We visited Lyon in June 2003 for the Confederations Cup football, and the Presqu'ile Citadines proved to be in a great location for exploring this fascinating city.

The summer of 2003 will obviously go down in History for the extreme heat, but it is ridiculous in this day and age that a hotel like this does not have air-conditioning. We got through about 4 litres of water a day - each - in absolutely stifling conditions.

The bathroom had no external window or ventilation and was an ordeal.
There was no option but to keep the apartment windows open permanently - the entertainment value of French street culture wanes after about 2am.

However, things were not all bad. The staff were excellent and most helpful with directions, local information, and most importantly an electric fan for the room (though we could have used six).

The surrounding streets are full of great shops, restaurants and bars, and the French still have a great public transport system (when not on strike).

I would recommend anyone to pay the extra and take a 1-bed apartment rather than the studios, although the sofa-bed was one of the most comfortable we have come across, and our impressions of room size may not have been helped by the heat. As seems to be common with "Aparthotels", the kitchen surfaces and utensils could have been cleaner.

We certainly did no cooking, but this kind of accommodation is ideal to come back to with the morning croissants or lunchtime sandwiches.

Well-cited on Presqu'ile, the peninsula separating the Rhone and Saone rivers and the most interesting part of the city after Old Lyon. An easy walk to shops, restaurants, the metro, museums and the like.

Apts are compact but cozy. Kitchens even more tiny but fully equipped. (Cooking your own meals in the culinary capital of France may sound absurd, but your budget may appreciate a few breaks from the restaurants, and markets, even supermarkets, are nearby.)

Renting the studio means sleeping on a sofa bed. For a full-fledged bed, get a one-bedroom. Clothes washers & dryers on your floor, iron and ironing board in your apt. (being able to do laundry means less to pack -- and carry -- on your trip).

The Citadines staff are its best feature, friendly, professional and caring.