As Jim and I drove from Switzerland just over the border into eastern France to the town of Colmar, France, we were so excited; anticipating our stay in the beautiful medieval town. As usual, Jim had picked a hotel perfectly situated in the historic center called the “Little Venice” of Colmar, literally minutes away from museums, fabulous cathedrals, interesting shops and lovely cafes; Le Colombier Suites.
Le Colombier Hotel in Colmar consists of two properties; the small “main hotel” with its 41 rooms, and the “Suites” which are located just across a tiny charming alley in back of the hotel. The hotel is housed in a beautiful Renaissance structure which has been tastefully restored in a combination of preserved historic architectural elements and modern design, creating a relaxing, welcoming ambiance.
Located across the alley, away from the main hotel, our suite felt like a cozy apartment but included all the amenities of a full-service hotel. The entrance to the suite area was through what looked like a Renaissance arch and as we climbed the stairs to our room, we saw that our suite was located among the lovely historic half-timbered roof architecture.
While the architectural elements added historic charm, the room furnishings and amenities were ultra-modern. The bed was comfortable and the bathroom was large, bright and sparkling clean, (both important requirements for me!). An unusual and fun aspect of the bathroom was a door which opened to a Juliet balcony overlooking the small charming alley. There is nothing like a little fresh-air while taking a shower!
I was delighted to see the room had an expresso machine. I have become addicted to them and they are a wonderful addition to any hotel room. The suite also had two televisions which is always our preference since Jim and I have totally different tastes in TV; (even when we can’t understand the language!)
I was delighted to see the room had an expresso machine. I have become addicted to them and they are a wonderful addition to any hotel room. The suite also had two televisions which is always our preference since Jim and I have totally different tastes in TV; (even when we can’t understand the language!)
The hotel has a private terrace-garden area where you can relax and enjoy the sun and a courtyard area with small tables where you can enjoy a breakfast alfresco or just read a newspaper.
Office areas with computer and internet access dot the lobby.
The sunken lounge area has a mod ski-lodge feel with a fireplace, lounging chairs and cafe tables. The lounge area seems like it would be a cozy gathering place in the winter. As it was a hot summer day when we were there, the fireplace was empty and the lobby was cooled with refreshing air-conditioning.
The lounge doubles as the breakfast buffet area in the morning, and the buffet was stocked with an assortment of excellent breakfast pastries, breads, fruits, cheeses, meats and other selections.
The lounge doubles as the breakfast buffet area in the morning, and the buffet was stocked with an assortment of excellent breakfast pastries, breads, fruits, cheeses, meats and other selections.
We did find that there was one small challenge during our stay. This was the extremely limited parking. Most overnight visitors to Colmar arrive by train, so parking wouldn’t be an issue for them, but when we arrived in our car, we found that the “free side” of the tiny parking lot in front of the hotel was full. The other side was designated "pay parking" per arrangement with the city. We didn’t mind paying, but you had to run back to the kiosk and add money every three hours and couldn’t pay for a full day all at one time. This seemed a strange and inconvenient arrangement for guests who are busy visiting the city's sites.
Fortunately, this is where the amazing staff at the hotel really proved themselves. As we got comfortable in our room, the young lady who checked us in kept her eye out for an empty “free” parking spot, contacted us and stood in the empty spot for a few minutes until we could move our car. This service was really above and beyond and made us even more impressed with the hotel.
Fortunately, this is where the amazing staff at the hotel really proved themselves. As we got comfortable in our room, the young lady who checked us in kept her eye out for an empty “free” parking spot, contacted us and stood in the empty spot for a few minutes until we could move our car. This service was really above and beyond and made us even more impressed with the hotel.
During our stay, we enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Anne-Sophie Heitzler-Gerard, Hotel Director. She was extremely knowledgeable about the area and its history and culture. She also obviously ran a very accommodating and organized hotel. She told us Le Columbier, which is housed in a 16th - 17th century structure had opened in 1994, but the suites had only been part of the hotel for the last four years. She also filled us in on the many local tourism opportunities during the high season from March – December. Of course there are also several winter activities such as the famous Christmas Market and skiing.
Needless to say, you can spend all your time right in the historic center of Colmar and be in tourist heaven! Not only does the town look like it came right out of a fair-tale, but the museums, cathedrals and architecture provide a wonderful view into the history of Colmar and the Alsace region.
Needless to say, you can spend all your time right in the historic center of Colmar and be in tourist heaven! Not only does the town look like it came right out of a fair-tale, but the museums, cathedrals and architecture provide a wonderful view into the history of Colmar and the Alsace region.
Le Colombier Suites is a lovely hotel and perfectly located to enjoy the historic center of Colmar, we highly recommend it!
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