Lyon's Hidden Gem: Quick Palace Saint-Priest - Unbelievable!
Quick Palace Saint-Priest: Unbelievable! - Or…Is It? A Seriously Honest Review
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, ‘cause I’m about to spill the tea on the Quick Palace Saint-Priest. And let me tell you, this ain't your average cookie-cutter hotel review. This is gonna be a messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious dive into my stay. Prepare yourselves… because it’s gonna be a ride.
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Meta Description: Honest & quirky review of Quick Palace Saint-Priest! Find out about accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, fitness), dining, cleanliness, and more. Is it REALLY unbelievable? My unfiltered experience inside!
(Let's Get Started - The Initial Impression, The Hype…)
So, "Unbelievable!"… that’s the tagline, right? Let me tell you, my expectations were sky-high. I'd seen the pictures. Sleek, modern, the promise of a pool, a spa… okay, maybe a little too good to be true. I rolled into Saint-Priest, Lyon's slightly less glamorous cousin, with a mixture of excitement and, let's be honest, a healthy dose of skepticism.
(Accessibility - A Real Mixed Bag)
Okay, let's tackle the nitty-gritty first: Accessibility. Now, I didn't specifically need wheelchair access, but I always look at this, because it speaks volumes about a hotel's commitment to everyone. The website touted "facilities for disabled guests," and the elevator was a definite plus. However, navigating the actual layout was a little… tricky. Some of the walkways felt a wee bit tight, and the signage wasn’t always super clear. Definitely room for improvement here, Quick Palace. But points for trying, and for having that CCTV in common areas – always a good (and reassuring) thing. Elevator - check. So far, a decent score on the disability front. Let's hope the rest is just as OK.
(Rooms - The "Unbelievable" Promise?)
Alright, let's talk rooms. I had a Non-smoking room (praise be!). The room itself…well, it was functional. Clean. Air conditioning, thank the heavens! Especially after that Lyon summer heat! Blackout curtains that actually worked – major win! The bed was comfy enough, a perfectly fine extra-long one which was great. And the free Wi-Fi? Yeah, that's the bomb. But the "unbelievable" part? Maybe not quite.
Let's delve into the Available in All Rooms list, shall we?
- Additional toilet: Nope.
- Alarm clock: Standard.
- Bathrobes: Nope. (I miss my house!)
- Bathroom phone: Nope.
- Bathtub: Nope.
- Carpeting: Yes. (But the kind I hope gets very throughly vacuumed every day.)
- Closet: Standard.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes! YES! (Instant bliss.)
- Complimentary tea: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes. (And they tried hard.)
- Desk: Yup.
- Extra long bed: Yup.
- Free bottled water: Yes. (Always a nice touch, you know.)
- Hair dryer: Uh-huh.
- High floor: Nope.
- In-room safe box: Nope.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Probably.
- Internet access – LAN: Nope.
- Internet access – wireless: Yup.
- Ironing facilities: Yup.
- Laptop workspace: Sort of.
- Linens: Clean, thankfully
- Mini bar: Nope.
- Mirror: Check.
- On-demand movies: Nah.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Reading light: Check.
- Refrigerator: No :(
- Safety/security feature: Smoke detector, etc.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
- Scale: Nope. (Thank god. Ignorance is bliss.)
- Seating area: Nope.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Nope.
- Shower: Yes.
- Slippers: Nope.
- Smoke detector: Yes.
- Socket near the bed: Yes.
- Sofa: Nope.
- Soundproofing: It kept most of the street noise out, which was vital.
- Telephone: Yes.
- Toiletries: Basic.
- Towels: Clean, fluffy enough,
- Umbrella: Nope.
- Visual alarm: I didn't see any, so nope.
- Wake-up service: Yup.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Absolutely.
- Window that opens: Yup! (FRESH AIR. Necessary.)
