Comfort Hotel Strasbourg Ouest

Although style and extra amenities are lacking here, the Comfort Hotel provides homey and traditional French interiors. The terra-cotta tiled lobby has a mix of tufted red leather couches, floral-print drapes, and colorful displayed ceramics. An open layout connects reception with the rustic restaurant, where brass musical instruments are displayed on the wood-beam ceiling and chandeliers hang down. Outdoor terraces in the small garden are lovely, and al fresco dining is popular (weather permitting). Compromising out-of-town location for the value price tag, families join corporate travelers here, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The hotel has an elevator. Note, rates rise during European Parliament calendar dates. The front desk closes each night (midnight to 6 a.m. during our stay), when electronic keypad entry affords secure access.

While the property's map pin says "middle of nowhere", and immediate surroundings offer little, the hotel's location still has a lot going for it. The nearby A35 highway connects German and Swiss borders via Strasbourg, and the city's political and historic attractions are easily accessible. The nearest Montagne Verte station is a five-minute walk, and Tram B from here runs to central Strasbourg's TGV station in nine minutes. The half-timbered houses of medieval Petite France are a 14-minute tram ride, and 15th-century Maison Kammerzell here is worth a visit. Strasbourg Cathedral is two minutes farther. Despite regular trams, many guests opt for the 25-minute riverfront walk into town, and cycle paths along banks are also great. All destinations are accessible by car. Strasbourg International Airport is a 16-minute drive, or 40 minutes by public transport.

Simple and small, even by European standards, rooms are clean, comfortable, and come in Singles, Twins, and Doubles. Wood floors, basic wood furniture, beds topped with white or pale-blue comforters, toile drapes, and small framed artwork are the design throughout. Amenities include phones, desks, wall-mounted satellite flat-screen TVs, and kettles for tea- and coffee-making, but there are no fridges or AC. Exposed rails and shelving offer limited storage space, and tiny bathrooms face similar issues. Their stall showers are tiny, but wall-dispensed soaps, and daily replaced towels provide all the essentials. Nearby highway noise is audible, but not overwhelming, and rooms facing the parking lot are quieter. Parking lot or rooftop views are hardly inspiring, although greenery is visible. Wi-Fi is free in rooms, with good speed and steady signal.

Features are limited, but sufficient for the budget price. At a fee, the buffet breakfast offers fresh baguette and grain breads, pastries with jams, cereals, and fresh fruit, plus yogurt. An array of brightly colored candy is peculiar, but popular, and boiled or scrambled eggs are also on offer. Tea, coffee, juice and Cremant sparkling wines come standard. La Louisiane restaurant is strongly influenced by the region's sauerkraut dishes and Munster cheeses, although kids' menus offer burgers and fries, plus varied ice creams and sorbets. Plastic garden seating provides a charming alternative in the warmer months to the indoor farmhouse-like dining room. The lobby bar serves famous regional wines, as well as spirits, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. A decent-sized meeting room is equipped with projectors, monitors, and flip charts. There are no fitness or wellness facilities, although bike rentals are great for the nearby cycle paths. On-site parking is free and plentiful. Wi-Fi is free throughout.