Hôtel de L'Europe By HappyCulture

Old-World charm meets simple, contemporary design at this former 15th-century coaching inn in the charming Petite France area of Strasbourg. The hotel's historic side is visible from the get-go with the wood beams that decorate its pale-pink exterior. Interiors are more generic, though a three-dimensional display of the city's cathedral adds some fun character. A lobby computer sits next to 24-hour pastries and a Nespresso machine, but guests will have to venture up to the bar for a seating area. The bar's wood paneling and leather armchairs create a cozy vibe, and it's a particularly friendly scene during the free evening wine hour. Although old-fashioned, hallways with original wood touches on walls, heavy oak coffered ceilings, and pretty period furniture is atmospheric. Given the limited features, the hotel mostly welcomes corporate guests and tourists who will spend most of their time outside the property.

The hotel is in the charming central area of Petite France, set in a mostly pedestrian zone, although vehicles can reach the hotel. Surrounding streets are packed with cafes, creperies, restaurants, and shops, and it's a three-minute walk to Galeries Lafayette shopping center. The main Place Kleber square is a 10-minute walk. Dating back to the 13th-century, The River III's Covered Bridges are a six-minute walk, while Notre Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral is three minutes farther, and it's the same distance for Strasbourg train station. While much of the Old Town is closed to vehicles, trams and buses run here and the nearest stops are a four-minute walk. A Monoprix supermarket is a five-minute walk. Strasbourg Airport is a 20-minute drive or 90 minutes by public transport.

Rooms at this Best Western are simple, neutral-tone affairs with contemporary decor and some pleasant touches. Expect traditional wooden furniture, wood floors, white bed linens, and small pieces of artwork, plus some add gorgeous exposed wood beams. Rooms are a squeeze, however, with Standard Rooms measuring 12 to 18 square meters (129 to 194 square feet), Superior Rooms being 18to 25 square meters (194 to 269 square feet), and Deluxe Rooms coming in at 25 to 35 square meters (269 to 377 square feet). Some Standard Rooms have carved wooden wardrobes on either side of them, which can feel claustrophobic. Also on the downside, front-facing rooms can be noisy from late-night revelers or cars, but views of traditional rooftops and the small street below are pretty. Standard amenities include small flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, desks with chairs, electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, and free bottled water. Unfortunately, only upgraded categories get minibars, robes, and slippers. Higher-category rooms also add sitting areas. Small but clean bathrooms have compact walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and wall-dispensed toiletries that are nicer in upgraded rooms (where guests get small cosmetic kits).

Typical of an urban Best Western property, amenities are limited here, as there are no full restaurant, gym, or other wellness facilities. However, a continental breakfast buffet is offered for a fee, with a spread of breads and pastries, cereals, cold meats and cheeses, yogurts, and fruits. A cheaper "express" option is also available. Breakfast is served in a pleasant, bright dining area with parquet wood floors, a white-painted wood-beam ceiling, and a couple framed antique portraits. The cozy bar serves many of the region's wines, plus free wine and regional cakes every evening (from 6 to 8 p.m. during our stay). A meeting room with a projector can hold 50 people standing (or 30 seated) and a computer is available for guests to use in the lobby. Next to the computer is a Nespresso machine and pastries, which are free 24/7. Limited garage parking is at a fee, and a back-up lot is available for overflow. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.