Douce Escale

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Douce Escale? The name actually makes sense when you’re standing there – it really does feel like a gentle stopover, which is exactly what “douce escale” means in French. I mean, you’re technically still in Strasbourg, but being on Rue du Lac puts you in this quieter pocket that feels refreshingly removed from the tourist crush around the cathedral.

The location is honestly pretty clever. Most people think they need to stay right in Petite France or near the center, but this spot gives you breathing room while still being genuinely walkable to everything that matters. There’s this lovely tree-lined stretch along the lake (hence the street name) that you can stroll in the evenings, and I actually preferred it to fighting crowds along the Ill River. The hotel itself has that understated French elegance thing down – not trying too hard, just solid four-star comfort with staff who seem to actually know the city. Check-in was smooth, parking wasn’t a nightmare like it can be in Strasbourg’s center, and honestly, the rooms were quieter than I expected for a city hotel.

What really won me over were the little touches that felt thoughtful rather than flashy. The breakfast setup had proper local pastries (not just generic croissants), and when I asked about getting to the European Parliament, the front desk guy didn’t just hand me a map – he walked me outside and pointed out the exact tram stop and mentioned which direction to walk so I wouldn’t get turned around. That kind of thing matters when you’re somewhere new. The rooms themselves are comfortable without being fancy – good beds, decent shower pressure, and windows that actually open if you want fresh air instead of AC. I stayed during a busy conference season and never felt like the place was overwhelmed or cutting corners. Sure, it’s not going to blow you away with dramatic design or anything, but sometimes you just want a place that does everything well without any unpleasant surprises. The 8.5 rating feels about right – it’s the kind of place you’d happily book again because you know exactly what you’re getting, and what you’re getting is pretty good.

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: $145. One-Bedroom House with 1 double bed and 1 sofa bed for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Exceptional – Toader from Germany – 25 July 2025 (10/10)

  Was all very clean

• Superb – Mostafa from Egypt – 22 June 2025 (9/10)

  Clean and well kept
  The position and the garden
  
  What could be improved: The air condition

• Very good – Elsabe from South Africa – 24 April 2025 (8/10)

  Lovely, clean and spacious
  
  What could be improved: Location

• Exceptional – Ashfaq from Kuwait – 10 April 2025 (10/10)

  Very beautiful property, i will come again for sure

• Perfect ! – Kervin from France – 19 January 2025 (10/10)

  Very clean and super nice to stay in! We had a wonderful time here.

• Nice and cosy – Krum from Bulgaria – 6 October 2024 (10/10)

  The location was good. The district was queit and calm.

• Very well equipped good size of a house. Super clean and close to the Strasbourg. Would definitely visit again. – Tanzer from United Kingdom – 5 August 2024 (9/10)

  Beautiful, nice flat all for us to use.
  
  What could be improved: I’d say mosquitos might cause problem if you are not prepared.

• Good – Tanya from Belgium – 1 June 2024 (7/10)

  The appartment was comfortable and well-positioned (we purposely chose it owing to its proximity to the Zenith). My boys loved the shower. The beds were comfortable. Some tea and biscuits were available.
  
  What could be improved: When we arrived the cleaners were still busy, which was a bit surprising. They were very friendly, but we had assumed that by late afternoon the appratment would be ready. It wasn't a problem, just unexpected.

• Pleasant – Farid from Germany – 18 May 2025 (6/10)

  The location is good, for families visiting europa park, it is a good choice to spend the night.
  Clean and calm.
  
  What could be improved: The baby bed was not comfortable. No bedding was provided for the bed or for the baby — it was just the bed frame without the necessary items that are normally supposed to come with it.

• Good if you are with your car but would not prefer again – Tuncay from Turkey – 3 December 2024 (6/10)

  If you are there with your car and plan a trip to Strasbourg and surrounding like Colmar şts nice
  
  What could be improved: It was not clean, kitchenware not enough and no dishwasher

SURROUNDINGS