Carpe diem

Hotel Description

You know what caught me off guard about Carpe Diem? It’s tucked away on Boulevard de Nancy, which honestly isn’t where most tourists end up wandering, but that’s actually part of its charm. I mean, you’re still close enough to walk to Petite France in about fifteen minutes, but you get this quieter, more residential vibe that feels authentically Strasbourgeois.

The building itself has this understated elegance – not flashy four-star trying-too-hard energy, but more like someone took a classic French townhouse and thoughtfully updated it without losing its character. The lobby smells faintly of coffee and something I couldn’t quite place (maybe lavender?), and there’s this really nice natural light that streams in during the afternoon. Check-in was refreshingly smooth – the staff actually seemed to know the neighborhood well enough to give solid dinner recommendations beyond the obvious tourist spots. They pointed me toward a little winstub on Rue des Dentelles that I never would’ve found otherwise.

The rooms are comfortable without being showy, and here’s something I appreciated – the windows actually open properly, which you’d be surprised how rare that is in renovated hotels. Street noise isn’t really an issue since Boulevard de Nancy isn’t a major thoroughfare, though you will hear the occasional tram if you’re a light sleeper. What really sold me was the attention to small details that suggest someone who runs this place actually thinks about the guest experience. Good reading lights, enough outlets near the bed, shower pressure that doesn’t make you wonder if there’s a water shortage. The kind of stuff that makes you realize how often hotels get the basics wrong.

Location-wise, you’re genuinely well-positioned without being in the thick of the tourist chaos around the cathedral. There’s a Monoprix about a five-minute walk if you need basics, and you can catch the tram easily to get to the European Parliament area or deeper into the old town. Parking – well, it’s Strasbourg, so street parking is the usual headache, but there’s a public garage nearby that won’t completely destroy your budget.

The 8.4 rating makes sense to me. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s the kind of place where everything works the way it should, the staff genuinely seems to care, and you feel like you’re staying somewhere with actual personality rather than a corporate box. If you’re the type who values being able to walk to everything while still getting a decent night’s sleep, and you don’t need a rooftop pool or marble everything, Carpe Diem hits that sweet spot. Plus, there’s something satisfying about staying somewhere that locals might actually recommend to their visiting friends – which, let’s be honest, isn’t true of most hotels in tourist areas.

The concierge service in Strasbourg can arrange exclusive tours of Strasbourg Cathedral, secure reservations at traditional winstubs, and organize personalized visits to the European Parliament and UNESCO World Heritage Grande Île.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $207. Two-Bedroom Apartment with 1 double bed, 2 single beds and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 6

Reviews

• Excellent – Janette from Ireland – 30 June 2025 (9/10)

  When 1st arrived and walking to the apartment I thought oh no… BUT.. The apartment is beautiful with everything you need .. for children books, games cot highchair etc. Kitchen v well equipped . Comfortable beds. Easy check in.. host was very easy to contact before arrival… would defo come back
  
  What could be improved: All the stairs!!!!

• Very well equipped spacious and modern apartment close to train station on 4th floor ( no lift! ). – Monika from Australia – 27 June 2025 (8/10)

  Nice modern and spacious apartment close to the main train station. Very well equipped including a great coffee machine.
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately no aircon. We experienced a hot night in Strasbourg and left the windows open: loud due to proximity to train station and to tram/road. The apartment is located on the 4th floor, no lift. Be aware!! You walk through a courtyard with bins before you find the right staircase.
  A few minutes after our arrival a man knocked on the door asking for a book he left in the apartment. That was very weird!! Why didn’t he contact the host.?? We did and found out that she was aware of him. We were not sure if the door code was changed. Even the host said that we would be safe we felt uncomfortable.

• Superb – Vladimír from Czech Republic – 16 June 2025 (9/10)

  We were sent simple information about the accommodation in advance using codes. No problem.
  The apartments and all the information were as offered in Bookong. The apartment is large, very well equipped, a short walk to the center, shops and restaurants. I recommend parking Sainte-Aurélie 24/7 at the train station – it's a 2 min walk and the price is 23 euros per day. It's a quiet place. I really liked it and the children watched the trains. I highly recommend it !!!
  
  What could be improved: Stairs to the 4th floor without an elevator, but it is stated in the information – we knew it, so OK. Our children 2 and 4 years old loved going up them 🙂 🙂 🙂

• Everything is ok but not goodfor me who 60 – Chariyawadee from Thailand – 23 May 2025 (8/10)

  Good location
  
  What could be improved: No lift for 4th floor

• Very good – Yan from Germany – 12 February 2025 (8/10)

  The apartment was very comfortable. The kitchen has plenty of dishes and equipment. The beds were comfy.
  
  What could be improved: The building staircase was ancient, mouldy, and not straight. It's not ideal when you have heavy suitcases. Due to the train station's proximity, it was a little noisy during the night.

• Apartment excellent close to the centre but not in a good area. – Matthias from Germany – 30 October 2024 (7/10)

  Modern, well equipped spacious apartment
  
  What could be improved: Proximity to the centre was good but the apartment in front of the train tracks so it is not possible to open the windows. It was in the back of an old worn courtyard up four flights of terrible stairs.

• A nicely furnished modern apartment with everything you need for a comfortable stay. – Myron from Canada – 18 October 2024 (9/10)

  The communications with our host (Emilie) was excellent and the facilities very modern and upscale. I very impressed with the foresight to think about all the possible needs a guest would have and instructions and manuals was excellent. There was an excellent coffee machine. The apartment was very secure. The location was is very especially if travelling by train.
  
  What could be improved: There was four flights of stairs that many reviews were critical of but guests should note that you spend 5 minutes going to an apartment that would rate 10 of 10 anywhere. We are seniors and stairs were ok.

• Very good – Filip from Belgium – 30 September 2024 (8/10)

  the apartment itself is really nice and very well equipped. the public parking is right next door and the center is 10 minutes on foot. the building and staircase are really old (moldy, broken stairs, dirty floor).. the apartment is on the 4th floor so this is something the owner / building can take care of, because the apartment itself is really really nice.

• Very central and modern apartment. – Lynne from United Kingdom – 27 September 2024 (9/10)

  Extremely well equipped and modern apartment. Beds were comfy and bathroom and kitchen very modern. It’s close to the station but windows and blinds kept out all noise at night.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing is the stairs- 4 flights. Quite a climb with bags but this is stated in the description so no surprises.

• Very cosy apartment with good coffee machine and enough space for 4 people – Choppie from South Africa – 19 September 2024 (8/10)

  Very clean and modern
  
  What could be improved: 4th floor without a lift makes it difficult to carry suitcases to the apartment

SURROUNDINGS