Hotel Le Bouclier d'Or

Housed in a 16th
century building with a rich history, the four-story hotel immerses its guests with
Old World elegance without feeling stuffy. A red-carpet lined
street entrance leads guests into a lovely outdoor courtyard that's framed by
slate-tile roofs and brightly painted walls. A small lawn and several bistro-style
tables make the courtyard an inviting space for tea service or just relaxing. Once
inside, guests are treated to an impressive collection of antique furniture,
period artwork, parquet wood floors, brass chandeliers and heavy drapes in rich
colors of red and gray. The dining area where breakfast is served has the feel
of a fine French restaurant accented by a crystal chandelier, richly
upholstered furniture and a large traditional hunting scene painted on one
wall. The intimate bar has a rich wood back, mounted deer head and deep red
leather stools. The tea area is equally intimate and elegant with red couches
and chairs and large portraits. The ancient stone staircase spiraling up from the
first floor, unearthed during the recent renovation, reminds guests of the
property’s deep history. Classic stone sculptures on
pedestals grace both outside and inside public spaces, and lots of windows
ensure that the classically decorated hotel does not feel too dark. The
intimate spa feels both ancient and new with an original stone, curved ceiling
and modern tile walls bathed in soothing blue light. With only 22 rooms, the serene atmosphere isn't interrupted by too much noise or activity.
It’s a quiet, posh base from which to explore the city.

The Hotel Le Bouclier d’Or is located in
the city’s delightful Petite France historic district that dates back to the
Middle Ages. As such, it’s within walking distance of all the rich history and
attractions the district has to offer, including the River
III, one block away, and the gothic Cathedrale Notre Dame de
Strasbourg, just a seven-minute walk. It’s a 10-minute walk to the city’s train station and a 19-minute drive to European Parliament. Various shops, cafes, and restaurants line the
narrow streets just outside the hotel’s doors. Parking is available in the
district, but it can be tricky so ask the hotel for guidance. Valet parking is
available at the hotel as well. Charles de Gaulle airport is about four and a half hours away by car, but the local Entzheim Airport is 22 minutes away. 

Fresh from a renovation in 2012, rooms are individually
decorated and are offered in five categories. All rooms are spacious and airy with
large windows looking out either over the hotel courtyard or the city’s
historic quarter. Each features an antique armoire, writing desk and nightstands, chandelier, richly-colored, heavy drapes, and period artwork
that enhances the historic mood. Comfort and Superior Rooms have parquet
wood floors, and Superiors have more room with a sitting area furnished with two upholstered chairs and a coffee table. Modern touches include wall-mounted
flat-screen TVs, direct-line telephones, safes, media plug-ins, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and minibars with complimentary soft drinks. While the bedrooms
reflect either a traditional Alsatian or Bourgeois design, the spacious bathrooms
are decidedly modern with earth-tone tile, chocolate-brown double vanity sinks, magnifying mirrors, heated towel racks, bathrobes, stainless steel fixtures, telephones, and showers with both hand-held and
rainfall showerheads. The Superior Suite offers a distinctly different design
with old wood plank floors, exposed wood beams, and a wood spiral staircase
leading to an upstairs loft with two twin beds and skylights. Both bedrooms
have flat-screen TVs and are adorned with lovely antiques. The Superior Suite’s bathroom
also includes a large tub with whirlpool jets.

The hotel's dining area offers an extensive breakfast buffet, which
is not included in the room rate, and the tea room and bar serves tea and coffee
with pastries and canapés. Soft, live music plays at times in the tea and bar area, and, when weather permits, the hotel courtyard hosts tea
service. A spacious conference
room looking out on the courtyard is well-appointed with meeting technology. The
small, intimate spa has a sauna, steam room, cold water bath, chromotherapy and hydrotherapy
showers, whirlpool, and treatment rooms for various facial and massage
therapies. Valet parking, car rental, laundry service, and room service are
available, and guests with small children are offered baby cots, changing
stations, bottle warmers, high chairs, and choice of toys free of charge. A small
computer station for guests' use is next to the bar, and free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.