Australia and New Zealand both play matches in Lyon in the Rugby World Cup 2007, and France's gourmet food capital ranges from 5-star luxury to good cheap budget hotels
In September 2007 Lyon's famous Stade de Gerland hosts three matches in the Rugby World Cup, being held in France. Australia play Japan in the opening game, then Argentina, Georgia, Portugal and New Zealand all have games there. Hotels in Lyon range from luxury villas and 17th-century houses to cheap and cheerful budget options right in the city centre.
With a good metro system that goes right out to the world cup stadium, a central hotel is a good bet, allowing visitors to see Lyon's sights and eat in its famous restaurants too. Here are a few hotel recommendations, ranging from expensive to inexpensive choices:
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One of the best hotels in the city, in Lyon's Old Town and based around the courtyard of one of the 17th-century houses here. The exterior maintains the old style of the original buildings and their beautiful stonework, while the rooms inside are individually designed and range from the height of designer chic to sumptuous traditional comfort. Location-wise it's the perfect place to be, surrounded by the bouchons (traditional inns) of the Old Town, with their fabulous food.
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This arty hotel is right on the edge of Lyon's Old Town, and the rooms are stylish. It's popular with actors and artists as theatres and galleries are close by, and it's right on the river. It's also a lively place to be as there are sometimes jazz concerts laid on in the bar.
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If you want to be able to walk to the stadium then this Novotel is close by, handily placed between the Stade de Gerland and the Gare Perrache, one of Lyon's two mainline railway stations. There are 187 rooms, a restaurant, bar and swimming pool, and while the Novotel might lack the character of some of Lyon's older hotels, it's a safe and affordable option with all the comforts of the modern mid-price hotel.
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The Elysées is right in the heart of the Presqu'ile quarter of Lyon, the name meaning a peninsula as it's where the Rhone and Saone rivers that both flow through Lyon gradually meet. Although the hotel is only rated a 2-star, it's the kind of excellent, clean, friendly and cheap hotel that travelers on a budget always hope to find. Some rooms are a bit on the small side, but they are all ensuite with TVs, and it's close to some of Lyon's best streets for restaurants.
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