Sleeping in Alsace -- Colmar or Strasbourg

I would stay in Colmar the 3 nights.

• You can train to Strasbourg with all your luggage and check into another hotel, or you can train to Strasbourg with no baggage and catch a return train to Colmar as late as 23:20 most weekdays, or 22:20 every day.
  
• There are a few direct TGV departures from Colmar to Paris, such as one around 10:00 a.m., so sleeping in Strasbourg doesn't really get you any closer to a good train option, if that time works for you.
  
• It looks like you plan to return the car in Colmar either way, so that's not part of the equation.

Kyle,

I'd absolutely suggest staying in Colmar and taking a day trip to Strasbourg. Colmar is a smaller town with beautiful canals and I much preferred the more relaxed atmosphere there, especially in the evenings. Having to move to another hotel for one night is hardly worth the effort (IMO).

I don't think it would be worth it to stay one night in Strasbourg just to see the cathedral. Colmar is much more charming and worth spending time in.

We just visited that area two weeks ago. Stayed in Colmar and did day trip to Strasbourg. We much preferred Colmar. Loved the "quaintness" of it over Strasbourg.

Thanks to all for your input! Colmar wins for 3 nights! Was looking at St Martin .... a tad more expensive than wanted when adding
b'fast at
add'l 12euros per person but think it will be special to be in old town. Any thoughts or suggestions on this?

The Best Western Grand Hotel Bristol in Colmar is near the train station, under ten minute walk from center of "Little Venice" and offers garage parking reservation for 15 Euros. I too plan on adding Colmar for 3 nights with Strasbourg by train on my next trip to Paris next year and I am trying to decide between Best Western or St. Martin. Enjoy.

I too stayed in Colmar and took the train to Strasbourg for the day. No need to move to Strasbourg hotel, it works well as a day trip.

Kyle,

I stayed at Le Rapp Hotel in Colmar and while it was a bit of a splurge, it was nice to be right in town and close to all the restaurants and the sights. It's a very comfortable hotel, the food is good and as I recall they have a swimming pool on the lower floor.

We stayed in the hotel right across from the Cathedral in Strasbourg and did Colmar as a day trip. Strasbourg historic center has IMHO so much more to offer. We loved having our bedroom window open to the facade of this magnificent Cathedral and it was nice to be able to stroll to the old town and take the boat ride through both the old town and out to the EU headquarters. There are also wonderful restaurants in the center; we have never had better pork than that we had in Strasbourg. Wonderful choucroute garnie.

Colmar was a nice day trip but IMHO had much less to offer. I am sure whichever you choose will be delightful.

Definitely Colmar.i have stayed in both. If u enjoy, beauty charm, village like ambiance collar is for you. I found Strasbourg a bit gritty.

JS,

"I found Strasbourg a bit gritty."

LOL! My experience in Strasbourg was much the same. As I walked into the town from the rail station, I encountered Police and Paramedics dealing with a barfing drunk on the sidewalk. It brought back memories of my time working as a Paramedic!

Another vote for staying three nights in Colmar. You mentioned looking at the St. Martin. I stayed there a couple years ago and really liked it. A wonderful historical building, in a good location in the historical center,, with pleasant staff. They also have a very pleasant breakfast room and serve a good breakfast.

Another vote for Colmar as "home base" for the region. I'd also suggest Chez Leslie b&b. The location is a very safe 2 minute walk from the train station, and only 5 minutes walk into the tourist part of town. Leslie provides a wealth of information as well as comfortable lodging and a good breakfast.

Many thanks to everyone. All comments helpful in planning our stay in Alsace. Sounds like we can't go wrong---so many good experiences with both Colmar and Strasbourg. Since we prefer small villages, three nights in Colmar seems better fit for us with a day trip by train to Strasbourg. Thanks to all for your input.

We love Colmar. Also, I think the lodging in Colmar is more reasonably priced that Strasbourg.

On our first trip to Paris, we winged it after a planned business trip fell through. We only had 1 night in Paris at a hotel with points and when we found out how much more to add a second night, we asked what we could do instead and the lovely young woman recommended the Alsace region ... and we fell in love!! We took the overnight train leaving Paris around midnight and getting to Strasbourg early in the morning. We wandered the town and did morning mass waiting for a rental car place to open up. Rented a car and found our way to Colmar -- without a place to stay. For this planner - it was a little nerve wracking, but my adventure husband loved it. We ended up at a lovely B&B and then explored the whole area all the way to Basel. When we got to Switzerland, we looked at each other and returned for more time in Colmar. Found another B&B with room and the most wonderful meals when we just let the chef prepare for us their favorite meals.

DEFINITELY three nights in Colmar!