When I moved to Alsace in 2019, I had no idea how much there was to do. I was immediately enamored with the charming towns and picturesque landscapes.
So, of course, I set out to explore as much of the region as I could. And over the years, I’ve stayed in a lot of places.
In this guide, I will share my top recommendations on where to stay in Alsace. It’s organized by town with a list of pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.
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Strasbourg
Strasbourg is the economic and cultural capital of Alsace. It’s a bustling city full of history, with its charming old town and iconic cathedral.
It might look small on the map, but it has a lot of big city amenities.
And, if you’re looking for a base to explore Alsace, Strasbourg is a great option. Its central train station connects to many other towns in the region, so it’s easy to do day trips.
There are also lots of options to rent a car or a bike.
Pros
- Big city amenities
- Active nightlife
- Easy to get to and from
- Lots of museums, cafes, and restaurants
Cons
- Crowded during the high season
- Lacks small-town vibes
- Not as pretty as some of the smaller towns
Best Hotels in Strasbourg
There are a lot of places to stay in Strasbourg. Below, I will share my top three hotels. (For a breakdown of every neighborhood, check out my complete guide on where to stay.)
- Hôtel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery: This is my favorite hotel in Strasbourg. It’s centrally located but away from the main crowds. The rooms are beautiful and the staff are helpful.
- Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D’or: Located in Strasbourg’s La Petite France, this hotel is perfect if you want a fairy-tale getaway. Rooms are cozy, and the breakfast is delicious.
- Aloft Strasbourg Etoile: This is the best budget option in town. It’s outside the city center, but I loved my stay here. The staff are helpful and the beds are comfortable.
Colmar
Colmar is another great option. And it has a lot of advantages over Strasbourg.
For one, it has more of a small-town vibe, and the colorful half-timbered houses are incredible.
But what I like most about Colmar is its location. It’s near some of the prettiest villages in the region, like Riquewihr and Eguisheim.
Plus, it has several transportation options to get to these towns, which can be difficult if you don’t have a car.
From April to October, the Kutzig Bus runs regularly, and, during Christmas, the Navettes de Noël circulate through the markets.
If neither is in operation, the public bus is an option, or you can rent a bike.
Helpful Tip: Most transportation options in Alsace are seasonal. So, make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Pros
- Small-town vibe
- Picturesque
- Great transport options
Cons
- Feels overcrowded during peak tourist season
- Lack of nightlife options
Best Hotels in Colmar
Below are the hotels I recommend in Colmar.
- Hotel Saint-Martin: This is the best place I’ve stayed in Colmar. It’s on Grand Rue, but the rooms are soundproof. Plus, the breakfast is delicious.
- Coquet Studio Colmar Centre: This centrally located studio apartment has everything to make you feel at home.
- Colmar Hotel: Located next to the train station, this hotel is perfect if you plan on making a day trip. The staff are friendly and the breakfast is fantastic.
Sélestat
Sélestat might not be on your radar, but let me assure you, this little town has a lot to offer.
It’s between Strasbourg and Colmar and is easily accessible by train.
Granted, it doesn’t have as many transportation options as Colmar, but there are public buses that go to towns like Riquewihr.
It’s also where you’ll find the shuttle to Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.
Helpful Tip: To give you an idea of what is possible, I have biked from Sélestat to Kaysersberg, following the Alsace Wine Route.
Pros
- Less touristy compared to Strasbourg and Colmar
- Authentic Alsatian charm
- Quaint cafes and restaurants
Cons
- Limited accommodation options
- Lack of nightlife
- Not as picturesque
Best Hotels in Sélestat
Here are the top hotels I recommend in Sélestat.
- Appartement de la Noblesse – designed by C.M: This centrally located apartment has everything you need to make you feel at home.
- Gîte du Figuier 4 à 6 personnes Sélestat Centre-Alsace: This two-bedroom apartment is great for families who want something quiet. It’s also located on the prettiest street in Sélestat.
- La Parenthese Alsacienne au Coeur de Sélestat: This beautifully redesigned apartment has tons of amenities. Plus, parking is nearby.
Kaysersberg
There are a lot of small, picturesque towns that are great to stay in, but Kaysersberg is my favorite. (Over the years, I’ve stayed here four times.)
Located on the Alsace Wine Route, this town is known for its charming half-timbered houses and traditional Christmas markets. There’s also a lot to do here.
It doesn’t have a train station, but it’s close enough to Colmar that you can bike. And, while having a car would make getting around easier, it’s not necessary.
The Kutzig Bus, Navettes de Noël, and the public bus all stop by Kaysersberg.
Pros
- Beautiful architecture
- Picturesque setting with the Vosges Mountains in the background
- Great for exploring the Alsace Wine Route
Cons
- Touristy, it can get crowded during peak season
- Limited accommodation options
- Lack of nightlife
Best Hotels in Kaysersberg
Here are my top hotel recommendations in Kaysersberg.
- Hotel KLE, Kaysersberg: This beautiful hotel has well-designed, spacious rooms. The breakfast is delicious and the staff is helpful.
- Relais et Châteaux Le Chambard: If you want to add luxury to your stay, this is the hotel for you. The rooms are comfortable and there’s an indoor pool, which is perfect anytime of year.
- Hôtel les Remparts: This gorgeous hotel is located on the prettiest street in town. The rooms are comfortable, and they offer free parking.
Obernai
Located on the Alsace Wine Route, Obernai offers a more laid-back and authentic experience compared to other towns in the region.
Plus, it’s only a 45-minute train ride from Strasbourg.
Here, you can rent a bike and explore the area or put on your hiking boots and take on one of the many trails in the nearby Vosges mountains.
Helpful Tip: There are two bike rental companies in Obernai – Vel’O and Cycl-Hop.
I’ve stayed in Oberani quite a few times, and I love using it as a base to explore lesser-known towns like Barr and Mittelbergheim.
Pros
- Charming medieval town with half-timbered buildings
- Close to Strasbourg
- Non-touristy
Cons
- Limited accommodation options
- Lack of nightlife
- Not as picturesque as Colmar or Kaysersberg
Best Hotels in Obernai
If you’re planning to stay in Obernai, here are my top hotel recommendations.
- Hotel La Diligence: This centrally located hotel offers comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast. The staff are very helpful.
- Hotel & Spa a la Cour d’Alsace by HappyCulture: A beautiful hotel with comfy rooms and a tasty breakfast. They even have a swimming pool.
- Hotel Le Colombier: Located in Obernai’s city center, this hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms. There’s also a parking garage, gym, and sauna.
Conclusion
Despite its size, Alsace has plenty to offer in terms of accommodation. And choosing where to stay largely depends on what you want to do.
If you want bigger city amenities and enjoy nightlife, then Strasbourg is the place to be.
For a fairytale-like experience, Colmar and Kaysersberg are your best bet.
But not everybody wants to stay in these popular towns. That’s why I also recommend Obernai. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere while being close to the main attractions.
Having stayed in all the locations mentioned earlier, Strasbourg and Colmar are the best bases for exploring the area.
Both have excellent transport options and enough amenities to make your stay comfortable.
Read More Articles
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- 23 Incredible Things to Do in Colmar, France (from a Local)
- 15 Amazing Things to Do in Riquewihr
- 15 Amazing Things to Do in Eguisheim, France
- Alsace without a Car: Top 19 Things to Do (from a Local)
