Au bord de l’eau

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Au bord de l’eau? The name literally means “at the water’s edge,” and honestly, they weren’t kidding around with that choice. This 3-star spot sits right on Place Henri Dunant – and I mean, you’re basically a two-minute walk from the Ill River and those gorgeous tree-lined quays that make Strasbourg feel more like a fairy tale than a real city. The location is actually pretty brilliant because you’re close enough to hear the gentle sounds of water at night (which I found surprisingly soothing), but far enough from the main tourist chaos around the cathedral that you can actually get some sleep.

The hotel itself has this understated charm that grows on you. It’s not trying to be flashy or boutique-y, which I appreciated – just solid, comfortable rooms with that particular French attention to detail that means your bathroom products actually smell nice and the bed linens feel crisp. The staff genuinely seemed to know their stuff about the city, too. When I asked about getting to Petite France without dealing with crowds, the woman at reception didn’t just point me toward the obvious route – she sketched out this little path along Quai des Bateliers that locals use. That’s the kind of insider knowledge you don’t get at chain hotels, you know? The breakfast spread was better than I expected for a 3-star place, with proper croissants (not those sad pre-packaged ones) and local jams that actually tasted like fruit.

What really sold me on this place, though, was how it felt like a genuine base for exploring Strasbourg rather than just somewhere to crash. You’re walking distance from the European Parliament if that’s your thing, but more importantly, you’re positioned perfectly for wandering the old town’s winding streets without your feet screaming by dinnertime. The 8.1 rating makes total sense – it’s not perfect (the elevator is definitely showing its age, and street-facing rooms can get a bit noisy during morning rush hour), but it delivers exactly what you want from a solid city hotel. Plus, parking in this part of Strasbourg is notoriously tricky, but they actually have arrangements with a nearby garage that won’t completely destroy your budget. I mean, it’s still European city parking prices, but at least you’re not circling the block for an hour with your luggage melting in the backseat.

Strasbourg hotels range from charming boutique properties in the historic Petite France district to elegant converted mansions and modern accommodations near the European Parliament.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $88. One-Bedroom Apartment with 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 3

Reviews

• Quite good – Shang from Taiwan – 27 June 2025 (8/10)

  Good view beside the river
  
  What could be improved: Without air conditioner

• Location and space was wonderful, the managing team was not available when we needed it – Linda from United States – 21 May 2025 (7/10)

  The location was terrific. My friend and I were able to have separate bedrooms by setting up the futon in the common area. We enjoyed the apartment.
  
  What could be improved: It was difficult to communicate with the agency who manages this property. They responded to our questions with generic response texts that were frustrating, at best.

• Nice place, but exhausting check in – Rahma from Saudi Arabia – 20 May 2024 (7/10)

  Large space
  Clean
  Comfortable bed
  Perfect bathroom, hot water
  Availability of most of the daily needed facilities.
  The view was nice.
  Location in the old part of the city.
  
  What could be improved: When I arrived, I followed the instructions, but no one was answering the bill. No one opened the door, and nobody answered the number or my email,
  I were outside for 4hrs, because I had an early train trip, I arrived early, there were no flexibility in the check in or even litting me enter my luggages only, I had to stay for 4 hrs in the nearest coffeehouse with my luggages,
  After that, nobody opened the door at check-in time!
  This was very unhelpful.
  
  Also, I had trouble lefting my luggage alone up through the tiny stairs!
  
  No air conditioning or fan

• Superb – Chris from United States – 8 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location on the water and right next to the shops and restaurants. Parking was available. Plenty of room for 2 people. A very good place to stay.
  
  What could be improved: A little difficult to get a suitcase up the tight winding staircase.

• Apartment in Strasbourg – Margaret from United Kingdom – 1 May 2025 (8/10)

  The apartment was in a great location. It was a short walk from the train station the tram's and the centre of the town which was great to visit places of historical interest and shops. The view from the apartment was lovely looking over the canal. It was very comfortable and had everything you needed including a iron which is a great plus
  
  What could be improved: This was our first time booking via cotoon as we are used to dealing directly with the owners.We felt dealing through Cotoon somewhat impersonal. The floorboards in all rooms extremely creaky which we felt may disturb residents below although we did understand it was an old building.

• Lovely location and despite the above had a lovely time. Would stay there again if issues sorted. – Kim from United Kingdom – 12 December 2024 (8/10)

  Excellent location overlooking the River Ille.
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately on the first night (Thursday) we were woken by one of the shutters which had blown down against the window and was left hanging by one fixture. Also there were no cups/mugs for tea/coffee. Easy to contact Cotoon but this was not fixed during our stay. They did bring two cups (Friday) but broke one in transit so they left only one. We had to take turns having a hot drink!! Given that there are two single beds and a sofa bed I can't understand why there are not at least 4 cups/mugs. No lights in the courtyard (a resident said these had not been working for approx 2 years) so on returning in the evening it was pitch black and easy to miss the steps.

• Very good – Jeffrey from United States – 17 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location was great
  
  What could be improved: The 300 Euro deposit, the multiple emails about the deposit even after the deposit was secured.
  
  I tried multiple times to contact the management to confirm the deposit since the number of emails.
  
  Tried to contact the management to get the wifi information with no answer.

• Lovely comfortable apartment in La Petite France – Maret from Canada – 8 June 2024 (9/10)

  Excellent location, easy walk to many restaurants, shopping, supermarket. Nice view of the canal. Bright, comfortable apt. Lots of useful information in the digital welcome package
  
  What could be improved: A non-slip mat or strips in the bathtub would be helpful when showering. Just a suggestion!

• Super location with wonderful view! – Rachael from United Kingdom – 8 April 2025 (10/10)

  Superb location, wonderfully quite and clean.
  The view over the river is fantastic.
  
  Communication was excellent – Instructions on how to collect keys were clear and simple. Really lovely spot – would recommend!

• Exceptional – Jordan from United States – 30 November 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location for walking and exploring Strausbourg city center. Quiet at night and peaceful. Check-in was easy to understand.

SURROUNDINGS