La Reine Astrid All Suites

Location. La Reine Astrid is a smart all-suites hotel, built in 1996, and situated in a residential area of Lyon, 600 metres from the Cité Internationale with its convention centre, multiplex cinema, museum, and restaurants. Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) is 25 kilometres from the hotel.

Hotel Features. Behind the modern, grey marble façade and frosted white glass canopy over the entrance lies the lobby, which is decorated in earth tones with a Burgundy-stone floor and dark wood reception desk. An adjacent lounge bar overlooks the garden lawn and patio, and temporary exhibitions are shown throughout the public areas. Wireless Internet is available in the public areas and five function rooms can be hired for meetings and other events.

La Reine Astrid's bar-restaurant opens onto the patio and garden, where guests eat al fresco in summer and order from a menu of nouvelle cuisine and fusion food. The bar serves a cocktail of the day and has a comprehensive cellar of wines from the region and beyond.

The fitness centre features a plasma- screen TV, cardio and resistance machines, free weights, sauna with essential oils, and tiled steam room. Guests can arrange for personal trainers and massages at reception.

Guestrooms. La Reine Astrid offers 88 air-conditioned suites over seven floors. All feature walnut doors, oak floorboards, and patterned upholstery set against neutral-toned walls and wood furniture. Suites include separate living areas with plasma-screen TVs with cable channels and pay movies, and wireless and high-speed Internet connections. Fully- equipped kitchens have microwaves, dishwashers, cookware, fridges with minibars, and tea and coffee making facilities. Tiled bathrooms comprise shower/tub combinations, bidets, hair dryers, and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries.

Expert Tip. Lyon's old town lies across the Rhône, less than a kilometre from the hotel. Here visitors can discover the former silk district, which has retained its famous traboules - secret covered passageways between buildings that were used by silk workers in the 18th century, and later by the Resistance.