Colmar Lodging Recommendation

I can't offer a suggestion in Colmar, but yesterday in the New York Times there was an article by Francine Prose about her recent visit to Alsace, and she stayed at the Hotel des Berges, in Illhauesern, which is about 20 kilometers from Colmar. Even if that doesn't suit you because of the location, it's a great article, worth reading as long as you're heading over there.

Last year we rented a riverfront house with terrace in the heart of Cochem, called Haus Moselpanorama. There are two apartments and we rented the larger, the Sonnenberg apartment. Immaculate, great location, great hosts (they helped us with arrangements for recovering our stolen items from France - even though we did not speak the same language they were very kind and helpful). A great value. The view is exactly as shown on the photos here:
http://www.booking.com/hotel/de/haus-moselpanorama.html

The only caveat is that the second bedroom is entered through the master bedroom (sort of a childrens room which we did not need as we are a couple). However there is a comfortable couch in the living room if that would suit better.

Wonderful terrace, and a place to stash rental bikes!

Joan, it appears that that apartment is in Cochem Germany, the OP is asking about Colmar France. It looks like a nice place though.

Jennifer,

I stayed at Hotel Le Rapp on my visit to Colmar, and had a wonderful stay there. It's in a great location, the room was clean and comfortable and they served a nice breakfast. I didn't get a chance to try the pool in the basement, but will try to do that if I ever go back.

Is there a reason you're hesitant in staying there again? I'm sure it's been improved a lot in the last 20 years. It seems to get really good ratings on Trip Advisor.

We stayed at Hotel Saint-Martin, http://www.hotel-saint-martin.com/EN,hotel-colmar-hotel-saint-martin, this past May. Enjoyed very much. Had a room on their 3rd floor (our 4th), they do have an elevator. Did not eat breakfast there, headed to the indoor Market for our meal and watched as they set up their stalls for the day. Located in the center of the town, about a 10 or so minute walk from the train station.

Hotel St. Martin gets my vote as well. We stayed there on our RS tour last year. Ask for a room on the third floor with a view of the storks nesting on the cathedral roof (assuming you are there in early to midJune when they are nesting). Storks are a big deal in that region and there are stork souvenirs and postcards all over town. We loved Colmar and went back in December for the Christmas markets.

I will also recommend the Hotel St Martin. It has a great central location, the rooms are small, but most French hotel rooms are. I would not say it was recently renovated, but has charm enough as it is. We had a lovely stay.

LOL Nancy! My face is red! Apologies for clogging up this forum!

We stayed in the burbs in Colmar in a Comfort Inn. Not what you are looking for. but it was clean and economical.

Sorry I can't be of any help but just wanted to say WE LOVED COLMAR.

We spent 3 nights. We visited Haut Koenigsbourg castle, Eguisheim, Saint Hypolite, and a day trip to Basel Switzerland. Colmar was so quaint and welcoming. I envy you.
We would go back in a heartbeat.

Hotel St Martin can't be beaten with regard to location. Would not hesitate to stay there again.

Thanks, all, for your helpful feedback about Colmar and the surrounding area. Centrally-located Hotel Saint-Martin seems to be the best option for us. We now have a reservation in June.

Mary, I asked about the storks, as you suggested:

Me: It’s been suggested that I should ask for "a room on the third floor with a view of the storks nesting on the cathedral roof (when they are nesting in mid-June)." Would that view be possible with either of these room types?

Marc from Hotel: You cannot see the storks and the nest from any room of the hotel. But if you walk 50 Meters round the corner when going out the hotel, you will see the nest and the storks.

Mary, I believe YOU and will ask again upon arrival next year!
Thanks, again.
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

That's very strange that the hotel management doesn't know about the storks. I would send you a photo if I could. Our room had a direct view of them. We really enjoyed seeing them so close especially as they are a symbol of the region.

Mary

Hi Jennifer,

My bad for calling the church a cathedral so perhaps that is why the hotel said there weren't any storks. The church is St. Martin's Church (Eglise St. Martin). Here is a website with photos of the church and the storks. http://cannundrum.blogspot.com/2012/10/st-martins-church-colmar.html I hope this helps.

Mary

Mary, thanks for the additional information about the church. I see the photo of the stork's nest! I will ask again about room location a few weeks before arrival.
Jennifer

You're welcome, Jennifer. Tell them that it's a room at the back of the hotel. I bet reception at the hotel doesn't know about this because only housekeeping goes into the rooms and they're probably too busy making the beds, etc. to notice. You will love Colmar, storks or no storks. It's so quaint. Have a great time!