Our review of the Hôtel de l’Abbaye in Lyon: a designer boutique hotel in a former school

Getting There

Located at the southern tip of the Presqu’île, Ainay isn’t necessarily on the itinerary of tourists passing through Lyon. And that’s just fine! A five-minute walk from the Perrache train station, this 4-star hotel is ideally situated for exploring the city without the hustle and bustle. Just a stone’s throw away, Rue Auguste Comte is lined with antique shops, art galleries, and home decor boutiques, while Vieux Lyon and its Renaissance-era alleyways are just a short walk across the Saône. All this in the atmosphere of a residential neighborhood where it’s a pleasure to stroll.

Our review at a glance

You’ll have to venture into the quiet streets of Ainay to discover this spot, located across from the Romanesque Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay. Behind its 19th-century façade, the Hôtel de l’Abbaye holds some lovely surprises: décor that draws inspiration from both family homes and the finest chapters of design history, 21 rooms divided into three distinct themes, and a restaurant where you’d happily dine even without staying at the hotel in Lyon. Since its opening in 2019, Arthur Laeuffer has imbued the hotel with his personal touch, a far cry from the standardized conventions of the hospitality industry. It’s the kind of place where you take pleasure in admiring the furniture, the paintings, and even the most unexpected objects.

The Spirit of the Hotel

It’s hard to imagine that this elegant building, whose façade draws inspiration from Renaissance-era Florentine palaces, was still home to schoolchildren just a decade ago. Built in the 19th century by architect Claude-Anthelme Benoit to serve as a rectory for the Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay, it became a public school in the early 20th century before closing its doors in 2016. Arthur Laeuffer spotted it when it was put up for auction by the Hospices Civils de Lyon in 2017. He wasn’t a hotelier at the time, but he decided nonetheless to turn it into his first hotel.

Nine months of renovations later, the 900 m² space had been transformed: the former library now houses the reception area and lounge, while the gym—which also served as a covered courtyard on rainy days—now houses the restaurant. “I wanted to create a welcoming, family-friendly space that’s open to the outside world”, says the owner, who knows Lyon well from having studied there. His career path is nothing like that of a traditional hotelier. After working in business consulting, then in the kitchens of Le Clos des Sens in Annecy, and later in rental property management, he found in this venue a way to bring together his passions: historic architecture, design, and fine dining.

For the interior design, he enlisted Maison Hand, the Lyon-based duo of Pierre-Emmanuel Martin and Stéphane Garotin. But there was no question of giving them carte blanche! Arthur Laeuffer is involved in every detail, hunting down certain pieces himself and working with local artisans as much as possible. Right from the entrance, the tone is set by his grandfather’s imposing desk, transformed into a reception counter. In the common areas, black-and-white family portraits, antique furniture, and contemporary design pieces coexist with disarming naturalness.

The whole place has that certain something you find in family homes where objects have accumulated over generations. The result is a joyful mix that holds a few surprises. The terrazzo with oversized stones, inspired by Italian flooring, complements the ochre and brick tones of the walls. In the living room, the Roly Poly armchairs by Faye Toogood for Driade showcase their sculptural curves, while at Café Basilic, dark green zellige tiles contrast with Serax seating originally designed for outdoor use. Even the restroom is worth a visit: an old holy water font has been transformed into a sink! These details all speak to the owner’s eclectic tastes—he’s a fan of design from the 1950s to the 1970s, as well as antique furniture and unusual finds.

Another passion of the house: art, with a preference for modern works. However, in the fall of 2026, the Hôtel de l’Abbaye will open its doors to contemporary art with “Émerveillements,” its first true exhibition, conceived in collaboration with the Galerie Platini. Sophie Verger’s animal sculptures are displayed alongside works by Pascal Honoré, Valérie Hadida, and Jürgen Lingl, scattered throughout the lounges, staircases, hallways, and even the restaurant. There are no ubiquitous labels or a set route to follow. “ “The idea is really for the works to be arranged just as you would display them in your own home,” explains Arthur Laeuffer. This inaugural exhibition, centered on dreams and wonder, marks the beginning of a collaboration with the gallery, with new exhibitions planned every six months. A great reason to come back.

What are the rooms like?

