For Francophiles and Germanophiles, there’s no better convergence of cultures than that of Strasbourg – a fairytale city steeped in medieval history, straddling the border between the two countries. Take your pick of patisseries and delicatessens; lose yourself in one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe; or take in centuries of architecture during a stroll. Here, we round up the best hotels.
Cherry red interiors add a punchy twist to this city-centre hotel. Rooms follow a more pared-back approach, with neutral colours and breezy blues; this relaxing tone carries through to soft supersize beds with more pillows than you could possibly want. If you really want to unwind, opt for a massage at the in-house spa before retiring to your room. Plonked in the pretty Fossé des Treize in the historic heart of downtown, you’ll be within easy roaming distance of the cathedral, Palais des Rohan, quaint canals and plenty of museums.
Set inside a 19th-century mansion, this hotel exudes old-world opulence – think gilded furnishings and art nouveau flourishes in every corner, and a wood-panelled cocktail bar that harks back to the city’s medieval heyday. The old city is right on the doorstep of Régent Contades, so you won’t need to wander far to reach the cathedral and other historic sights. And if you grow tired of architecture, there’s always the option of indulging in one of several plant-based treatments in the hotel spa.
Art deco aficionados won’t know where to look here, with grand golden arches and plush velvet furnishings greeting them on arrival. The four-star Maison Rouge has been operating since 1387, so there’s often a story behind every piece of decor on display here. In the rooms, contemporary fixtures like freestanding egg-shaped bathtubs, super-fast wifi and Nespresso coffee machines bring all the necessary 21st-century elements into play. And when it’s time for some window shopping and cafe culture, the luxury boutique-lined Rue de la Mésange is just around the corner.
Originally a coaching inn that dates back to the 16th century, the Cour du Courbeau Hotel is a beautiful example of Strasbourg’s late-medieval architecture. Its privileged position by the river puts guests within short walking distance of the city’s main sights. Back in its heyday, the hotel used to have the most exclusive clientele in the country, with guests that ranged from dukes to emperors. Nowadays, it’s accessible to anyone looking for a hotel with historic character and contemporary touches in equal measure.
At Du Côte de Chez Anne, situated in a restored Alsatian house, guests will be able to immerse themselves in one of the most authentic-yet-chic environments that Strasbourg has to offer, with the opportunity to learn about the region’s heritage. The hotel’s five rooms are decorated to perfection with unique touches and beautiful features such as exposed-beam ceilings and vintage furniture. To top it all off, the hotel has a fine-dining restaurant that showcases local cuisine.
A two-star option, Hotel Suisse is more affordable than others on this list, but certainly holds its own. Family-run, the atmosphere is cosier and more personal than the bigger hotels. The rooms here have all been decorated according to local tradition, and most of them have partial views of the cathedral. The hotel also offers fun activities such as pastry-making workshops that set it apart from its competition.
This hotel also occupies a marvellous building with a historic background. Once the national stud farm, it is now one of the best boutiques in the city. Its proximity to the picturesque Petite France makes it an ideal base from which to explore all of the beautiful sights that Strasbourg has to offer. Inside, guests are sure to admire the quirky contemporary design that is seamlessly merged with original historic features, such as timber beams and trellises.
Not only does Le Bouclier d’Or serve one of the best brunches in Strasbourg, it is also a great option for a cultural stay in this wonderful city. This four-star boutique hotel is situated in what was once a 16th-century mansion, now renovated to accommodate modern needs while preserving historic characteristics. From its awe-inspiring spiral staircase to its frescoes and grand dining rooms, this hotel screams elegance from every corner, and makes for a wonderful stay.
Found in Strasbourg’s old town, this luxurious five-star establishment is decorated with warm colours and polished woodwork. Rooms are equipped with rich amenities, from king-size beds to complimentary Hermès products. The hotel’s highlight is its gourmet restaurant, where you can enjoy French cuisine that is both traditional and creative.
Located in the historic centre, this hotel is only a few metres from the beautiful cathedral and from the magnificent Palais des Rohan. Enjoy exclusive rooms that are elegantly decorated, and dine in an excellent Alsatian restaurant, where you can discover traditional cuisine from this French region in a relaxing and classy setting.
This hotel is also just minutes away from top sights such as the Strasbourg History Museum, the 15th-century cathedral, and the Petite France neighbourhood. Although the facade is on the older side, inside a delicate balance has been struck between history and contemporary design.
Courtesy of Logis Hôtel Au Cerf d'Or / Booking.com
This hotel is not just your typical Alsatian house, what with its indoor swimming pool, sauna and hot tub all easily combined with historic half-timbered aspects. The restaurant at Au Cerf d’Or pays homage to the region’s culture and serves a pretty decent array of delicious Alsatian dishes, whilst the bar is a great place to enjoy a drink or a quick snack.
Four star Hôtel Hannong gives off a minimalistic air, while still being decidedly chic; it boasts some pretty quirky features and adventurous colour palettes. One of its best amenities is the lounge bar, which has a great tapas menu as well as some excellent fine wines.
Mischa Smith contributed additional reporting to this article.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips,Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
