Lyon's Hidden Gem: Brit Hotel Nord Dardilly - Unbelievable Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! Because I just got back from Lyon's Hidden Gem… the Brit Hotel Nord Dardilly. And let me tell you, "Unbelievable Stay!" is a freaking UNDERSTATEMENT. Prepare yourself, because this isn't your typical hotel review; it's more like a therapy session with a travel obsession thrown in. And yes, I'm going to get real about it.
First, the Rambling, Then the Rave (and the Rage, Maybe)
Okay, so, I'm a mess. A gloriously messy traveler. I need a hotel that "gets" it. I need accessibility (because, hey, knees!), I need internet (duh), and most importantly, I need SERIOUS chill time. A lot of hotels promise this; the Brit Hotel Nord Dardilly, however, actually delivered.
Accessibility & Getting Around (and My Knee's Grateful Tears)
Right off the bat, this place scores points. While I wouldn't say it's PERFECTLY wheelchair accessible (I'm assuming based on the layout; I didn't personally need it this time), it was WAAAY better than a lot of places. The elevators are decent sized, the public areas felt open, and even the thinking about potential issues felt like they'd been addressed. That counts for a lot when you're, you know, actually hoping your knees don’t give out mid-vacay. Plus, free on-site parking? My wallet sang with joy. Valet parking? They got that too! Now that's what I'm talking about. Airport transfer available? Okay, you got me.
Internet: Because, Hello, Real Life!
Free Wi-Fi in literally all the rooms? Check. That's not even the best part. The connection speed? Actually usable. No more buffering nightmares while trying to binge-watch French reality TV. Pure bliss! They even have LAN lines for those of us old enough to remember those (and still occasionally need them). Gotta love those internet services.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because COVID is Still a Thing, Sadly.
Okay, let's be serious. Post-pandemic travel is a whole different beast. The Brit Hotel Nord Dardilly gets it. They. GET. IT. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Anti-viral cleaning products? CHECK! Individually-wrapped food options? DOUBLE CHECK! I mean, they were practically overkill about the hygiene. (In the BEST possible way.) Rooms sanitized between each stay? Opt-out available?! I felt safer than sitting in my own germ-y apartment. They took the "Safety/security feature" seriously, and it really shows. This is a place where you can relax and focus on enjoying the trip instead of worrying about, you know, dying. Oh, and they mention Sterilizing equipment, too – but hey, I’m not a doctor, I just know I felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Kryptonite
This is where it got really interesting. Now, I'm a foodie. I need options. And, the Brit Hotel Nord Dardilly? Delivered again.
- The Breakfast Buffet (The Good, the Bad, and the Painfully Delicious) This was a buffet. But not one of those sad, limp-bacon-and-stale-croissant affairs. No, this was more like… a celebration of breakfast. They had pretty much everything, from an Asian breakfast (didn't try it, in my defense, I was too busy inhaling the croissants), to every kind of cheese and ham imaginable. I think I gained five pounds just looking at the display. (Totally worth it.) They offer Western breakfast too. The coffee? Surprisingly good, and the coffee/tea in restaurant was always a welcome sight.
- The Restaurant (Asian Cuisine? Yes, Please!) I was a bit skeptical at first. Hotel restaurants can be… hit or miss. But the Brit Hotel Nord Dardilly actually has an excellent restaurant. A la carte available! And I didn’t just see Asian cuisine on the menu, it was actually delicious! So much so that I'm pretty sure I dreamed of spring rolls that night.
- The Poolside Bar (Pure, Unadulterated Relaxation) I’ll be honest, I’m not normally a pool person. I’m more of a "hide in the shade with a book" kind of gal. But this poolside bar? With actual cocktails? And a gorgeous view? Sold. I spent a whole afternoon sprawled out there, sipping a ridiculously fruity drink, and feeling genuine, bone-deep relaxation. They have a poolside bar! Honestly, the bar alone made it worth the trip!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and All That Jazz…
The gym was there, perfectly fine, though I, erm, skipped it most days. However, I did try the sauna! I also was able to take a dip in the pool! The pool with a view? Perfection! And I loved that they offer a spa, spa/sauna, and steamroom. I didn’t quite get around to the massages, but now I am kicking myself wishing I did!