With 21 rooms spread over three floors, you won’t find the long, impersonal hallways typical of large hotels here. And while each room has its own unique features, the interior designers have created three distinct styles. The large mullioned windows, a legacy of the former school, let in plenty of light. When it comes to comfort, nothing has been left to chance: thick, custom-made carpets, headboards upholstered in Bisson Bruneel fabrics, velvet curtains…

On the first floor, it’s a trip back to the ’70s! The famous Togo sofas by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, the Mushroom armchairs by Pierre Paulin, and the Bold chairs by Moustache set the tone. These are complemented by DCW Éditions light fixtures, Caravane throws, and small graphic artworks sourced from a Lyon gallery. The color schemes vary from room to room, but all share a taste for generous shapes and delicate combinations. We particularly love the contrast between this curvaceous furniture and the rather understated architecture of the former school.

On the second floor, the style shifts. Maison Hand has opted for cleaner lines, raw materials, and a more subdued color palette. Arthur Laeuffer has added reprints of engravings by Martin Schongauer, a German Renaissance artist, which he discovered at the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar. In the bathrooms, the terrazzo comes in various shades, and the shower walls are made of Japanese paper sandwiched between two sheets of glass—a project entrusted to the Lyon-based glassworks Paulhac. The kind of detail we love.

Under the lower ceilings of the top floor, the atmosphere becomes even more intimate. Furniture sourced from the Puces du Canal flea market, vintage wall sconces, small paintings, and watercolors by Pierre Peloux—an artist connected to Lyon’s silk industry—lend this top floor a slightly old-fashioned charm. This mix of antique and contemporary pieces is what makes this hotel so charming. Four room categories are available, ranging from the 16-square-meter “Écrin” rooms to the 25-square-meter “Élégante” rooms, not to mention the “Essentiel” and “Signature” rooms, which are approximately 30 square meters. Some feature a small sitting area, while others overlook the square or the Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay. Our tip? Request a room with a view of the Romanesque basilica, which is particularly beautiful when the morning light illuminates its façade.

The room to book: Room 31, for its dual exposure and direct view of the Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay.

How's the table?

It would be a mistake to think of L'Artichaut as just a hotel restaurant. First, because locals in Lyon are regulars there, too. Second, because the food here is truly excellent. Housed in the school’s former gym, the restaurant also features a warm, inviting decor, with benches upholstered in Bisson Bruneel fabrics, Gervasoni pendant lights, and wooden tables. The large central table, perfect for meals with friends, hosts the breakfast buffet every morning. In the kitchen, vegetables take center stage. This focus comes as no surprise given Arthur Laeuffer’s love for vegetables and aromatic herbs, some of which come directly from his garden in Annecy. Since early 2026, Annette and Adrien have been working together in the kitchen, revamping the concise menu each week based on seasonal produce and daily deliveries.

Right from the first bite, an excellent pressed eggplant served with plum pickles awakens the taste buds. The rest of the meal confirms this first impression with smoked beets paired with goat cheese cream, herb-infused mascarpone, and beet mustard. It’s a lovely interplay of textures and flavors, without trying to overdo it. Next up are sea bream ravioli, served in a mushroom broth enhanced with combawa leaf oil. On paper, the pairing might seem surprising. On the plate, the briny notes, forest floor aromas, and citrus accents harmonize beautifully. Our favorite dish of the dinner! The beef tataki, served with a smoked plum condiment, is also full of character. And to finish, a fig pavlova adds just the right fruity and indulgent touch.

Special mention goes to Mathieu, the sommelier from Canada, who knows his wines inside and out and pairs the dinner with attention that’s as discreet as it is effective. His recommendations are spot-on, without long speeches or wine-tasting lectures.

For a coffee during the day or a cocktail in the early evening, head to Café Basilic, where you can settle into the lounge for a meeting or extend your evening with a drink. On nice days, the café and restaurant set up shop on the pedestrian plaza, facing the basilica. It’s hard to find a prettier setting for an aperitif.

So, shall we make a reservation?

Without a doubt—especially if you love hotels that have a story to tell and a real personality. At the Hôtel de l’Abbaye, design isn’t just about big-name brands—it reflects the tastes of an owner who takes pleasure in blending eras, objects, and influences. We also appreciate the neighborhood’s tranquility, the unpretentious hospitality, and, above all, the quality of L’Artichaut, which could almost be reason enough to make the trip on its own.

• Our favorite detail: Arthur Laeuffer’s grandfather’s desk, transformed into a reception counter;
• We’ll be back for: dinner at L’Artichaut and to check out the next contemporary art exhibition;
• A magical spot: a cozy room with a view of the Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay;
• The dish we’ll never forget: sea bream ravioli in a mushroom broth flavored with combawa.