HI - Strasbourg - René Cassin Hostel

HI - Strasbourg - René Cassin Hostel is a normal, standard hostel for a big city in France. Although now a little old fashioned in interior design, it is clean and spacious and offers dorms and also two-bed or single rooms. The hostel has a nice bar and reception area and very friendly staff. Normal continental breakfast is served. A self-catering kitchen is also available.

The Location

The hostel is within walking distance of the city centre and station (twenty minutes). It is situated in parklike terrain in a fairly quiet area next to a camping site and gardens. Try, however, to get a room on the side away from the railway tracks as the trains can sound very loud in the upper stories. There are cycling paths to/from and around the area in wonderful abundance. By bike you can be out in the country, along little rivers, past medieval villages within minutes -- as well as right in the city centre. Strasbourg is very beautiful as a cultural venue and historical centre but also as a cycling or kayaking paradise -- among other things! A bus service is in operation.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The dorms are clean, spacious, and bright with lockable doors. Single rooms with showers are available but expensive. Showers and bathrooms are clean if somewhat run-down and old-fashioned. But everything works!

Common Spaces

The lobby in the reception area has seating and also provides sockets for laptops. There are several games and seating areas in the hostel and lawns outside. A bike garage is also available together with a spacious free car park at the house. The non-smoking hostel is quiet but sociable -- no loud partying but international guests -- and the bar allows easy social contact.

Summary

This is a good, clean hostel of basic standard. It is a good base for exploring Strasbourg and surrounds.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
January 2008