Le Colmar

Best hotel and best prices, right in the heart of Strasburg and near the train station.

The room had the bare minimum, and not even that was right. The so-called “duvet” was as thin as a blanket and smaller than the bed; the pillows were almost nonexistent, and the pillowcases had holes. The bathroom was basic, the shower badly in need of a refresh, and there was no toilet paper. The only wall light didn’t work, and there was no bathroom light either. We ended up relying on a pathetic floor lamp with no shade. We were given just one large bath towel for two, and the shower door hit the toilet and only opened a third of the way. When we opened it, a cigarette butt fell in front of us from the top of the door. It was terrifying and made us wonder how well the hotel is cleaned. The receptionist’s attitude was poor from the start. When we arrived, he said he’d almost managed to leave, but then we showed up. On the way out to explore this beautiful city, we found live and dead cockroaches in the stairwell. There was also a pervasive cigarette smell throughout the hotel and corridors. The next day, don’t bother going to reception before 8:00 AM. The same receptionist said that because of us he couldn’t go to the bakery, so he’d have to wait in line later and would almost certainly open reception late. We arrived at 7:55 AM, after all. When I explained the problems, he was even more unpleasant. He said the light issue was “normal” because the system had burned out and needed parts replaced, though it was just a wall light with a bulb. I wonder how long it had been broken. About the cigarette butt and the rest, he said, “I'm not going to call my manager for that, a goodwill gesture... €10 is the most I can offer.” He kept up the questionable jokes and rudeness, then said goodbye in an icy tone that made it seem we’d annoyed him. Sir, after all your negative comments about this profession, it may be time for a career change. I work in the hotel industry myself and have rarely seen anything like it. For a small budget or a simple stopover, you can find SO MUCH BETTER than this hotel at this price. I’m very, very disappointed. I’m asking the manager, who apparently hasn’t heard my complaints, to offer a more significant goodwill gesture.

The breakfast was generous, with fresh bread, organic jams, and more, and the staff were very welcoming and friendly. Our stay was pleasant. The hotel is affordable and in a fantastic spot, just a 10-minute walk from the city center. The rooms are nice, and there’s a lively atmosphere, but the noise isn’t unbearable; the hotelier seems to keep an eye on it. I recommend it for a short stay.

The room view and the young woman who welcomed us on April 29 were the only things that deserved 5 stars. Otherwise, what a horrible, unfortunate stay: the place smelled of tobacco, cleaning seemed to be done with vinegar, and there were dogs and babies in the background on every floor. I know it isn’t a 5-star hotel, but saying hello isn’t hard.