So, a bit of a false start to the "Unbelievable" tag line. The Daily housekeeping was pretty good; the room was always tidy. But… I did get a slightly deflated feeling. Not super jazzed.
(Dining & Drinking - A Smorgasbord of Meh)
Next up, Dining, drinking, and snacking. The restaurant was… well, let's just say it wasn't Michelin-starred. They did have restaurants, plural (hallelujah!), but the food was pretty standard "hotel" fare. The breakfast [buffet] was a decent spread, with options for both Western and what they called “Asian breakfast - which was interesting. I'm not sure how authentic it all was, but it was there. The coffee/tea in restaurant was fine and the bottle of water was always appreciated. Room service [24-hour] was a definite plus, especially after a long day of exploring. I can’t say it was the best meal I've ever had, but it certainly wasn't the worst. Let's just say I wouldn’t be sad to see a little more variety…or flavor. More desserts in the restaurant would have gone down a treat.
There was a bar (yay!), but it wasn’t exactly buzzing, and I think I saw the same person at the bar all three nights I stayed, and for the happy hour, no discount. The poolside bar was closed :(
(Rambling Time!) This is where I get a little lost, because the meals felt…forgettable. I think, looking back, this is a big one for me. And maybe it's just me being a fussy git, but the food scene… it just needed a little oomph. Perhaps I'm too used to the amazing food in the centre of Lyon – but surely the Saint-Priest branch of Quick Palace isn't aiming to be that different. The soup in restaurant tasted like it used to be something more interesting, and the salad's were just a bit sad. I'm being hard, but bear with me…
(Things to Do/Ways to Relax - The Saving Grace?)
Alright, now for the juicy stuff. The pool! Yes, there was a Swimming pool [outdoor] - and, hallelujah, it was actually quite nice. A good size, clean, and – bonus! – a Pool with view (of… a car park, but hey, it was still a view!). Ah, the Sauna, also… pretty standard, but welcome after a long day. I am a spa-fanatic, so was disappointed that there wasn't much of a Spa or any Spa/sauna. There was a Fitness center which I bravely decided to check out. It had enough machines to appease the gym bunnies. Also, the gym/fitness had enough equipment which, I suppose, it's the most you could ask for, but it did feel more of a chore to use, than pure joy.
(Cleanliness & Safety - Keeping it Clean)
Now, in these crazy times, Cleanliness and safety are paramount. And Quick Palace… they really tried. I appreciated the Anti-viral cleaning products (thank you!), the Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the Staff trained in safety protocol. They were clearly taking it seriously, and that's worth recognizing. They had Rooms sanitized between stays, a Daily disinfection in common areas, and they offered Room sanitization opt-out available. You know, the basics. All in all, they managed to strike a good balance between keeping things safe and not making it feel sterile. They even had **Cashless payment
Escape to Paradise: Lavender House B&B, Central Coast's Hidden Gem
Okay, hold onto your hats, because this isn't your sanitized, glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is the Real Deal: a Lyon adventure, Quick Palace Saint-Priest style. Get ready for some glorious mess.
Lyon: A Love/Hate Affair (At Least Right Now)
Day 1: Saint-Priest - Where's The Action? (Spoiler: Mostly Not Here)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Quick Palace, Saint-Priest: Okay, so let's be honest. Saint-Priest isn't exactly the heart of Lyon's soul. It's a business-y kinda vibe, a bit… industrial. And the Quick Palace? Let's just say it's got charm like a well-worn sock. Still, the price was right, and hey, free Wi-Fi! Thank God. I'm already craving a strong coffee after that flight, and the vending machine's looking like the only option to satiate the caffeine craving.
- 14:30 - Room Reconnaissance: A quick scan of the room. Clean-ish. Bed's got the potential. The shower curtain? Pray for me. I really need a good shower after the flight. Honestly, it feels like I’ve been wearing the same clothes all day.
