Walking sticks and umbrellas were once made in the historic, half-timbered buildings that now house the Romantik Hotel Beaucour. Passing under an arched, 17th-century gateway, guests approach the lobby via an inviting and comfortably furnished inner courtyard. The welcoming atmosphere continues inside where a wee bar and a fire-lit lounge done up in cheery plaids and pale woods with country-style (some might say overly cutesy) accoutrements await. The overall mood here is one of old-school Alsatian "gemütlichkeit" or coziness. That, coupled with the location, makes the hotel particularly appealing to tourists; however, the range of rooms available -- from single rooms to family-friendly suites -- draws a diverse clientele. 

Situated in the historic center of Strasbourg, not far from the water and only six minutes on foot from the city’s glorious Gothic cathedral, this hotel offers an ideal location for sightseers. Popular museums -- including Musée Alsacien (with its recreated interiors of traditional homes) and Musée Historique de Strasbourg (which is devoted to the Alsatian capital’s stormy past) are within a two-minute walk, while Palais Rohan (containing the Decorative Arts Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, and the Archaeology Museum) can be reached in five. Better yet, the heart of the quaint Petite France quarter is only a 10-minute stroll away. Those staying here on business will find the location less convenient; however, Strasbourg’s extensive tram and bus network can get you to key parliamentary venues on the other side of the River Ill in about 20 minutes. If you’ve brought your own car, paid public parking is available at a garage across from the hotel, and guests can take advantage of discounted rates.

• One-minute walk to Musée Alsacien 
• Two-minute walk to the Porte de l'Hôpital Tram Stop
• Two-minute walk to Musée Historique de Strasbourg 
• Five-minute walk to Palais Rohan 
• Six-minute walk to Cathédrale Notre-Dame 
• Eight-minute walk to Petite France
• 14-minute walk to Barrage Vauban
• Seven minutes to Gare de Strasbourg (Train Station) by public transit
• 15 minutes to the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain by public transit  
• 19 minutes to Palais de l'Europe by public transit
• 23 minutes to European Parliament by public transit
• 19-minute drive to Strasbourg Airport (26 minutes by public transit)

Ranging in size from about 205- to 560-square feet, the hotel’s air-conditioned rooms come equipped with minibars, 32-inch LCD TVs that pull in 50-plus channels, free (though not always consistent) Wi-Fi, and white-tiled bathrooms that, in most cases, offer soothing whirlpool tubs. Junior Suites offer extra features, most notably coffeemakers, plus separate living/office areas. Duplex units, meanwhile, add a whole extra floor, with each providing a loft bedroom above and a living room with a sofa bed below. In terms of style, each one is individually decorated. Some call to mind a contemporary boutique hotel, but the majority have more traditional decor that reflect an Alsatian aesthetic (picture floral-printed curtains or painted wood cabinets); in the pricier options, original architectural elements (such as exposed joists or beams) often inject a further dose of Old World charm. But this look could feel old fashioned and dusty to those accustom to sleek, trendy hotels. 

Since this is a small heritage hotel, it’s no surprise that features here are few. There are, for instance, no fitness or wellness facilities. Nor is there a full-scale restaurant; however, a morning buffet is laid out each day at extra charge in the twee, wood-paneled breakfast room. A trio of well-equipped meeting spaces with a combined capacity of 100 people is also available. Other on-site features include a round-the-clock reception desk with multilingual staff; concierge, currency exchange and dry-cleaning/laundry services; basic business services (i.e. faxing and photocopying); 24-hour room service; free newspapers and public computers in the lobby; plus free Wi-Fi throughout. Note that if you’re traveling as a family, children 12 years and under stay free and enjoy free breakfasts, too. Free cribs and other kiddy gear are also provided on request; add-on babysitting can be provided with 48 hours' notice.