Lyon's BEST Kept Secret: Campanile Smart Hotel Review (Eurexpo, Bron, Saint-Priest)
Lyon's BEST Kept Secret: Campanile Smart Hotel Review (Eurexpo, Bron, Saint-Priest)
Lyon's (Not-So-Secret Anymore?) Campanile Smart Hotel Review (Eurexpo, Bron, Saint-Priest): A Chaotic Confession
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the Campanile Smart Hotel – or, as I’m affectionately calling it after my stay, the "Campanile Smart, Not-Always-So-Smart-But-Still-Okay" Hotel. I’ve been tasked with giving you the full, unvarnished truth, which, let’s be honest, is probably going to be a bit of a mess. Just like my luggage after the trip.
First Impressions & Accessibility (and My Own Physical Limitations, Oops!)
The first thing? It's… there. Kinda tucked away, near Eurexpo in Bron, which, depending on your Lyon plans, is either a godsend or a complete pain. Driving there was easy. Getting around once I was in was a slightly different story.
Accessibility: They claim to be accessible, and on paper, they are. Elevator? Check. Rooms labeled as "accessible"? Check. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but because of some back issues, I'm more sensitive to truly "accessible." The hallways were wide enough, which is a plus! Not like some of the other hotels I've been in!
The Room Itself - Cleanliness, Comfort, and (Almost) Everything You Need
Let's talk about the room, the place where I spent most of my time after a grueling day of travel.
Okay, so the rooms are not exactly mind-blowing in design – think functional, not flamboyant. But were they clean? YES. And in these post-pandemic times, that is a huge relief. Rooms sanitized between stays? They claim to do it. I'm going with the "maybe, probably" school of thought. The bed… well, it was a bed. No complaints – important after a day of hauling luggage. The blackout curtains were heavenly. Seriously, total darkness is a rare luxury, and I loved it.
Amenities? They had the basics -- a desk (to pretend to work), coffee/tea maker (essential!), and a mini-bar (mostly empty, sadly). Plus, a refrigerator, which is good news when it comes to food. Free bottled water, yay! A/C worked like a dream. And there was Wi-Fi [free]!
Internet Access: Speed & Sanity
Speaking of the Wi-Fi, which they trumpet as a selling point ( Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless), well… it worked. Mostly. There were a couple of moments where I almost threw my laptop out the window because it decided to buffer a YouTube video for hours. But, in the end, it did its job and I got everything done.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: A Food-Related Adventure
The breakfast buffet was… well, it was a buffet. Breakfast [buffet] and Buffet in restaurant were the main draw. There was your standard continental fare: croissants, yogurt, bread, cereal, and some questionable scrambled eggs. I'm not gonna lie, I went for the croissants. Twice.
They also had a coffee shop, which was a nice touch, I just wished they were open later and earlier. And the bar? Okay, I had a beer there one evening. It wasn't the best beer I've ever had, but it did the job.
"Things to Do," AKA "Ways to Relax" (or Not)
Now, for the part everyone really cares about: the relaxation options. They have a fitness center, but I didn’t see it. Fitness center is a bit of a stretch… I think it's more like a cubicle and a couple of treadmills. If you're looking for a full-blown spa experience with sauna, massage, spa/sauna and steamroom? Forget it.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Perspective
Anti-viral cleaning products? Daily disinfection in common areas? Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? They talk a good game. The lobby did seem clean, and there are hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? Probably. I definitely saw them cleaning tables after people left.
Services and Conveniences: The Extra Mile (or Not)
They offer a bunch of services (daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, etc.). The concierge was helpful. The front desk [24-hour] was a godsend. So, I didn't have to worry about late-night arrival.
The Quirky Bits & Bobs
- Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers – always good to have!
- Elevator – necessary, given how many floors there are in the hotel.
- Luggage Storage – Very important for an early arrival.
- Free Car Parking
The Verdict: Worth the Stay?
The Campanile Smart Hotel? It's not perfect. It's not luxurious. It's a solid, reliable option. If you need a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to crash near Eurexpo, then yes, I'd say it's definitely worth a stay. Just don't go expecting a spa day, and pack your own entertainment! It has its flaws, it's not fancy and it's probably not going to blow your mind, but when things like cleanliness and simple luxuries like Wi-Fi are good, it's fine.
Tangerang's Chicest Escape: Modern Studio at Tree Park Cikokol!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your sanitized, perfectly-lined-up itinerary. This is real life, folks, and we're about to experience the Campanile Smart Lyon Est - Eurexpo Bron Aviation Saint-Priest in all its glorious, chaotic mess.
Day 1: Arrival and the Age-Old Question of "Where's the Damn Restaurant?"