- 15:00 - The Quest for Food: The hotel's breakfast is "meh". I have to locate something… edible. Google Maps to the rescue! I discover a local "boulangerie". Fingers crossed for some legit French bread and pastries. Walking there, I start to notice… the complete lack of charming cobblestone streets. This is definitely a work-in-progress type of town!
- 16:00 - Boulangerie Bliss (and Disappointment): Score! The baguette? Crusty perfection. A pain au chocolat? Okay, not Paris level, but I’ll take it. The coffee? Turns out, it’s a bit like mud. Time to drink it, or I’ll not be able to sleep.
- 17:00 - Wandering and Wondering: Back at the hotel, I have to face the fact that everything closes around 20:00. I have to be more organized! Right now, nothing to do. I spend much time just gazing at the world going by the window. What's it like to be alone in the moment, without a phone? Feels… weird. I try to capture the moment with a drawing. I'll keep that one to myself.
- 19:00 - Dinner Dilemma: Dinner options in Saint-Priest are… limited. After a frantic search, I end up at a chain restaurant. It. Was. Fine. Not memorable. Not terrible. Just… fuel. I sit alone, and eat, feeling a little sad, but the bread and the wine, they help.
- 21:00 - Bedtime and Regret: Exhausted by the day, I just flop onto the bed. The shower, thank god, was better than expected. And a good book. I feel a little lonely, and also, I am ready to sleep.
Day 2: Lyon Downtown - Let The Adventure Begin…
- 08:00 - Breakfast and the Long Haul: Breakfast at the Quick Palace. Attempting to be optimistic. The orange juice is suspiciously orange. Then, the train to Lyon's city center! It's a long ride. A LOT of commuting today, it seems. I spend the whole journey people-watching. Observing the rhythm of the city as people get on and off.
- 09:30 - Arrival in Lyon - Vieux Lyon (Old Town): YES! Finally, the postcard-perfect Lyon I was hoping for. Cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture, the works. It makes the journey from Saint-Priest worth it. The sun is shining, and I am full of optimism.
- 10:00 - A Culinary Adventure (and a Stomach Ache): I decide to go for lunch at a bouchon. But the problem is: It's too early, and many are still shut. This is going to be harder than I thought! Finally, I find one that looks good. The food is rich… very rich. Sausage in a delicious sauce. I also have an unhealthy interest in the wine. I eat it all, every last bite. I think I'll be sick soon. Ugh.
- 12:00 - The Great Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: Amazing! This is the most beautiful viewpoint of the city. A real "wow" moment. The architecture is breathtaking, and the stained-glass windows are simply magical! I walk around to let my lunch settle, and to take this incredible view in.
- 14:00 - Wandering the Croix-Rousse: Now, this is more my speed. The area is full of artisan shops. I buy a scarf. I also visit a bookstore, and buy a book. I find a hidden passageway. They were once used by silk workers to transport their goods. It's like stepping back in time.
- 16:00 - Lost in a Chocolate Shop: I stumble upon a chocolate shop. I cannot walk past. I get a decadent dark chocolate. Now, I am very happy.
- 17:00 - The Return to Saint-Priest: Back on the train, heading back to the Quick Palace. My feet hurt like hell. I love Lyon. I really, really do. But the day also feels like a marathon.
- 19:00 - Dinner Disaster Debrief: Dinner in Saint-Priest feels sad. I order from the same restaurant again. The food has been… better. I feel very tired.
- 21:00 - Book, Bed, and a Promise: Tonight, I promise myself. I will start to plan properly, and get more organization in my visit. Now, Time for sleep.
Day 3: The Gastronomic Gauntlet (and a Possible Breakdown)
- 08:00 - Coffee and Resolve: Alright, new day. The coffee in that vending machine isn't getting better. Going to go find a proper coffee in the city, today. Also, a proper breakfast. No more dry croissants for me. This is a culinary mission.
