It’s location also makes it a good stop-off point for anyone heading to or from the Alps.

Price
Classic rooms from €95 (Fri-Sun) and €135 (Mon-Thurs)

www.logishotels.com