The Best Boutique Hotels in Strasbourg

Step back in time at the Cour du Corbeau, one of Europe’s oldest hotels and a fine example of Renaissance architecture. The half-timbered property is a photographer’s dream and the rooms are equally as attractive. There are 63 individually-styled rooms with contemporary furnishings, some with exposed wooden beams. The slick cocktail bar offers an elegant spot to kick back, while the courtyard is a treat on a sunny day.

Strasbourg might not have the same reputation for romance as some of its French siblings, but there are still plenty of spots that offer a touch of magic. The Régent Petite France is one of them, perched on the River Ill in the Medieval Quarter. The former ice-mill has a spa with an outdoor hot tub, as well as a sauna and steam rooms. All of the 75 rooms have distinct colour schemes and furniture spanning various eras. La Pont Tourant, which overlooks the river Ill, serves Alsace cuisine.

This hotel is on the doorstep of the serene Orangerie Park and the European Parliament. Art is a central theme of the 27-room Garrigae Villa La Florangerie, which also comes with feature walls behind all of the beds, matching colour schemes and quirky lighting fixtures. The balconies overlook the outdoor pool and large spa with its hot tubs, treatment rooms and a sauna.

Once a bourgeois villa, each of the 10 rooms feels like it belongs to a different hotel. Materials have been chosen carefully to create a specific atmosphere in each of the rooms, which all have exposed timber, rain showers and locally sourced bathroom products. The bar has an expansive wine and cheese menu and Orangerie Park is just seconds away.

Le Bouclier d’Or (The Golden Shield) is a very regal sounding name which is fitting for this 16th-century house. Exterior turrets and panelled ceilings gel perfectly with historic Petite France and nearby Barrage Vauban (dam). The subterranean Ecrin du Bien-Etre Spa features hydro-massage showers, whirlpool tubs and treatment rooms, and the rooms themselves are filled top to bottom with vintage furniture and creature comforts.

The Les Haras was converted from a set of abandoned 18th-century stables in 2014 by Parisian designers Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku. The results are astonishing. The lounge area looks like the offices of some emergent tech giant and everywhere you look brass and oak reign supreme. The brasserie-style restaurant is run by a three Michelin starred chef, while other highlights include a 17-metre indoor pool, hammam, a relaxation room and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.

The Château de Pourtalès is in the northern part of Strasbourg, near the bank of the Rhine and Tarpans Island park. The grand property comprises three buildings, which have been graced by famed musicians, scholars and writers over the centuries. Some rooms are more classical than others but offer antique-style furnishings and period features. The chateau’s stables have been converted into an elegant wellness area, with a sauna, relaxation areas and treatment areas to indulge in.

When it comes to location, Hotel D hits the spot. This four-star property in downtown Strasbourg is located within walking distance of the main historical landmarks and the best shopping in the city. The European Quarter is just minutes away via the convenient tram or bus network – or self-service rental bicycles. The attention to detail and stylish decor is second to none. The breakfasts here are a treat and other perks include a gym, sauna, a relaxation room with heated recliners and massage treatment rooms.

A refined atmosphere greets you the moment you arrive at the Hotel Maison Rouge, with its original stained glass, elegant furniture decorated with Spindler marquetry, Hannong faience porcelain and a Zuber painting in the breakfast room. The four-star property is located slap bang in the centre of town, a stone’s throw from Place Kléber pedestrian area and the main shops, restaurants and markets. It’s also on the tram route just two stops or 12 minutes on foot from the high-speed train station.

Experience Strasbourg’s alternative side at the Hotel Graffalgar where each room has been uniquely decorated by graffiti artists. The urban and modern spirit behind the concept is present in every element of the design and the services offered. The artists were given free rein to decorate the rooms and the inspiration for each work came from sources as diverse as the optical art of Swen Inkub in room 203 to the origami light and shadow of room 101 by Monsta. The common areas encourage guests to mingle so you’re bound to leave here with some new travel buddies.

The two-star Hotel Suisse offers great value and a perfect location. It is directly across from the cathedral – so close, you can see the spire from some of the rooms. The hotel is friendly and cosy and full of character having been decorated in traditional shabby-chic Alsace touches. For pastry lovers, the cafe on the ground floor – where a generous buffet breakfast is served – is worth a pilgrimage for a slice of its legendary Kughelhopf.

If you’re looking for peace in the city, check into the Hôtel Villa d’Est. This charming property has a welcoming ambience, with individually-styled rooms and a tranquil outdoor terrace. To upgrade your experience, check into a suite and relax in a corner tub or pay for a session in the sauna. A bountiful buffet is served each morning in the breakfast room and it’s a 20-minute walk to the historical centre.

Located between the university and the cathedral, the Hotel Roses offers a prime location to explore the town. Guests appreciate the simplicity and convivial charm of this small scale two-star hotel. Each room has been designed to evoke the personalities or events associated with different varieties of roses, such as Souvenir of Marcel Proust or Edgar Degas.

This stunning 19th-century mansion enjoys character details throughout, such as a lovely period skylight in the central staircase, patterned parquet flooring and wall panels in the breakfast room, not to mention the impressive façade. Located on the banks of the river, it is a convenient base to explore all the main places of interest in the city.