ElmParkRoyal
Google
Functional, spotlessly clean and well-run small hotel in a convenient position on the edge of the historic Grand Ile. It’s adjacent to the Palais de Justice and very handy for trains, trams and all the local sights which are easily walkable.||We were in the suite on the second floor, directly overlooking the Palais offices. Our full-length windows were only double-glazed but we heard no street noise during our entire week-long stay; a major plus point. Strasbourg doesn’t seem to be much of a party town and pedestrian movement outside the hotel is minimal.||The suite itself is a wide rectangular room with a comfortable bed centrally placed and the functional stuff i.e. desk, minibar, hot-drink facilities are at one end and the lounge stuff i.e large sofa and tables at the other. Likewise, the w.c. and the bath/shower facilities are similarly, and often conveniently, separated at each end of the room. What we did like, too, was the walk-in closet in the hall area just by the door, thus saving space in the main room. The whole place was serviced immaculately during our entire stay, and the girls doing so were always cheerful.||The bathroom was notable for the large square semi-sunken bath which Mrs EPR very much endorsed. The shower seemed equally desirable but never reached a temperature above barely lukewarm, which really was a major irritant. Regular reports made no difference and we declined the offer to swap to a smaller room; other than this blip, the suite was ideal. Ultimately, a compromise was reflected within our bill and this fair and reasonable gesture was appreciated.||Breakfast is taken in a small area adjacent to Reception. Guests are requested to indicate a preferred arrival time to even out the numbers using the buffet. Not too much of a problem during the week, but the pressure is definitely on at the weekend when every table was in use with the residue spilling over into the lounge area. No complaints about the buffet itself; a small central plinth was laden with all the usual favourites, all fresh and all replaced quickly when supplies became low. Coffee is via an intriguing machine which didn’t reflect the brit taste for latte so I used the always-fresh filter coffee with milk from the cereal area. Breakfast is overseen by a very nice conscientious lady, whilst other staff diligently pitch in when the pressure is on.||For this visit, we engaged with reception staff more than usual and they were all friendly, helpful and personable throughout. ||There are loads of decent restaurants just a stroll away, as are the main old-town sites, and the nearest tram stop is equally close. The train station is a 20-minute trek but accesses many interesting locations. For example, the region’s secondary jewel, Colmar, is only 30 minutes away by rail.||I must admit that we developed rather a soft spot for the D, and it’s a good base to a explore a city which deserves a far greater tourist profile.
