Review: Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon | Marriott Bonvoy

During a business trip to Paris, I had the opportunity to stay at the Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon. I was leaving my last work meeting on this late winter day in February to head to the Gare de Lyon for this hotel that opened in late 2019.

Former office tower of the SNCF, its exterior architecture is reminiscent of the rails crisscrossing the entire length of this building.

The mandate given to Studios Architecture to reinvent this building to pay homage to the unique history of the neighborhood is evident.

This is reflected in the way the architecture and its materials fit into their local environment, particularly in the choice of exposed metal on the façade, recalling the industrial past of the Borough. At night, the façade comes alive with a light show representing a railway line.

The interior design of the Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon hotel features numerous photographs of tools and workshops, paying tribute to the artisans who forged the 12th Arrondissement. A reminder of the Gare de Lyon is the use of decorative motifs in the rooms to invite people to travel. Finally, the choice of colorful accents in the interior design and restaurant echoes the Rue Crémieux, while the vast green wall in the lobby recalls the Coulée Verte.

The selection of the Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon hotel was influenced by the Marriott promotion, which allows guests to earn 1,000 points and a bonus Elite night credit.

Taking advantage of a Marriott Titanium status, I was fortunate enough to have my reservation of a standard room converted to a high floor family room (18th floor).

Based on European standards, more sober and more restricted than in North America, this family room was nevertheless more than sufficient for this short stay where the view, as well in the evening as when waking up in the morning, seemed to me very pleasant. And what a pleasure, albeit at the cost of a slight stiff neck, to see the Eiffel Tower from my room!

Although one can compare and find the distinctive elements of a Courtyard hotel in North America, I still notice that the rates charged are much higher than for similar hotels in cities like Montreal, Toronto or even New Yorkwith rooms starting at more than 249 € per night on weekdays.

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to have the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card).

In addition to the great welcome bonus on both cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases and 5 points per dollar at Marriott locations. And each year, you’ll earn a free night certificate (35,000 point value) as well as 15 Elite nights towards your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Here is some information about the hotel:

In terms of location, it’s hard to get more central in Paris, as this hotel is 5 km from the Louvre Museum and a 3-minute walk from the Gare de Lyon.

Located in the south-east of Paris, it is here that some of the oldest remains of human occupation on the territory have been discovered.

This district has several green spaces, the most famous of which are the Parc de Bercy and the Bois de Vincennes. With its 995 hectares, this wood is recognized as one of the lungs of the Capital.

You’ll also find the landmarks of the Place de la Bastille (July Column and the Bastille Opera House), the Place Daumesnil (Fountain of the Château d’Eau) and the Place de la Nation (monuments Le Triomphe de la République and the Barrière du Trône).

Strongly marked by its railroad history, this district knew how to give it a second life. In fact, if you have the time, stop by the Viaduc des Arts, which now houses many arts and crafts workshops. After your visit, take the stairs leading to the Coulée verte René-Dumont (formerly called Promenade plantée).

This greenway follows the route of the old Vincennes line, crossing the territory from East to West. Whether on foot or by bike, you can walk from the Périphérique (Porte de Montempoivre) to the Opéra Bastille, crossing hanging gardens.

Finally, you will also come across a part of the Petite Ceinture, a disused railroad line that goes around Paris and shelters a remarkable, if not poetic, wild vegetation.

Another place not to be missed near the hotel is the rue Crémieux area (between the streets of Bercy and Lyon | Quai de la Rapée or Gare de Lyon station). You will be charmed by this pedestrian street with its colorful facades and sometimes unusual design.

Finally, plan a trip to the Cité de la Mode et du Design, located about ten minutes away, via the Charles-de-Gaulle Bridge. On the site of the former general stores on the Quai d’Austerlitz, this place was reborn in 2005 thanks to the architects Dominique Jakob and Brendan MacFarlane.

In addition to the many activities taking place there, this place offers a breathtaking view from its panoramic terrace (free access, every day between 10 am and midnight).

Whether you’re traveling from the Gare de Lyon or on a trip to Paris, Marriott Courtyard regulars won’t be out of place. There are distinctive features such as the Kitchen & Bar and the traditional Market for last minute food shopping.

Under the control of chef Mélissa Ravel, this branch of Kitchen & Bar is a French bistro-style restaurant, offering a menu featuring seasonal products from small local producers.

For a fee, the Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon hotel offers a full buffet breakfast typical of Courtyard hotels (pastries, hot dishes, cold cuts, cheese, yogurt, fruit, freshly squeezed fruit juice, etc.).

On Sundays, in addition to its full buffet, the restaurant offers a gourmet brunch.

A gym is available at all times on the 1st floor of the Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon. It offers several pieces of equipment to its visitors: elliptical, weight training, weights, rowing machine, stationary bikes, treadmill and yoga mat/ball.

The hotel also has a Creative Campus, with 8 rooms dedicated to events and 5 workrooms that can accommodate a maximum of 100 people seated.

As far as the services of the Courtyard Paris Gare de Lyon hotel are concerned, there are few things to note. The gym is present, but feels cramped and uninviting.

As for the Kitchen & Bar restaurant, a drink was offered to Elite Marriott members. A small gesture well appreciated.

As I did not have the benefit of a breakfast included in the price of my night, I did not have the opportunity to try it. Here again, the proximity of the Gare de Lyon and the central districts of Paris are full of options for all budgets. The foodie in me advises you to take advantage of the location of this hotel to explore the area!

My overall impression is quite positive, especially in the context of the Marriott promotion that was the primary reason for my decision to test this hotel. Considering the rather high rate, by North American standards, we might be tempted to expect more service and quality in our room amenities. However, in the context of Paris, this remains a good option.

And what about the view on Paris!