Hotel Cathedrale

Hotel Cathedrale's name adequately describes the look and location of this property right next to Strasbourg Cathedral. Charming, though sometimes dated, decor is used throughout the cathedral-inspired interiors, which also sport a few French provincial details. In the lobby, a rustic tiled floor meets red and gold accents, while in hallways gargoyles jut from the walls, or wood-beam accents mimic traditional Tudor exteriors. The breakfast room is particularly nice, with white button-tufted chairs, wood floors, and a cathedral mural spread across one wall -- a nice foil for the actual cathedral, which can be viewed from the windows on the adjacent wall. But other than the breakfast room and small bar area, this property has few other common features. It's a firmly mid-range option, but a clean and well-located one attuned to tourists, including couples and small families that can take advantage of the four-person rooms. Another note: Though there is a tiny elevator from the first floor to higher floors, the property lacks an elevator from the lobby and has lots of stairs leading to different nooks, so guests with mobility issues might want to reconsider. 

As indicated by its name, one of Hotel Cathedrale's best features is its location right across from Strasbourg Cathedral in the heart of the city. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and boutique shops in the immediate neighborhood. The area is also popular for its Christmas markets and is often bustling with tourists and street performers. Many other attractions are in walking distance including Palais Rohan and Grande-Île (a three-minute walk) and Petite-France (a 10- to 15-minute walk). The main train station is about a 15-minute walk or 10 minutes via public transit, while Strasbourg Airport is a 30-minute drive. Guests should note that this is a pedestrian area, but the Gutenberg Parking Garage is just a one-minute walk from the hotel.

Guest rooms are individually decorated in homey and traditional -- though somewhat dated -- decor. Color palettes vary from soft, pale hues like celeste blue to bold fuchsia. The focal point in most rooms is the painted walls or murals behind the beds, but in general rooms are simple with wall-to-wall carpeting and country-style wood furniture. Some rooms have wood-beam accents, others have stairs, and Cosy Rooms may have slanted ceilings. Windows tend to be small -- some overlook an internal atrium-style stairwell -- but guests rave about View Rooms, which overlook the cathedral. Bathrooms also vary, but tend to be simple with either shower stalls or combination showers and tubs.Rooms are available for two to four guests, and all have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, and gently stocked minibars, though coffee/tea service is only available in upgraded rooms. Bathrooms have hairdryers and a mix of toiletry dispensers and individual toiletries. Guests occasionally complain of noise, particularly those facing the busy cathedral square. 

While there are plenty of places to dine and shop near the hotel, on-site amenities are limited. The primary extra feature is the charming breakfast room, which has a big mural of the cathedral, and views of the real thing. A decent breakfast is served here daily, but it costs an extra fee. Breakfast room service can also be arranged. The hotel also has a small bar with a handful of stools and a little lounge nook with a couch and a few chairs. There's no full-service restaurant or gym. Reception is open 24-hours and luggage storage is possible. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free, meeting facilities are available on-site, and there's a single computer workstation with a printer for guests' use. Pets are allowed for an extra fee.