1 rue du Bouclier, 67000 Strasbourg

Hôtel Le Bouclier d'Or

Name: Hôtel Le Bouclier d'Or
Address: 1 rue du Bouclier, Strasbourg, 67000, FR
Rating: 4.6

Hotel 4-star with spa in Strasbourg

Presentation

The Le Bouclier d'Or hotel is located at the entrance to Petite France in Strasbourg, behind a solid wooden door framed by an arch of sandstone carved from Vosges stone. You push it open, and the street disappears. The former private mansion dates back to the sixteenth century, and it still bears traces of that past: a 1570 fresco on a wall in the lounge bar, a sundial in the paved courtyard, and trompe-l'œil paintings signed by Edgar Mahler.

The ground floor is best explored slowly. You stop in front of the fresco, look up at the spiral staircase that climbs to the turret, then head back out into the courtyard for a drink if the weather permits. The bar is called Le Meyerhof, open from 3 p.m. to midnight. It serves the family owner’s cuvée, along with refined pastries and savory canapés, in a space that is as much tearoom as wine bar.

The rooms are connected by the upper floors. Most are reached by elevator, but two or three are still tucked away in nooks of the building and can only be accessed by stairs, a remnant of the original structure. These are often the most characterful ones, on the top floor: exposed beams, views over the rooftops of Petite France or toward the cathedral spires. The furnishings vary from room to room. Some embrace the Alsatian style, with traditional furniture and regional folk objects. Others opt for a bourgeois style, with Renaissance furniture and antique paintings. The bathrooms, meanwhile, are decidedly contemporary: walk-in showers, and sometimes Japanese toilets.

In the morning, breakfast is served in the dining room or directly in your room. Alsatian and international buffet, local products. It is served at an extra charge, around twenty-two euros, which may come as a surprise at first glance, but the selection and quality of the products compare well for anyone who takes the time to linger at the table rather than swallow a coffee in a hurry.

At the end of the day, you go down to the basement via the historic Vosges sandstone staircase, heading for the spa. Beneath the stone vaults, the Écrin du Bien-être spans one hundred and fifty square meters. The whirlpool bath, made of Briare enamel, looks directly onto the turret. There is also a hammam, a sauna, a rain shower, and facial treatments according to the Cinq Mondes rituals. The space remains small, designed for privacy rather than for crowds. It is best to book your time slot as soon as you arrive so you can enjoy it in peace.

The hotel is located in a pedestrian zone, a stone’s throw from the Covered Bridges and less than a kilometer from Notre-Dame Cathedral. The quiet of the street at night comes at the price of somewhat more complicated car access: there is no on-site parking, so you have to rely on a paid space a few minutes’ walk away, or let the hotel handle it through its valet service.

Tip: book the breakfast table facing the inner courtyard rather than in the enclosed dining room, especially on a Sunday morning when the street is still empty outside.

Summary of a few positive reviews read on the Web

Top-floor room with exposed beams and views over the rooftops of Petite France. Comfortable bedding, bathroom with walk-in shower.
Arrived earlier than expected, but the room was available anyway. The valet takes care of parking and returns the car at the agreed time.
Basement spa, rather small but can be booked privately. Facial treatment done on site, relaxation guaranteed.
Generous breakfast with local products. Served at an extra charge, around twenty-two euros, fair given the amount offered.
Quiet pedestrian street at night, a stone’s throw from the Covered Bridges and the cathedral. Convenient on foot, a little less so for parking.
Free minibar with water and sodas already in place on arrival. A small detail that makes a difference to the first impression.