Regent Petite France & Spa

The hotel’s ultra-modern lobby is a remarkable contrast to its historic surroundings. Rectangular designer sofas and armchairs, gray marble tile floors, sculptural black, tree-like columns dotted with green pom-poms, and a wood-paneled front desk and wall create a classy, distinctive environment. Its fine-dining restaurant and Champagne bar are equally impressive, with vibrant colors like fuchsia chairs and walls and a yellow, back-lit bar offset by dark wood and brown columns and drapes. Individual lights at each bar table add a mysterious, cozy glow. A colorful covered terrace and outdoor dining deck offer spectacular views of the old city, river, and canal locks. Lap blankets invite guests to linger and enjoy the lovely views, even on chilly evenings. This is a tony and busy boutique hotel that’s not stuffy or uninviting.

The Regent is located in the delightful Petite France historic district that dates back to the Middle Ages and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s within walking distance of all the rich history and attractions the district has to offer. Various shops, cafes and restaurants line the narrow, cobblestone streets just outside the hotel’s doors. It overlooks the River III and is a 10-minute walk to the gothic Cathedral Notre Dame de Strasbourg. It’s an 11-minute walk to the city’s train station that provides connections throughout Europe, and 13 minutes by car or 23 minutes by train to the European Parliament. Strasbourg International Airport is approximately 20 minutes by car or taxi and 75 minutes by train. On-site garage parking is available but expensive.

Rooms are generally spacious and come in five categories. But, the 300-year-old complex shows its quirks in some rooms with exposed beams and odd shapes such as slanted, attic-like walls and ceilings that some guests find unattractive and others find quaint and charming. Each room offers a double or two twin beds, as well as a small work desk, flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, robes/slippers, coffee/tea kettle, and free Wi-Fi that can be spotty in certain places. Standard Rooms are approximately 280 square feet, and Superior Rooms are approximately 312 square feet. Both offer city views only. The 344-square-foot Deluxe Rooms have city/river/canal views, as do the 388-square-foot Junior Suites and 484-square-foot, two-room suites. The suites offer a sofa bed and separate sitting area. 

Decor is simple, modern, a bit stark, and tasteful -- but not quite luxurious. Some have solid brown carpet while others have hardwood floors, for example, but all feature cream painted walls, modern art, and contemporary furnishings such as designer-quality, light-wood desks, fabric headboards, gray slipper chairs, and glass-topped nightstands. Suites are dressed up with wall sconces. Spacious bathrooms include granite-top vanities with double sinks, heated towel racks, and shower/tub combos with clear glass half-doors. Some rooms have white marble floors and walls and rainfall showers, and some suites have whirlpool tub/shower combos. Toilets are in a separate space, for extra privacy.

Rooms are generally quiet but some guests have reported unwanted noise on weekend nights and from the busy city alley. Small pets are welcome in certain rooms for a surcharge.

Le Pont Tournant restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the option of outdoor dining in warm weather. Expect to pay extra for breakfast. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The Champagne bar also offers terrace seating with river views, a small plate menu, and a wide selection of Champagnes. There are five meeting rooms and a business center with Internet access. Spotty Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The rooftop, full-service spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments in a contemporary setting and includes an outdoor whirlpool, sauna, Turkish bath, and small fitness facility with cardio equipment. Access to all the spa facilities is included for guests who book a 50-minute treatment; other guests must pay a daily access fee. Concierge services are offered, as are babysitting services, laundry, and dry cleaning. Self-serve laundry facilities are on-site as well.