14:00 - Arrive at Lyon Airport (LYS): Okay, so I'm already late. My flight was delayed. Classic. I swear, the universe has a vendetta against punctuality, especially when it comes to me. Also, the airport smells faintly of stale croissants and existential dread – is it just me? Grabbed a taxi (expensive! Ugh). My first thought? "Will the driver understand English?" He did, thankfully. And his driving? Let's just say it added an extra thrill to the already stressful journey.
15:30 - Check into Campanile Smart Lyon Est - Eurexpo Bron Aviation Saint-Priest: The lobby is… well, it's a lobby. Functional, if a little beige. The receptionist was friendly enough, bless her soul. Key card in hand, I was already picturing that crisp, clean hotel room. (Cue the drama…)
16:00 - The Room Reveal (And the Slight Letdown): Okay, the room is… small. Smaller than I anticipated. The bed looks comfy, though. (Immediately jumped on it) Cleanliness is mostly there, but I think I spied a rogue hair in the sink. I'm choosing to ignore it. It's part of the charm, right? The aircon is a bit noisy, but I'm not going to complain. I’m too tired. Time to unpack. And try to figure out how to work the TV.
17:00 - The Hunt For Food Begins: Hunger pangs setting in. Time for the real test: finding sustenance. Apparently, the hotel has a restaurant. Emphasis on "has." Which is located… well, I think it's in a different postcode. Wandered around for a good 20 minutes, feeling increasingly grumpy (hangry). Finally, gave up and ended up back at the hotel. Okay, the bar does snacks. Score! (small victory) Ordered the "sandwich du jour," which turned out to be… well, it will do.
19:00 - First Impression: The Neighborhood: So, the area around the hotel… it's industrial. A lot of warehouses, not much in the way of quaint charm. Found a small park, sat on a bench. Watched a dog chasing a ball. It's the simple things, people. Found the wifi code. (another victory!)
20:00 - Dinner (Take Two) - Dinner at the hotel bar. The sandwich, which was pretty underwhelming, but got the job done.
21:00 - A Little Netflix and Chill (with myself): That TV actually does work! Settled in with a French crime drama I don't understand but I'm sure I will get the gist of it. The aircon drone is starting to get on my nerves. Tried to fix it; failed miserably.
22:30 - Bedtime: Ah, the sweet release of sleep. Despite the noise, which still continues.
Day 2: Expo-mania and Melodrama (aka, the conference)
07:00 - Wake-Up Call (or a Very Rude Awakening): The aircon! Still! Must try to ignore it.
07:30 - Breakfast at the Hotel: The buffet. Standard. Coffee is okay. Croissants are… well, they're croissants. (Not the stale croissant smell from yesterday, thankfully.) Loaded up the plate (it's free, right?)
08:30 - Journey to Eurexpo: Time for the reason I'm here - the darn conference. It's a short taxi ride, thankfully.
09:00 - The Conference Begins (and the Brain Begins to Melt): So many people. So many presentations. So much jargon. Felt like getting lost in a sea of business suits. The coffee is weak. Managed to make some notes.
12:30 - Lunch (Again?): More buffet. Actually not bad. There's pasta today. Good news!
14:00 - Conference Continues: The second half of the day. My brain is mush. I want to watch cat videos. I need a nap. Managed to stay awake (mostly).
17:00 - Conference Ends (Hallelujah!): Freedom!
17:30 - After Conference Drink: The conference provided free drinks! (yay!)
18:30 - Dinner: a pizza place. Food was good! I also managed to get lost on the way.
20:00 - Bedtime: Sleep is going to be great. The drone continues, however.
Day 3 : Departure Day and Longing for Home
07:00 - Wake-up call (still the noisy aircon): I need a vacation from this vacation. Seriously.
07:30 - Breakfast: Had breakfast. Nothing unusual.
08:00 - Check Out and Depart: Checked out. Walked to the taxi.
09:00 - At the Airport: Waiting for my flight.
12:00 - Arrival at Home: Glad to be home. Exhausted, but happy.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- France: The French are… how to put it… French. Charming when they want to be, utterly baffling at other times. Love it.
- The Hotel: A work in progress, but okay for the price. The aircon is the arch-nemesis.
- The Conference (and my mental state): Exhausting. Soul-crushing. But hey, I survived!
Imperfections & Rambles:
- I lost my charger.
- I'm pretty sure I ate the same cheese three times at the buffet.
- Tried to learn a few French phrases. Failed epically.
- My feet hurt.
Final Verdict:
Would I recommend the Campanile Smart Lyon Est - Eurexpo Bron Aviation Saint-Priest? It depends. If you're looking for luxury, probably not. If you're after a functional base with a bit of character, and you're not too bothered by a noisy aircon unit, then yes. Do some research!
This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was imperfect. Honestly, it was… well, it was life. And sometimes, that's the best kind of trip there is. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go drink a giant cup of coffee and swear at the aircon in my room.
And that, my friends, is the end of this messy, wonderful trip.
Delamar Southport: Fairfield's Most Luxurious Escape? (You Decide!)