Services and Conveniences: The Nitty-Gritty (and the Glorious)
- The little things that make a difference: Elevator? Check. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely! Doorman? Now, you can’t put a price on being greeted by a friendly face. Contactless check-in/out was a breeze. And the Concierge was genuinely helpful. They actually knew things!
- Meeting/banquet facilities. Now if you're one of those people who has to actually work (bless your heart), their business facilities seemed pretty solid. They even have audio-visual equipment for special events.
- Facilities for disabled guests: As mentioned, pretty darn good.
- Food delivery: I didn't use it, but it's there!
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning: Essential for a messy traveler like me.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Useful for those last-minute 'I forgot to buy something' moments.
- Safe deposit boxes: Always a plus.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: So, so valuable.
For the Kids: (Even if You Don't Have Any!)
They had kids facilities! Babysitting service? Awesome! Family/child friendly? Definitely. Whether you have kids or not, sometimes it's just nice to be in a place that doesn't make you feel like you're the only grown-up on the premises.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Almost)
- The Actual Room: Now for the juicy details of the room! Spacious, clean, and reasonably well-decorated. Air conditioning? Absolutely. Blackout curtains? YES, for a good night sleep. A desk to ruin the room? Yep! Extra long bed? Hallelujah! The minibar was a nice touch (though slightly overpriced, let's be honest). The coffee/tea maker – critical. Complimentary tea? I'm sold.
- The Imperfections (Because I'm Real): The lighting was a bit dim for my taste. And the bathroom could have used a bit more… oomph. (That’s a technical term, by the way.). The soundproofing was pretty good, but I did hear a loud snorer in the room next door – but hey, you can’t blame the hotel for bad roommates. All in all, it was GREAT.
Getting Around:
They even have a car power charging station! And bicycle parking! Taxi service, of course. They really thought of everything to make your life easier…
The Emotional Rollercoaster (Because Travel Is a Feeling, Not Just a Place)
Okay, look. I’m not going to lie. I wasn’t perfect. I almost missed breakfast one day, and I probably ate too many croissants. But the point is, this hotel didn’t judge me. It embraced my chaos. It provided a space where I could actually relax and recharge. It's a place that is not just for luxury, but for pure enjoyment.
The real takeaway here is that the Brit Hotel Nord Dardilly is more than just a place to stay. It’s an experience. A genuinely good experience.
Quirky Observation: I think I developed a slight obsession with the staff. They were incredibly friendly, helpful. Almost scary friendly (in a good way!). Like, are they all secretly robots programmed for customer service? (Probably not, but still…)
Rating: Solid 9.5 out of 10 (Minus .5 for the slightly dim lighting)
Here's the deal:
Ready to Escape? Claim Your Unbelievable Stay at Brit Hotel Nord Dardilly!
Exclusive Offer for My Fellow Travelers:
- Book DIRECTLY on their website (Search Engine Optimization: "Brit Hotel Nord Dardilly" , "Lyon Hotels", "Hidden Gem Lyon") and get a 15% discount on your first night.
- Enjoy a complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar, because you deserve it.
- Early check-in/Late check-out (based on availability), so you can maximize your relaxation time.
- **PLUS: Special Offer!
Alright, buckle up buttercups and grab a baguette, because you're about to embark on a virtual journey to the Brit Hotel Lyon Nord Dardilly – and let me tell you, it’s going to be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly-tipsy-and-trying-to-navigate-a-one-way-street-in-a-tiny-French-car." This itinerary? Consider it a suggestion. A suggestion peppered with my brutally honest, often questionable, and gloriously messy take on things.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Hotel Breakfast Buffet (aka, "Is That Really Ham?")
Morning (7:00 AM-ish - because, let’s be real, who sets an alarm perfectly?): Okay, so I should have woken up at 7, but that blasted French bed felt like sinking into a cloud. Finally, after a battle with the duvet and a bleary-eyed search for my glasses (WHERE ARE THEY ALWAYS?), I stumble out of bed. The view? Well, it's a nondescript industrial park. Charm oozing from every corrugated iron building, right? Deep breath. "It's fine," I mutter to myself, "we're here for the vibe." (And the food, obviously).
