During an October 2016 trip to Lyon, we stayed at Away Hostel and Coffee Shop.
Hostel review – Away Hostel and Coffee Shop, Lyon
Away has been been open for four months, so everything was extra new and clean, well-modernised and designed with travellers’ practicalities in mind.
Safety and Noise
Despite being located on a corner next to a park and the Croix-Paquet subway, we were never kept awake by noise. Maybe our packed-out days exploring, cycling, tackling hills had something to do with that! But the hostel windows are shuttered and free ear plugs are provided at reception. Nearby neighbourhoods include Croix-Rousse and the central 1st arrondissement, so the streets are well-lit and there were always people around in the early hours.
Toilets and Shower Facilities
Toilets and showers seemed plentiful during our stay and always available during rush times. The bathrooms were clean and well-designed with extras such as hairdryers, large mirrors and spacious sink areas.
Atmosphere and Social
We stayed during the quieter times of Sunday to Wednesday, so some planned hostel activities were cancelled due to a lack of interest.
However, there were plenty scheduled for busier days, including a Saturday night trip to the city’s hottest nightspot Le Sucre, wine tastings and three-course dinners including local specialties.
Sightseeing
When we chatted to the hostel folks, they were knowledgeable about their city and tourism. Particularly Lyon’s Velov bicycle rental system, the main galleries’ opening times, the subway system and nightlife. We rented one of their bicycles for the day, which we highly recommend. It was so much fun and a great way to see this bike-friendly city.
Extras
We really appreciated Away’s thoughtful freebies and facilities, such as padlocks and ear plugs, sockets, shelves and nightlights at each bed, bunks designed for extra privacy (see pictures), elevators, views over the park and its location on the doorstep of the eclectic and lively Croix-Rousse and other key neighbourhoods.
Typical Pricing*
Double-bed, privatete ensuite €85
Four-bed mixed dorm €30
Ten-bed mixed dorm €25
Breakfast (served between 7am and 10:30am including coffee, pastries, toast and preserves) €5
Bottle of water €2, Croissant €0,90, espresso €1,50, Cappuccino €3.
Bicycle rental €13 half-day, €17 per day, Wine tasting and tour €7, Three-course dinner in hostel €10.
Details
Tel: +33 4 78 98 53 20
Email: bonjour@awayhostel.com
Address: 21 Rue Alsace-Lorraine 69001, Lyon
*Prices checked in November 2016 and are rounded up/down to the nearest Euro