Appartement L’Ill au Sable

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Appartement L’Ill au Sable? The name actually makes perfect sense once you’re standing on that little quai looking out at the Ill River – there’s this sandy quality to the embankment that locals have called “au sable” for centuries, and honestly, it’s one of those details that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something authentically Strasbourgeois rather than just another tourist trap.

The location is pretty much unbeatable if you want to feel like you’re living in Strasbourg rather than just visiting it. You’re literally steps from the Cathedral (I mean, you can hear the bells without them being obnoxious), but you’re tucked away on this quieter stretch of the Ill where locals actually jog in the mornings and walk their dogs in the evenings. The Petite France area is maybe a seven-minute walk downstream, and – here’s something most people don’t realize – you can actually follow the water all the way there along these little pedestrian paths that most tourists never find. Parking can be a bit tricky in this part of the old town, but there’s usually space along Quai Saint-Nicolas if you don’t mind a short walk.

What really sold me on this place was how it manages to feel both historic and livable. The building itself has that classic Alsatian character – you know, those timber details and the kind of thick walls that keep things cool in summer – but inside it’s been updated thoughtfully. The kitchen actually works (I made coffee every morning and even attempted some local pastries from the Saturday market at Place Kléber), and the bathroom doesn’t feel like an afterthought squeezed into some medieval corner. The windows facing the quai let in this gorgeous light in the afternoon, though you might want to crack them open in the evenings because the old radiators can get a bit enthusiastic. There’s something genuinely peaceful about falling asleep to the sound of the river, especially after you’ve spent the day navigating the tourist crowds around the Cathedral and Maison Kammerzell. I stayed there during the Christmas markets season – which, let’s be honest, is when Strasbourg gets absolutely mobbed – and it felt like having a calm refuge while still being close enough to pop back for vin chaud whenever the mood struck.

Visitors often choose Strasbourg apartments over traditional hotels because they provide more space, kitchen facilities, and the opportunity to live like a local in this magnificent European capital.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $185. One-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Terrific location lovely little unit – Debbie from Australia – 13 July 2025 (10/10)

  Great location helpful responsive owner
  
  What could be improved: Stairs to get were steep to get up with bags but we were aware of this prior to arrival.

• Location could not hVe – Janelle from Australia – 13 May 2025 (10/10)

  The location was perfect! The host also left us a map to use, which was very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing that could have been better was if all the instructions (like washer/dryer) were written in English as well as French.

• Great experience, in every aspect! – Valentina from Serbia – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  The flat was really comfortable and we had EVERYTHING what we needed.
  Perfect location, in the old city, close to all the museums, attractions. The owners were really responsive and helped us in whatever we needed. Big big recomendatuon! If I come again, I'd like to be on the same flat.
  
  What could be improved: –

• A cute authentic apartment spiral staurcase. The excellent quiet location is wonderful. The cathedral, restaurants, stor – Antonio from Australia – 28 April 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Very nice for a short trip to strasbourg – Maximilan from Germany – 17 March 2025 (10/10)

  The location of the appartement is perfect, could not be better.
  It offers all amenities you could need
  
  And it is very close to the tampopo brocante japonais, one of the coolest stores ever if you like anything japan-related.
  
  What could be improved: If you have very big luggage, the spiral staircase to the appartement may be difficult to climb.
  For us it was no problem.

• Fantastic, well-equipped apartment in a beautiful, quiet location close to the cathedral. – Heather from Switzerland – 10 March 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location but quiet, which is much appreciated. The apartment has a comfy bed and everything else you need for a wonderful stay in Strasbourg!

• Perfectly-situated and very comfortable apartment. All you need for a fantastic stay in Strasbourg! – Heather from Switzerland – 27 January 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic, quiet location and the apartment is very warm and inviting.

• Comfy apartment close to old town, restaurants and train station – Simone from Australia – 5 January 2025 (10/10)

  Very close to city
  Eat yo get to from train station
  Warm and comfy
  Nice and helpful hosts

• Great location with easy $15 taxi from train, better than walking with luggage. – Jennifer from United States – 18 December 2024 (10/10)

  The hosts are very responsive. Responded quickly when smoke detector battery would not stop chirping.
  
  What could be improved: Instructions for glassware was unclear. It says on check out to place glasswares in container outside. What it actually meant to say was recycle glass bottles in the container up the street.

• The best stay in Strasbourg – Alexandra from Greece – 10 December 2024 (10/10)

  Perfect location in the old town. Very well equipment. in the centre of the markets.Everything in a walking distance.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

SURROUNDINGS