Breakfast (8:00-9:00 AM): The breakfast buffet! Ah, the holy grail of hotel stays. Except… the ham. It looked kinda… beige. And was that… cheese? Or a sad, pale imitation of cheese? I grabbed a croissant (because: France) and a coffee that tasted vaguely of regret. There was a basket of what appeared to be dry, crumbly bread sticks. It was also pretty much empty of other people. The sheer quiet of the breakfast was somewhat jarring: no clanking cutlery, no chatty families, just me and my beige ham existential crisis. Decided to skip what they called "juice" due to my suspicion that it's literally sugar water.
Morning (9:30 AM): Attempt to locate the real Lyon. Google Maps, bless its algorithmic heart, points me in the direction of… I don’t even know. Eventually, I give up on public transport (it seemed complicated, even for me) and resolve to get a taxi. The first taxi driver was grumpy, the second looked like he was auditioning for a character in Taxi Driver. Third time's the charm, I thought. Finally, one smiled and spoke a little English. Hooray!
Afternoon (12:00 PM): Finally had lunch. The local restaurant near the hotel. It was a little bit pricey than I imagined, I had paid more than I should. I really hated my dish, I can't even remember what it was, I just know it was… wrong. I would have gone back to the hotel and ordered a pizza (maybe), but I wanted to make the most of the day, so I just suffered it silently.
Evening (6:00 PM): Back to the hotel. I was tired and a bit upset with my bad lunch experience. I decided to order room service to get something to eat. I was already regretting the breakfast experience, and the taxi drivers. But still, I was determined to keep the morale high.
Evening (7:00 PM): Staring outside the window. The view did not improve, alas. I was getting into my mind and my existential crisis started rising. The room was nice, tho. I was getting bored. I just couldn't believe I was in France.
Day 2: Lyon – A City of Silk, Sausage, and Existential Self-Doubt (Oh, and a Tiny Little Bird, Maybe)
Morning (8:00 AM – More Breakfast, More Regret): Okay, I promised myself I’d try the ham again. Still beige. The coffee? Still the taste of despair, only slightly less. I found a mini pain au chocolat, though! Small victories, people, small victories. I also noticed a small, chirping bird outside the window. For a fleeting moment, I imagined it was some kind of metaphor for hope. Then I remembered I was in an industrial park and the bird was probably just looking for crumbs.
Morning (9:30 AM): Taxi again! This time, determined to see the real Lyon. This time, the driver was a bit friendlier, and he recommended some things to see. Phew, Finally.
Morning (10:30 AM): Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) – The Renaissance district. HOLY. COW. The buildings! The cobbled streets! This is what I came for! I wander around, jaw agape, feeling like I’d stumbled into a movie set. I stumble upon the Traboules (secret passageways) – fascinating, but also a little disorienting. I get lost. Again. But in a good way.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Traditional Lyonnaise cuisine – sausage, potatoes, and a salad with a dressing that I think was mostly vinegar. Delicious, despite my initial reservations about the vinegar. I ate it all, no regrets.
Afternoon (3:00 PM – Let's Ruin a Beautiful Moment): The Fourvière Hill. Spectacular views! The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière! Gasp! It's breathtaking! I'm feeling amazing! Until… a flock of pigeons descends, covering everything in, well, you know. The beauty fades. I retreat, defeated.
Evening (6:00 PM): Back to the hotel. I was feeling quite excited from the trip, so I sat down at the bar and ordered a simple gin and tonic.
Evening (8:00 PM): After two gin and tonics, I went to sleep.
Day 3: Departure and The Unresolved Mystery of the Beige Ham (and A New Perspective)
Morning (7:00 AM): Okay, so I decided not to have breakfast today. I was going to head out by bus and didn't want to risk another beige ham encounter.
Morning (8:00 AM): Departure. The bus didn't exactly scream luxury. But it got me to the airport.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Plane! Back home!
Post-Trip Thoughts (Days/Weeks Later): Well, that was a trip. The ham? Still haunts me. Lyon, though? Glorious. Yes, I got lost, yes, I ate some questionable meat, yes, I almost got dive-bombed by pigeons. But I also saw a city that felt alive. A city full of character, history, good food, and a little bit of magic.
Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Was it messy? You bet your bottom dollar. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. And this time, I'm bringing backup ham!
