161 Rue Mélanie, 67000 Strasbourg

Château de Pourtalès

Name: Château de Pourtalès
Address: 161 Rue Mélanie, Strasbourg, 67000, FR
Price range: 129 EUR
Rating: 4.55

Hotel 3-star with spa in Strasbourg

Presentation

Château de Pourtalès rises at the end of a tree-lined avenue of centuries-old trees, in the Robertsau district, a few kilometers north of Strasbourg. You arrive almost by surprise: the city has disappeared behind the foliage, and all that remains is the 18th-century facade, ochre and symmetrical, facing a fifteen-hectare park.

The building dates from 1750. Franz Liszt played the piano here, Albert Schweitzer stayed here, and so did Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. You can feel this history as soon as you enter the hall, in the moldings and the parquet floor that creaks slightly underfoot.

The rooms in the Château are, in fact, the ones most inhabited by this past: period parquet flooring, high ceilings, views over the park, and space for up to three people. You simply have to accept climbing the stairs on foot; the historic building has no elevator, unlike the Parc extension, which is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility.

At the Chalet, the atmosphere changes. The rooms there are simpler, almost like in a family home, some opening directly onto the garden at ground level. This is also where the bar is located, set up in the former small stables: you serve yourself Alsace wine, crémant, or beer, and note down what you took; consumption is added to the bill at the end of the stay.

On the ground floor of the same building, where the horses once stayed, is the wellness area. Sauna, hammam with a starry ceiling, salt wall, cold and hot pools. The original stones have been preserved, so the steam from the hammam mingles with walls that are two and a half centuries old. The time slot must be booked with reception for two hours, generally as a private session.

In the morning, breakfast is served as a buffet in the Château room, hot and cold, with products from local producers. Expect to pay 18 euros per person if it is not already included in the booked package. In fine weather, you can have your coffee in the inner courtyard, facing the gardens still covered in dew.

For dinner, there is no permanent restaurant all year round. In summer, from mid-May to the end of August, the garden turns into Pourtalès Plage: sand, deckchairs, pétanque, and in the evening outdoor concerts and cocktails. The rest of the year, head to the restaurants in the Robertsau district, a few minutes away by car or by bike, which can be rented on site. A charging station for electric cars is also available.

Strasbourg city center remains about ten minutes away by car or tram. You are not within walking distance of the cathedral, but the peace of the park more than makes up for the trip.

For those looking for a real break, yoga sessions are offered free of charge from April to October, in the gardens or in the historic rooms depending on the weather. Mats and equipment are provided; just ask at reception.

One last tip: book your sauna slot first thing in the morning at reception, as the best times go quickly late in the day.

Summary of some positive reviews read online

The receptionist took the time to suggest a bike route for us to reach Strasbourg city center. Nothing was too much trouble.
Spacious, nicely decorated room with a proper desk area. The only downside is that the curtains let in a bit of light in the morning, something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to that.
Generous breakfast, hot and cold buffet with local products. We were able to have it outside in the courtyard on a sunny morning.
The park around the château is huge and very quiet, ideal for a walk or a jog before heading back into the city in about ten minutes.
Booked sauna and hammam time in the late afternoon, with no waiting, and clear explanations on how the salt wall works.
We came with our dog, who was able to run freely in the park. No comments from the staff, everything went well.