Hotel des Berges

Hotel des Berges, Illhaeusern: A Haven of Alsatian Luxury and Gastronomy

Nestled in the picturesque village of Illhaeusern, Hotel des Berges, a distinguished Michelin One-Key property, offers guests an exceptional blend of luxurious comfort, impeccable service, and world-class dining. This elegant boutique hotel, managed by the renowned Haeberlin family, provides a serene and sophisticated escape on the banks of the River Ill.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with the hotel consistently rated as "exceptional." Review scores frequently reach 9.6 out of 10, highlighting outstanding cleanliness (9.9), comfort (9.9), and staff performance (10.0). Guests describe it as a "magical place" and an "accommodation of superlatives," emphasizing the holiday spirit and elegance felt throughout their stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of Hotel des Berges:

• Exceptional Service: The attentive and friendly staff receives universal praise for their warmth and professionalism.
• World-Class Dining: The hotel's direct association with the two-Michelin-starred Auberge de l'Ill is a major draw, offering an unparalleled gastronomic experience.
• Idyllic Location & Ambiance: Its tranquil riverside setting, surrounded by a beautiful garden and weeping willows, creates a romantic and idyllic atmosphere. The design, inspired by the local legacy of tobacco farming, features Cuban-style decor with warm hues, timber, and rare textiles.
• Superb Amenities: The hotel boasts a luxurious 800 m² Spa des Saules, complete with indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, hammam, hot tub, and massage cabins, providing ultimate relaxation. Bicycle hire and electric car charging stations are also available.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Hotel des Berges are individually designed, offering a unique universe of subtle compositions of materials and colors. They are described as elegant, stylish, and supremely comfortable. Accommodations are located in both the original chalet-style building, featuring dark wood-paneling and terracotta floors, and a newer, modern glass and wood structure with a minimalist aesthetic. Many rooms offer balconies with picturesque views of the river and garden. Bathrooms are stocked with Hermès bath amenities, though older bathrooms in the main building have been noted as "getting on in years" in one review from 2018. Each room includes a desk, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hotel des Berges is intrinsically linked to the legendary Auberge de l'Ill, a two-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant located adjacent to the hotel. Guests describe the food as "superb classical cooking" with refinement and generosity, featuring Alsace-influenced French cuisine and local ingredients. Dishes are known for their luxurious sauces, mousses, and soufflés.

Breakfast is particularly highlighted as "sensationnel" and "one of the best in France," with the option to enjoy it in the secluded garden, on the terrace, in your room, or even on a punt on the River Ill amidst quacking ducks and storks for a truly memorable start to the day. A continental breakfast is also available. The hotel also features a Havana-style bar with a fireplace.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Hotel des Berges consistently receives top marks (10.0 out of 10). Guests praise them as "fabulous, smiling, pleasant and very available," providing "really personal service" that is solicitous and attentive without being intrusive. The Haeberlin-Baumann family, who have run the establishments for generations, are noted for their caring proximity and dedication to ensuring authentic and complete guest satisfaction.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel des Berges is situated in Illhaeusern, a charming village in Alsace, France. Its idyllic setting on the riverbank of the Ill, surrounded by a well-maintained garden, contributes significantly to its tranquil appeal. The hotel is conveniently located halfway between Colmar (17 km away) and Sélestat, and approximately 13 km from Riquewihr, making it an excellent base for exploring the Alsace region and its wine route. Strasbourg International Airport is about 59 km away. The hotel offers free private parking and an electric car charging station.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel des Berges is considered a luxury property, and its pricing reflects the high level of service, amenities, and gastronomic experience it offers, including its Michelin One-Key recognition. A 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately €452 (or $481.69 / £394.17), excluding taxes and fees.

Specific room rates for 2024 include:

• Standard rooms (e.g., Habana, Torpedo) range from €400 to €440.
• Junior Suites (e.g., Montecristo, Double Claro) are typically €540.
• Suites (e.g., Romeo & Juliet, Torsado, Esplendido) range from €630 to €690.
• The Fisherman's Cottage is €690.

Breakfast is an additional charge, costing €39 per person for hotel guests, or €80 per person for "Breakfast on the Ill" which includes the unique punt experience. While perceived as pricey, guests generally find the experience to be worth the cost for an extraordinary stay.

8. Common Complaints

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with very few recurring complaints. The most notable minor criticism found was a mention in a 2018 review that some bathrooms in the main building were "getting on in years." However, this does not appear to be a widespread or recent issue, with cleanliness and comfort otherwise receiving exceptionally high ratings. The hotel is closed on Monday and Tuesday evenings, and typically from January 1st to March 11th.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. expedia.com
3. michelin.com
4. hotels.com
5. auberge-de-l-ill.com
6. expedia.co.uk
7. booking.com