19, Boulevard Diderot, 75012 Paris

Hotel Terminus Lyon

Name: Hotel Terminus Lyon
Address: 19, Boulevard Diderot, Paris, 75012, FR
Price range: 98 EUR
Rating: 4.05

Hotel-restaurant 3-star in Paris

Romantic stay
Design

Presentation

The Terminus Lyon hotel stands on Boulevard Diderot, directly opposite Gare de Lyon, on the edge of the 12th arrondissement and Bastille. People often arrive there with suitcase still in hand, just minutes after getting off the train.

It all began in 1902, when a Parisian couple bought what was then just a simple station café and turned it into a house that welcomed travelers in transit. The hotel has never closed its doors, not even during the great floods of 1910: the staff would welcome guests by boat, between two flooded floors. Between the two world wars, the house enjoyed its golden age and became a sought-after local address.

On the ground floor, the Fosca' restaurant occupies the corner facing the boulevard. Industrial decor, a friendly atmosphere, family-style Italian cuisine served from noon to midnight. You can stop there for a quick coffee between trains, or linger over dinner. The large windows let in the light and the bustle of the intersection.

As you go up the floors, the tone changes. The sixty rooms, spread across eight categories, play on varnished wood and teak furniture, straight from the 1970s. The charm is old-fashioned rather than worn. Cleanliness is up to standard, and several recent guests note bathrooms that are surprisingly spacious for Paris. The quadruple rooms, with two double beds, are well suited to families or small groups traveling together.

One thing to know before booking: the rooms facing the boulevard enjoy a direct view of the station, but also its liveliness. Several travelers nevertheless report not being disturbed at night, thanks to good sound insulation. For the lightest sleepers, it is still better to request a room at the back when booking.

In the morning, the buffet is served from 5:30 a.m., a schedule designed for those who need to catch an early train. It can also be served in the room from 6:30 a.m. One downside for budget travelers: it is not included in the base price and must be booked as an extra. So it is better to check this point before arrival if you plan to enjoy it every morning.

Outside, the neighborhood has no shortage of attractions. Bastille, the Marais, and the Canal Saint-Martin are all within a few minutes’ walk, as is the Opéra Bastille. Bercy Village is a little farther away, on the same bank. The restaurants nearby stay open late, which is handy for those arriving after 9 p.m. with nothing yet to eat.

One last tip: reception is open 24 hours a day. So even after the last train of the evening, someone will be there to hand over the key and show you where to find a glass of water.

Summary of a few positive reviews read on the web

Handy for a quick stop between a TGV and a flight departing from CDG; drop off the suitcase and head out stress-free the next morning.
Fairly quiet room despite facing the station, no noise noticed at night, spotless bathroom.
Took a room for four with the kids, not huge but well laid out, plenty of space for the suitcases.
The receptionist took the time to recommend a restaurant open late and was accommodating about the departure time.
Breakfast served at dawn, varied buffet, enough for a proper meal before jumping on the train.
Decor a bit dated, wooden furniture that shows its age, but everything is clean and well maintained.