The Originals City, Hôtel Le Forum, Strasbourg Nord

The hotel offers a practical and budget-friendly option for visitors, with its signature feature being its excellent bus connections to the city center, making it easily accessible for sightseers and business travelers attending events at the European Parliament or convention centers. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall value for money, though experiences with cleanliness and noise levels can be mixed. The welcoming and helpful staff are consistently praised, contributing positively to the stay. This hotel is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers and those prioritizing convenient public transport access over luxury amenities. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the main avenue or on a higher floor to mitigate potential noise, and it is advisable to check room conditions upon arrival, particularly regarding heating and hot water availability.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of basic amenities aimed at convenience, contributing to a functional stay. Rooms are generally equipped with air conditioning, a kettle for tea and coffee, and a television, offering standard comforts. While some guests found the rooms adequately spacious, others noted them as being on the smaller side. The Wi-Fi connectivity received mixed reviews, with some finding it unreliable, especially during peak hours, making it difficult for tasks like video calls or streaming. Bathrooms often feature a bathtub or shower, though some guests reported issues with shower head holders, drainage, or a lack of consistent hot water pressure. An elevator is available for guest convenience, though it can become quite busy during morning hours. For those arriving by car, both underground and exterior paid parking options are provided, which many guests found to be a practical and important amenity given the urban setting.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably varied. Many guests reported their rooms and bathrooms to be clean and well-maintained, praising the efforts of the cleaning staff. However, a significant number of reviews highlighted concerns, including the presence of cockroaches or other insects, unpleasant odors (such as sewage or stale cigarette smoke), and general lack of thorough cleaning, with some even finding hair or dirt upon arrival. The beds received mixed comments; while some found them comfortable, others described them as soft, squeaky, or having uncomfortable metal frames. Noise levels are a frequent complaint, with guests reporting disturbances from corridors, neighboring rooms, and street traffic, impacting sleep quality. Issues with heating and hot water availability were also noted by several guests, particularly during colder periods.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options are primarily focused on breakfast, as there is no on-site restaurant for other meals, which some guests found to be a minor inconvenience. The breakfast buffet is generally described as simple and basic, with guests noting a lack of variety, particularly in savory items like cold cuts, cheese, or fresh fruit. Options typically include pastries, bread, and some cold boiled eggs. The coffee from the automatic machine received negative feedback from several guests, being described as unappealing. While some guests found the breakfast acceptable for its convenience, many felt it was overpriced for the limited selection offered, suggesting better value could be found elsewhere. Guests often opted to dine at nearby restaurants or cafes instead, highlighting the absence of a more comprehensive in-hotel dining experience for lunch or dinner.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant advantage for many guests, offering easy access to the city center. It is well-served by public transport, with a bus stop conveniently located very close by, providing direct routes to the city's main attractions and the train station. Many guests appreciated the option to walk to the city center, which typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes, especially during events like the Christmas markets. The hotel is also noted for its proximity to the European Parliament and convention centers. However, some guests expressed concerns about the immediate surrounding area, describing it as less appealing, with issues like unlit paths, homeless individuals, or loitering. Parking is available on-site, both underground and exterior, which is a valued amenity for those traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise from guests, being described as exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Many reviews highlight their professionalism and attentiveness, particularly at the front desk, where staff are available 24/7 and provide useful information and assistance regarding local attractions and transport. The check-in and check-out processes are generally reported as quick and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival and departure. While many guests commend the housekeeping for maintaining clean rooms, some experienced issues such as missed cleaning services or rooms not being refreshed despite "do not disturb" signs being removed. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing a positive experience is a recurring theme, often compensating for other perceived shortcomings of the hotel's facilities or other aspects.

Additional Information
A significant point of feedback, often surprising to guests, is the hotel's role in providing emergency accommodation or social housing, particularly for refugees. This arrangement, while commendable, has led to mixed experiences for regular guests, with some reporting increased noise levels and a different ambiance compared to typical hotel stays. Some guests noted that this situation was not disclosed during booking. There were also mentions of rooms being temporarily closed for ozone disinfection due to pest issues, indicating a proactive approach to cleanliness concerns. Guests should be aware that using a "do not disturb" sign might lead to cleaning services not being performed later in the day, which differs from some other hotel policies. The hotel also has a strict no-smoking policy within rooms, though some guests reported lingering smoke odors.