Travel
But then we open a metal door and hear Tina's voice up yet another flight of stairs. She greets us and shows us inside.
We've always wondered what might hide behind the impressive rooftops of Strasbourg. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval town is both spectacular and touching. Above three-four storey high buildings, the steep slopes of the rooftops house yet another four or five inhabitable levels, this time with narrow windows.
Here we are, our wish granted. At the very top of one of the buildings in Rue de la Douane, with only the majestic Old Customs Building in between us and the Ill River, we are in awe at the immense contrast in between the dull facade and the colourful interior.
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Travel
Discovering the Magic of Strasbourg from Loft 13
Strasbourg is one of those places that is magical any time of the year. However, during the holiday season, all those attributes that make it unique are enhanced. The Christmas spirit lives on here, and the locals put in an extra effort to decorate the facades of their buildings. No wonder Strasbourg is dubbed the Capital of Christmas!
In this frenzy, we discovered Loft 13. A generous space full of character at the top of a multilevel car park. From street level, you would never suspect an attic of such beauty existed so close to you. Even more so, the entrance is so quirky that you will often wander if you are in the right place. The elevator is old and narrow, and after it squishes it's way up to the last floor, we inevitably suspect we are lost.
We've always wondered what might hide behind the impressive rooftops of Strasbourg. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval town is both spectacular and touching. Above three-four storey high buildings, the steep slopes of the rooftops house yet another four or five inhabitable levels, this time with narrow windows.
Here we are, our wish granted. At the very top of one of the buildings in Rue de la Douane, with only the majestic Old Customs Building in between us and the Ill River, we are in awe at the immense contrast in between the dull facade and the colourful interior.
Loft 13 offers 360º views over the rooftops of Strasbourg and some unique vistas of the pink sandstone tower of the impressive Notre-Dame cathedral. Each of the 5 guest rooms of the loft reveals a different corner of the city from its windows and even the bathroom could compete in a 'best view in town' contest.
What's amazing about Loft 13 is that only years ago it was nothing but a black hole. It was through Tina's painstaking efforts that it became the welcoming space it is today. The huge common area is tastefully decorated with objects that somehow made their way here form all corners of the world.
The exposed red beams and warm, orange walls make for a charming stay. Everything makes sense here. Every single object blends in to perfection, creating a unified vision. The attic is, simply put, the expression of Tina's artistic side. Even the wealth of paintings covering the walls in all styles and sizes were painted by Tina! She turns our to be quite an amazing lady!
Loft 13 is not only great for short breaks, it's actually perfect to throw a party. The whole loft is available for rent on request and Tina is always ready to cater for the party, making sure the best chefs in town are involved in preparing the food.
As soon as we stored our luggage in our room, Tina invited us for tea and delicious French cakes. The breakfast spread the following morning was impeccable and classy as well, giving us the energy to explore Strasbourg for the day.
Loft 13 is a hush hush kind of place, where your privacy is not only respected but your stay is also confidential. We loved it for its elegant and luxurious feel that totally transported us to a different world and for the breath of fresh air it brings. Spending a couple of nights at Loft 13 was nothing like the usual hotel stay. It really stood out!
For more information on Loft 13 or to make a booking, please visit their website.
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Hostelling International announces the winners of the 2014 Hostel Awards This year’s HI5ives Hostel Awards ceremony took place at the annual meeting of CEOs of HI Member Associations in Toledo, Spain, with prizes awarded in five different categories...
- A Boutique Hotel To Match Bruges. Martin's Relais
When in Bruges, it's easy to let yourself taken on a journey back in time. The fairy-tale like medieval buildings, the charming canals and the romantic squares create a magnificent painting of how life used to be in another era. At Martin's...
- The Great Christmas Market Tour Of Europe
Christmas time is an open door that permits a brief return to innocence. The magic dwells in the flavours and smells, the glittering lights, the rainbow of colours and the childish laughter. I love Christmas not for what it is or represents, but for the...
- Petite France & The Half-timbered Houses Of Strasbourg
By Laura Orange Strolling along the old cobblestone streets of Petite France neighborhood in Strasbourg is like walking into a fairy-tale. The half-timbered houses are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list together with all the other fascinating attractions...
- Hotel Gutenberg, Strasbourg. Central And Elegant
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