Okay, spill the beans. Is the Campanile Smart Hotel at Eurexpo actually "smart?" Like, did it understand my questionable life choices?
"Smart" is a strong word. Let's just say it's *trying*. The "smart" part mostly revolves around keyless entry, which, honestly, is a lifesaver at 3 AM after a convention. No fumbling for a keycard in the dark! But then the door… well, let's say sometimes it took a good shoulder-butt and a mumbled prayer to get it open. Not exactly the seamless, futuristic experience I've dreamt about. It feels more *striving* than truly "smart."
The location – is it practical or a logistical nightmare? I need to get to the convention center!
This is a HUGE "it depends." If you *are* going to Eurexpo, Bron, then bless your heart, because it's close! Barely a stumble home (okay, maybe a slightly longer stumble, depending on the wine consumed). But Saint-Priest? That's a bit more of a trek. Public transport can be a bit… French. Let's just say you *will* learn patience. I remember one time, waiting for the tram, I basically aged a decade. Bring snacks and a good book (or a really engaging podcast). Factor in extra travel time. Trust me on this.
The Room Itself: Is it... livable? Or am I sleeping in a shoebox with a view of the dumpster?
Okay, let's be frank. The rooms are… compact. Don't expect luxury. Think functional, clean-ish, and designed for someone who plans to spend most of their time *outside* the room. My first thought was "Well, at least I won't have to walk far to find the bed." The beds are, surprisingly, not *terrible*. I slept. The showers are… adequate. The view… well, it depends. You might get a glimpse of something pretty, or you might get the dumpster view I warned you about. There’s a reason I packed earplugs and an eye mask!
Breakfast! Essential or a potential culinary crime scene?
The breakfast… ah, *le petit déjeuner*. It’s included, which is a plus. Think basic buffet. The croissants? Sometimes buttery, sometimes… not. The coffee? Strong, which is good, because you’ll need it after the room size knocks you for six. If you're a breakfast snob, lower your expectations. If you're just happy to have something to eat to fuel you for the day, you're in luck. I've survived, and that’s the important thing. I can't say I *loved* it, but it did the job. Honestly, a lot of it hinges on the mood of the buffet attendant that day. Some days, they're beaming, replenishing the baked goods with gusto. Other days… well, you get the impression they'd rather be anywhere else. It's a crapshoot.
Customer service: French charm, or… well, something less charming?
This one is… variable. Some staff members are lovely and helpful, even attempting a smile. Others… let’s just say they embody the stereotype. One time, I asked for a pillow that wasn't rock hard, and got a look that could curdle milk. Another time, I was actually helped by a friendly soul, who even gave me a free coffee. It's like playing the lottery. Prepare for anything. Learn a few basic French phrases. It might improve your odds. "Bonjour" and "Merci" go a long way. Especially if you are, I don't know, a bit of a tourist in France, and don’t speak the language?!
Let’s talk about noise. I need my beauty sleep!
This is where it gets… interesting. Thin walls are the name of the game. You will hear your neighbors. You will hear the hallway chatter. You will probably hear the bin men early in the morning. Bring earplugs. Seriously. I cannot stress this enough. My last trip, a couple next door were… shall we say… *very* enthusiastic about their vacation. Let's just say I'm now intimately familiar with their love lives. Earplugs! They are your friends.
Is it *clean*? Like, actually clean? I have standards!
Okay, this is where the imperfections really hit home. Generally, yes, it's *passably* clean. But don't expect clinical perfection. There may be a stray hair or two (you know, the ones that aren’t yours!) in the bathroom. The corners… well, let's just say they're not subject to scrutiny from the cleaning staff. One time I found a mysterious stain on a wall that I chose to ignore. Ignorance is bliss, sometimes. If you're a germaphobe, pack your own cleaning supplies and be prepared to do a quick once-over. Honestly, the cleanliness varies. You'll get more for your money at a hostel, but it’s still a place to rest your head. I'd happily go back, but I'm not going to pretend it’s a spotless paradise. It's… serviceable.
Let’s talk about that time you spent hours to figure out the WIFI, what’s the tea?
Oh, the WIFI. The bane of my existence. It's like a moody teenager. Sometimes it works beautifully, letting you stream movies and catch up on emails. Other times… well, let’s just say I once spent a solid hour trying to connect, battling cryptic error messages and my own increasing frustration. I may have shed a tear (okay, maybe two). The worst part? The staff weren't always super helpful when I finally gave it up and whined for help. Their solution? "Try again later." Helpful, right? So, be prepared for a digital struggle. Or, you know, just embrace being disconnected for a while. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. Just download your entertainment beforehand.
So, would you recommend it? The ultimate question!
Here’s the deal: If you're on a budget and looking for a place to crash while you explore Lyon or attend an event at the Eurexpo, *and* you'Escape to Paradise: Tabino Hotel Miyakojima Awaits!
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