Strasbourg, France

Rooms are spacious, quiet, and decorated with character including exposed beams and good windows. The hotel sits in an ideal central location near the cathedral and restaurants, with a charming courtyard and welcoming staff. Breakfast is excellent with many choices, and free coffee and hot drinks are available in the lobby.

Tiny rooms with poor bathroom privacy and exposed concrete walls feel more like a budget hostel than a 4-star hotel. Hallways get dirty, furniture breaks down, and the minimalist design cuts corners everywhere. Staff are friendly and the common area is decent, but you pay premium prices for substandard conditions.