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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

France

Accommodation Types

Hotel Stays

  • Budget Hotels

    Brands like Ibis Budget or B&B Hotels offer clean, basic rooms with fewer amenities, often located slightly outside the immediate city center.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Brands like Novotel or Mercure have more amenities, often including restaurants, and are frequently found closer to the Old Town or train station.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Colmar presents boutique and luxury hotels (e.g., Hôtel Le Colombier, James Hôtel & Spa) with high levels of service, elegant decor, and premium facilities, often within the historic heart of the city.

  • Chambres d'hôtes (B&Bs)

    Equivalent to bed and breakfasts, these guest rooms in private homes typically include breakfast, and hosts often share valuable local insights and recommendations.

Alternative Lodgings

  • Gîtes

    These self-catering holiday homes or apartments, popular in Alsace, suit longer stays or for families and groups. They feature more space, privacy, and a fully equipped kitchen.

  • Apartment Rentals

    Platforms like Booking.com and Vrbo list a wide selection of apartment rentals, offering flexibility and kitchen facilities.

  • Hostels

    While traditional backpacker hostels are few, some budget-friendly guesthouses or small hostels exist, with dormitory beds and communal areas. Check Hostelworld for options.

  • Camping and Outdoor

    For warmer months, campgrounds on the outskirts accommodate tents and RVs, a rustic and often economical lodging option, notably for those with their own transport.

Neighborhood Guide

Colmar's distinct neighborhoods each present a different ambiance and set of accommodation advantages.

Old Town Vieille Ville

Pros
  • Unparalleled charm and atmosphere.
  • Walk to most major attractions, restaurants, shops.
  • Immersive historic feel.
Cons
  • Can be noisy, especially during peak seasons.
  • Limited vehicle access; parking often requires external garages.
  • Higher accommodation prices.

Little Venice La Petite Venise

Pros
  • Incredibly scenic views.
  • Immediate access to boat tours and waterfront dining.
  • Idyllic setting, a defining feature of Colmar.
Cons
  • Very touristy; exceptionally crowded and noisy.
  • Often the most expensive accommodation in the city.
  • Can be exceptionally crowded.

Around the Train Station

Pros
  • Excellent transport links for arrivals, departures, day trips.
  • Modern hotels, often with slightly lower prices than Old Town.
  • Easier access for taxis and cars.
Cons
  • Less picturesque and historic atmosphere.
  • A short walk to core attractions.
  • Typical city noise from traffic.

Safety and Proximity

Safety

All areas in Colmar are generally safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare. Petty crime like pickpocketing occurs in crowded Old Town areas during busy seasons. Be aware of your belongings.

Peripheral Areas

These residential areas offer a quieter, more local experience away from tourist crowds. Accommodation prices are lower, and there is often more available parking. A walk or bus ride is needed to reach central attractions.

Booking Strategies

Good booking strategies secure preferred accommodation at a favorable price, especially during Colmar's peak seasons.

Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Summer, Christmas Markets): Booking 3 to 6 months in advance, or even earlier for Christmas markets, is highly recommended. Demand is exceptionally high, supply is limited, and prices surge.
  • Shoulder Season (April-June, September-October): Booking 1 to 3 months in advance is suggested. This period balances availability and competitive pricing.
  • Low Season (January-March, early November): While more flexibility exists, booking a few weeks ahead secures desired properties and potentially lower rates.
  • Negotiating room rates is not customary in French hotels or guesthouses, especially in a popular tourist destination like Colmar. Prices are fixed.

Booking Resources

  • International platforms like Booking.com, Agoda, Hotels.com, Expedia, and Airbnb are reliable.
  • Direct booking with hotels, gîtes, and chambres d'hôtes sometimes yields special rates or added amenities.
  • The official Colmar Tourist Office website (Colmar.fr/en) lists local accommodations.
  • For house/pet sitting exchanges, TrustedHousesitters is available.

Policies and Prices

Deposit & Cancellation
  • Policies vary by property and platform. Always check specific requirements.
  • Many bookings offer "free cancellation" up to a certain date. Pay attention to the deadline.
Seasonal Price Changes
  • Accommodation prices are significantly higher during peak tourist seasons (summer, Christmas markets).
  • Prices drop considerably in the quietest winter months (January-February).
  • Major local events, like the Colmar Wine Fair, may cause price surges.

Important Note on Pricing

Budget Range

€30-€70: Hostels, basic budget hotels, some gîtes/apartments.

Mid-Range Range

€70-€180: Mid-range hotels, many gîtes/apartments, some B&Bs.

Luxury Range

€160-€350+: Luxury hotels, high-end gîtes/apartments.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some recommended accommodations in Colmar, categorized by budget and type, with feature highlights.

Luxury Options

Hôtel Le Colombier

A boutique hotel nestled in Little Venice, with historic charm, a tranquil courtyard, and excellent service.

  • Average Price: €180 - €350+
  • Location: Little Venice
  • Style: Boutique, Historic
  • Service: High-end
James Hôtel & Spa

Modern, stylish design with spa facilities, situated close to the Old Town.

  • Average Price: €160 - €300+
  • Location: Close to Old Town
  • Style: Modern, Stylish
  • Amenities: Spa

Mid-Range Options

Hôtel Saint-Martin

Housed in a historic building in the Old Town, this property has traditional decor and a very central location.

  • Average Price: €100 - €180
  • Location: Old Town
  • Style: Historic, Traditional
  • Convenience: Very central
Hôtel Turenne

A well-located hotel near the Old Town, with comfortable rooms, including some suitable for families.

  • Average Price: €90 - €170
  • Location: Near Old Town
  • Rooms: Comfortable, Family options
  • Value: Good

Budget-Friendly Picks

  • Hôtel Ibis Styles Colmar Centre

    Modern, good value, comfortable, and conveniently close to the Old Town.

  • Gîtes / Apartment Rentals

    Self-catering options with more space and kitchen facilities, suitable for families or longer stays. Prices vary widely (€60 - €250+).

  • Hostel Colmar

    Basic dormitory beds and communal areas, suitable for solo travelers. Prices typically €30 - €50.

Specific Traveler Needs

  • Family-Friendly

    Gîtes and apartment rentals are often top choices for families, with more space, separate bedrooms, and cooking capabilities. Hôtel Turenne sometimes has family or connecting rooms. Look for hotels with pools or play areas.

  • Solo Traveler

    Hostels (where available) present a cost-effective option for meeting others. Budget hotels near the train station offer good value and transport access. Staying in the Old Town also appeals to solo explorers.

  • Long-Stay

    Gîtes and apartment rentals are ideal for visits of a week or more. They provide a "home away from home" feel with cooking facilities and laundry access, often at competitive weekly or monthly rates.

Cultural & Historical Stays

Properties with Cultural Significance

Many hotels in the Old Town reside in beautifully renovated historic buildings. They retain traditional Alsatian architecture, timber frames, and charming interiors.

  • Example: Hôtel Le Maréchal
  • Example: Hôtel Le Colombier
  • Blends modern comforts with historic character.
Experiencing Heritage

Staying in such a property deepens the sense of stepping back in time and experiencing Colmar's heritage directly.

  • Authentic atmosphere.
  • Traditional local design.
  • Historic ambiance.

Book your stay in Colmar

Global Hotel Chains

Book IHG Hotels in Colmar