La Clairiere

With its angular roofs and wood-clad lobby, La Clairiere’s entrance evokes a secluded alpine lodge. Water trickles down a stone slab in the lobby, hinting at the hotel’s spa with its many hydrotherapy features. This property has been managed by the same family for two generations, and each family member is said to have left their mark on the hotel’s decor. As a result, some areas of the hotel are quite modern, while others have a more classic aesthetic. It's a mix that guests could either find interesting or jarring, depending on perspective.

The free spa access is a big perk for guests, most of whom come here for deep relaxation. Beyond the spa, the hotel emphasizes wellness with a holistic workshop schedule and healthy restaurant fare. Eco-consciousness is also a priority here, with the hotel using renewable sources of energy for its hot water, electricity, and heating, along with green cleaning products and building materials. The location is isolated, but the quiet, nature-focused setting is part of the hotel’s appeal for most guests.

La Clairiere is set along a small country road in the forests of Alsace, surrounded by trees and greenery. Peaceful paths wind through the forest, making it an ideal base for travelers interested in easy hikes and nature walks. It’s a 20-minute walk to the tiny village of La Petite Pierre, which has a medieval castle and a handful of shops and restaurants.

Strasbourg and the nearest airport are both around an hour away by car, while the nearest train station, which is in Ingwiller, is a 15-minute drive away. The location is perfect for guests looking for a secluded spa getaway, but it may be too isolated for some.

Picking up on the hotel’s natural setting, guest rooms at La Clairiere emphasize wood paneling and molding and simple decor. Flourishes of colorful textiles, such as teal bed runners, complement the otherwise neutral spaces. Beds feature natural latex mattresses and organic linens made from wool and cotton. All rooms have electric kettles and herbal tea, in addition to minibars stocked with juices and healthy snacks. Flat-screen TVs, work desks, safes, and free Wi-Fi are also standard.

Bathrooms are small but contemporary, offering shower stalls, wall-mounted hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors. Pump bottles of shampoo and shower gel are also provided, along with comfy bathrobes and slippers. At less than 182 square feet, Classic Rooms are somewhat cramped and lack balconies. Comfort and Superior Rooms add more space and narrow balconies with pleasant views of the surrounding woods. Superior Rooms also feature compact living areas with sofas and two-person dining tables. 

The hotel’s standout feature is its extensive spa facilities, which guests can access freely. The elegant spa has a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, steam bath, chilled plunge pool, whirlpool, and infrared cabin. There’s also a beautiful indoor pool with brick accent walls, and a heated outdoor pool with picturesque forest views. A no-frills fitness center has a few updated cardio machines, while massages, scrubs, and other therapies are offered in Asian-inspired treatment rooms for extra fees. 

The refined main restaurant serves a seasonally driven menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dishes are prepared with organic, local produce, including herbs from the property's own garden. The breakfast buffet is a continental spread of fresh fruit, breads, cheeses, and cereal, along with house-made cakes and granola. Breakfast and other meals aren’t covered in the basic room rate, but dining packages are available.  

The hotel bar channels the Victorian era with its green leather banquettes, dark woods, and Tiffany style lamps. There’s a pool table in the adjoining lounge, which has a more colorful, modern look. There’s also a somewhat sparse game room with a foosball table and some kid-friendly games and toys.

Those hosting business meetings and events can make use of the five meeting rooms here, the largest of which can accommodate up to 180 people. The hotel offers a variety of holistic workshops, ranging from yoga and qigong classes to walking meditations and cooking courses. Free mountain bikes are available for guest use. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout, and there’s free self-parking on-site.