- 09:30 - Market Madness: Another train ride. Destination: Les Halles Paul Bocuse – HEAVEN! Okay, it's a bit overwhelming at first. So many smells, so many tempting treats. I spend ages just wandering around, taking it all in, sampling the food. Everything from oysters to cheeses, to patis. I want to eat it all! I am definitely going to leave completely broke, and maybe a little sick.
- 11:00 - The Cheese Coma: Okay, I sampled a lot of cheese. Maybe a little bit too much. I'm starting to feel… heavy. And a bit… nauseous. I need water.
- 12:00 - Lunch at a Bouchon - Part Deux (and More Wine): I find a bouchon. A real one, this time. I am going to eat a lunch of local delicacies, to try to revive myself.
- 14:00 - Walking off the Pain: Okay, definitely overdid it on the cheese. Time to walk. I head to the Parc de la Tête d'Or, one of the biggest city parks in Europe. It's beautiful. The air is fresh, the sun is shining, and I feel almost human again.
- 16:00 - The Desperate Chocolate Hunt (Again): After the Cheese, I need Chocolate. I track down the same Chocolate Shop from the day before. I buy a new piece of dark chocolate.
- 17:00 - The Existential Train Ride: Back on the train to Saint-Priest. I start to wonder if the trip is worth it. I am exhausted, I am alone. I am homesick.
- 19:00 - Dinner Debauchery (Maybe): Going back outside for dinner is too much. I may order room service. Or just raid the vending machine. I eat the chocolates. I start writing in my journal.
- 21:00 - Final Day, or More? I check my flight and I decide to stay another day. I want to go to the cinema. I want to see everything. I don't want to leave here.
Day 4: Goodbye, Lyon!
- 08:00 - Breakfast Blues: Goodbye breakfast at the Quick Palace. The juice still hasn't improved.
- 09:00 - Coffee Rescue: Finally, a decent coffee! I go out and find a cute cafe in the city center. This is a start to my day.
- 10:00 - The Cinema: I go to cinema and watch a good movie, at least I understand the plot. This is a small victory.
- 12:00 - Last Lunch: I have to taste this last meal. This time, I am organized. I go to a popular restaurant, and I select this one as my favorite.
- 14:00 - Last Walk: I have to
Lyon's Hidden Gem: Quick Palace Saint-Priest - Unbelievable! - Seriously, What *Is* This Place? FAQs
1. Okay, Let's Just Rip the Band-Aid Off: What's the Deal with "Quick Palace?"
Alright, alright, I get it. You're looking at "Quick Palace Saint-Priest" and thinking... *what in the name of Gouda is this place*? Well, strap in, buttercup, because it's... an experience. Imagine the budget hotel lovechild of a discount airline terminal and a futuristic car wash. Honestly, it feels less like a hotel and more like a strategically placed pit stop on the highway of life. It's a place for the *quick* and the *tired*, hence, QUICK Palace. And yes, the whole "Unbelievable!" thing? Well, that's... debatable. We'll get to that.
2. So, Is It Actually *Quick*? Like, Do I Have Time to Breathe?
The name doesn't lie! Check-in? Faster than you can say "bonjour!" Seriously, the process is so streamlined, you might accidentally wander out with the wrong key (unless you're me, of course, who once spent a solid five minutes staring blankly at the electronic door lock, convinced I'd locked myself out even before getting *in*… pure genius). Check-out? Even quicker. They’re like, "Keys? Bye!" It's efficient, which is a definite plus when you're absolutely wrecked from travel. But also kind of... clinical. Like you're a data entry point more than a guest.
3. The Rooms: What's the Vibe? More Airport Hotel or… Actually Livable?
Okay, deep breath. The rooms... they're… compact. Think of a tiny, slightly claustrophobic spaceship cabin. But hey, it's clean (mostly – and I say that with a *significant* side-eye reserved for a rogue hair I once found clinging stubbornly to a pillowcase, which, admittedly, wasn't *my* hair, so I quickly judged it and moved on). The beds? Firm. Very firm. So firm, in fact, that I'm pretty sure they double as medieval torture devices. (Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic. But bring a good lumbar pillow.) The decor? Minimalist. Like, *really* minimalist. If you enjoy staring at bare walls and contemplating the existential dread of modern life, you're in luck! But again, let me emphasize... it's CLEAN, and that's a HUGE win for a budget place.
