Ibis Strasbourg Centre Historique

Surrounding canals dress up the Ibis' block exteriors, while bright interiors are edgy and inviting. Open-plan spaces are outfitted in the chain's signature reds, blacks, and whites, and segmented blond woods jazz up the lobby's welcoming lounge. Cozy sofas here sit alongside chairs, TV screens, and a foosball table, and showcase the brand's fun, modern vibe. Scribble motifs are fun under the bar's hanging lamps, and industrial accents continue in the canteen-style restaurant, where oversized culinary photography are cutely accented by chalkboards. A small outdoor terrace here offers an al fresco spot. Strasbourg's political significance and beautiful historic areas draw a mixed crowd, but note, rates here soar during European Parliament calendar dates. 

Opposite an administrative building, the hotel's large street has a somewhat anonymous feel, but cross-river walks offer quick access to Strasbourg's picturesque offerings. The famous Barrage Vauban dam and Covered Bridges are a seven-minute walk, and both lead to Petite France's half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, two minutes farther. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is four minutes on foot, and its tram stop shortens 18-minute walks to Strasbourg Cathedral. Tram rides take around 28 minutes for the European Parliament and Botanical Gardens. Plenty of restaurants are nearby, and shopping streets around Place Kleber are a 15-minute walk. A supermarket is a two-minute walk. Strasbourg TGV train station is 10 minutes on foot. It's a 17-minute drive, or 24-minute tram ride from Strasbourg Airport.

Rooms refurbished in 2016 are contemporary, albeit minimalist, losing the lobby's quirky flair. Light woods forming desks and exposed shelving have lackluster chain aspects, as do white walls and bedding, but gray or warm earth tones in accent walls and drapes help them from feeling too sterile. Amenities include phones, flat-screen TVs, and AC, and bedside and desk-level electrical outlets are handy. However, rooms lack tea- and coffee-making facilities, fridges, and safes. Reception can store valuables. Tiny bathrooms have plastic green sinks, stall showers with liquid soap dispensers, well-lit mirrors, towels, and hairdryers. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. Street views turn prettier in rooms overlooking the historic center and Strasbourg Cathedral. All have free Wi-Fi, and are mostly quiet. Connecting and accessible rooms are available.

Considering the budget price, features here are sufficient, although some travelers may be disappointed there's no gym on-site. The 24-hour lobby lounge, where red and black sofas accompany bar stools, offers wines, spirits, coffee, soft drinks, and snacks. Pointing to the region's famous wines, a large wooden barrel welcomes guests at the Ibis Kitchen Restaurant. Here, a continental breakfast buffet (fee) is served and includes fresh breads and pastries with jams, traditional cakes, cold meats and cheeses, eggs, cereals, yogurts, and fruits. Tea, coffee, and juice come standard. Buffet options accompany a la carte lunches and dinners, where French-inspired menus range from salads and steaks, to "tartes flambees" (Alsace-style pizzas). Limited terrace seating offers outdoor dining, weather-permitting. Four meeting rooms can hold up to 50 people, theater-style, and audiovisual equipment is provided. Chalkboards displaying internet buzz words point to the lobby's free-to-use computers, and online or express check-in/out is available. There are no kid-centric amenities, although the lounge has a foosball table. Pets can stay for a fee. While on-site parking is free, its limited availability is the biggest source of complaints, although 900 paid spaces are available nearby. Wi-Fi is free throughout.