The End (or is it just the beginning?)
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Fulya Apartment in Turkey Awaits!
Brit Hotel Nord Dardilly: The Good, The Bad, and The REALLY Good (and Maybe a Tiny Bit Weird)
So, is this place actually a "hidden gem" or just...a hotel?
Okay, truth time. "Hidden gem" is a *bit* of an overstatement, like saying a chihuahua is a "miniature wolf." It's not the Ritz, let's be clear. But... *it kinda IS a gem, in an honest-to-goodness, unexpectedly charming way.* I'll explain. I went in expecting a generic, slightly-tired roadside hotel. What I got? Well, it was *better* than expected. And a LOT more interesting. It's like, the kind of place where you find a perfectly decent pastry in a vending machine, and it *hits*.
The rooms – what's the deal? Are they clean? Are they...spacious?
The rooms were... *fine*. Clean enough, no horror stories of things crawling around (thank god!). Spacious? Nah. You're not exactly gonna be doing cartwheels in there. More like, "maneuvering around the bed without knocking over the tiny, awkwardly placed bedside table." But, you know, it was comfortable enough. And the bed? Surprisingly good. I slept like a log, which is saying something, because I'm a light sleeper usually. The air conditioning worked, too, which is a HUGE win in the summer. Let's just say, it's not a palace, but it's definitely not a dungeon.
Breakfast! Tell me about breakfast! Is it worth it? (Seriously, it's the most important meal of the day!)
Okay, Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. Honestly? I went in fully expecting the usual continental misery. Stale croissants, weak coffee, the works. But! It was...*actually pretty good*! Decent coffee, a surprisingly decent selection of cheeses and cold cuts. And the croissants? *Flaky*! Not completely amazing, top-tier, Michelin-star worthy? Obviously not. But for a hotel breakfast? Seriously, a win. I might have eaten three croissants. Judge me. I won't judge you. You should get the breakfast.
Is the location convenient for visiting Lyon? I mean, is it easy to get around?
Okay, so this *is* where things get a little...complicated. You're not *in* Lyon. You're in...Dardilly. Which is a suburb. You can get into Lyon, but it involves a bit of a drive, or the bus. If you're planning on spending all your time in the city center, it's *maybe* not the most ideal location. If you have a car, it's manageable. But if you are car-less, be prepared for commutes. It's a trade-off, this "gem" thing! Consider the commute.
Okay, but the *vibe*? Is it a bit... soulless? Or is there actual character?
Alright, here's the thing. It's not some boutique hotel with Instagram-worthy interiors. The decor is...functional. Think "beige with a hint of beige." BUT... there *is* something...*lovable* about it. It's not trying to be something it's not. It's just...honest. And there's that one little detail that made me crack up - the vending machine in the lobby. I tell you, it had the *best* kind of slightly-stale pastries. Oh man, I loved that vending machine. It felt very French, very casual. It made it feel like this wasn't some hotel pretending to be chic. It was just there to take care of you.
Is there parking? Because parking is a nightmare.
Yes! Gloriously, wonderfully, yes! Plenty of parking. Free parking. *Hallelujah*.
I saw something about a pool... real? Good?
The pool. Oh, the pool. Yes, there's a pool. It's...fine. Not Olympic-sized, not heated, but it's there, and on a hot day, it's a godsend. Let me just say, I watched a family of four use the pool...and they all looked quite happy. No complaints. Don't go expecting crystal clear blue waters with fancy loungers, but I liked it. It's not amazing, but it's there.
The staff? Are they friendly? Could they help in case of an issue?
The staff? Ah, now *there's* a story. They were... generally fine. Not overly effusive, but helpful and professional. I had a little issue with my key card not working, and the guy at reception fixed it quickly. Efficient, not exactly warm and chatty, you know? But no complaints. This isn't a luxury resort, they had jobs to do!
So, would you actually recommend this place? Bottom line!
Okay, final verdict. Look, if you're on a budget, and you can handle a little bit of a commute into Lyon (or have a car), YES. Absolutely. I would. It's clean, the breakfast is surprisingly good, the pool is refreshing, and it's honestly, just...charming in its own weird way. Plus, the vending machine pastries! Seriously, go for the pastries.