4. The Bathroom… Don't Leave Me Hanging! - Is There *Actually* Water?
Hah! That's the million-euro question, isn't it? Yes, there's water. And it's (usually) hot. The bathroom is basically a wet room situation – imagine a tiny, all-in-one pod of functionality. The shower? Gets the job done. Don't expect a rainforest experience; think more of a "power wash" for the weary traveler. I'll be honest, the first time I showered there, I almost tripped over the tiny, slightly uneven floor. But hey... you emerge clean! And considering the price point, it's a win in my book. Just pack some serious anti-slip footwear.
5. Breakfast - A Crucial Question! Is There Any Food Involved That Doesn't Come Out of a Vending Machine?
Okay, this is where the *real* adventure begins. Forget gourmet croissants and artisanal coffee. Breakfast at Quick Palace is... a *choice.* (Or possibly a punishment, depending on your mood.) You're looking at a buffet situation, and let's just say the definition of "buffet" here is... *flexible.* You're getting your essentials: bread – probably pre-sliced and slightly stale, a spread of butter, jam, and maybe, just maybe, some pre-packaged pastries that look suspiciously like they've been through World War III. Coffee? Strong. Black. And probably brewed sometime around the Cretaceous period. But hey, it's fuel! And it *is* included, so... silver linings, people! Silver linings!
6. Location, Location, Location! Is It Actually *In* Lyon, or Somewhere in Another Dimension?
Saint-Priest. Right. It's… technically in the suburbs of Lyon. So, not *exactly* smack-dab in the city center. You're looking at a bit of a commute. Public transport is your friend (the tram is surprisingly efficient). Think of it as a warm-up for your Lyon adventures! You get to see the "real" Lyon, you know? The one beyond the tourist traps, the one where people actually, you know, *live*. Plus, I've found some killer little boulangeries in Saint-Priest during my trips there. So, not a total loss. Just factor in the travel time.
7. Parking - Don't Make Me Rage! Is It Possible To Park?
Parking! Ah, a source of endless joy and frustration... well, okay, mostly frustration for me. But the Quick Palace usually has parking. Usually. Sometimes it's a small, enclosed area, sometimes it is roadside, I hate road-side parking, to be honest. But even when there is roadside parking, it is usually quite close, never a problem, which is a massive plus! I wouldn't want to have to lug my massive suitcase from another block! Seriously, though, check ahead and be prepared to potentially circle the block. But at least you won't have to sell your kidney to pay for it.
8. The Staff - Are They Secret Robots?
The staff? They're efficient. They're friendly (mostly). They get the job done. They're the unsung heroes of the *quick* experience. I had one incredibly frazzled experience checking in one time. My luggage was lost, I was running late, and the only thing I was craving was a shower. The desk clerk, bless her soul, was unflappable. She dealt with my frantic flailing with a calm smile and an impressive command of English. Then, somehow, miraculously, she found a spare travel toothbrush for me. I’m not entirely convinced she wasn't an angel in disguise.
9. The Unbelievable - Is It? What Am I Missing?
Right, the big question! Is it *unbelievable* in a good way? Honestly? No. Not really. I mean, it's not a luxury resort. It's not going to win any design awards. But it *is* a clean, functional, and affordable place to lay your weary head. Unbelievable? Maybe in the sense that you can stay somewhere decent for such a low price! It is *undeniably* quick. I think the "unbelievable" part is just marketing hyperbole, I guess. But if you're on a budget, or just looking for a no-frills, practical option, and you don’t need to be pampered, it’sHidden Stay
