Best Western Plus Hotel Villa d’Est

Hotel Villa D'Est is a boutique property situated primarily in a charming, square building with a six-story yellow facade topped with dormer windows. Still fairly fresh off a 2014 renovation, the hotel pairs romantic details with traditional country-rustic accents for a look that feels both homey and stylish. The lobby features a black-and-white checkered floor, vintage furniture and wall art, and contemporary gray button-tufted chairs with nailhead trim, a sophisticated look that coordinates with the breakfast room. A glass fireplace helps divide the lobby from the bar area. While the hotel is kid-friendly, the romantic air and tiny guest rooms are bait for couples in particular, though those who want to spend most of their time touring historic Strasbourg may feel they're too far from sights. The property's location between the city center and Parliament makes this an attractive choice for business guests, too.

The hotel is situated in a residential area off a main highway, and while the immediate neighborhood isn't particularly exciting, restaurants and attractions are in walking distance. For those traveling by car, the hotel is accessible to various city hotspots, including the European Parliament, a seven-minute drive, and the historic city center (Grande Île, home to the Strasbourg Cathedral), a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk. Petite France can be reached in about 10- to 15-minutes by car, though it's also feasible on foot in under a half hour. The main train station is about a 17-minute walk or 10 minutes by car, while Strasbourg Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive. Parking is available, but it costs an extra nightly fee and should be reserved in advance. 

The hotel's individually decorated rooms are cozy with gently romantic country decor featuring pretty floral curtains and bedspreads, velvety scalloped headboards, and classic Louis XVI chairs. Rooms tend toward the tiny, though, with entry-level Classic Rooms measuring as little as 160 square feet, and some Superior Rooms as little as 180 square feet. Oddly, some bathrooms lack a proper shower, and instead feature bathtubs with shower attachments, but no curtains. The property's two suites are decidedly more luxurious: The Arabesc Suite features damask bedding, sitting areas, and a roomier bathroom with a shower stall and corner tub.

Rooms include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, AC, safes, and free Wi-Fi. But strangely some of the amenities expected at this pearl level are missing, such as minibars and coffee/tea service. Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers, heated towel racks, and a combination of individual toiletries and toiletry dispensers.

Features here, for the most part, rise above the norm, starting with breakfast. The hotel's sophisticated breakfast room provides a nice buffet with hot and cold options daily, albeit for an extra fee. There's also a small bar, with a few lounge nooks and a fireplace, doling out drinks and small bites, as well as a cozy outdoor terrace with cushioned furniture. While there's no full-service restaurant, room service is available 24 hours. 

Wellness facilities include a spa area with a sauna and wood-floored exercise room outfitted with a handful of cardio machines, plus massages can be arranged. There are also two meeting and event rooms, and Wi-Fi throughout the property is free. Staff are friendly and can provide laundry and luggage service and babysitting can be arranged. Pets are allowed for an extra nightly fee.