I spent three nights at Ciarus during my recent trip to Strasbourg, paying about €81 per night for a single room. It’s technically a hostel, but if you’re picturing bunk beds in a shared dorm and noisy common rooms, that’s not what you’ll find here. This place feels more like a budget hotel, and that can either be a good or a bad thing depending on what you’re looking for.
If you’re hoping for a classic hostel vibe with lots of backpackers to hang out with in the common areas, this isn’t the place. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel in a great location, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.
The Location and What to Expect
Ciarus is located on Rue Finkmatt next to the Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune church and just a short walk from the Ill river. From there it’s about a ten minute walk to the cathedral and the old town.
I really liked the location. I enjoy walking, and being a little outside the city centre meant it was quiet when I came back at night.
There isn’t much around the hostel, just a few restaurants and a Carrefour where you can grab snacks or drinks. For the main sights and more places to eat, you’ll need to head into the center.
What My Room at Ciarus Was Really Like
When I opened the door to my room, my first thought was that it looked clean and fairly new. The furniture was simple, nothing special, but it didn’t feel worn out like in some hostels.
The bed was a narrow single, about the size of a 90 cm dorm bed. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but definitely on the basic side. The bathroom was fine, clean and functional, nothing special.
A couple of things stood out. My room was next to a big ventilation unit that kicked on in the evenings. It didn’t run all the time, but when it did, you could hear it.
There’s also no air conditioning, which I knew when I booked, but on warm days that meant opening the window for fresh air came with some extra noise from outside.
The Breakfast at Ciarus Hostel
Breakfast wasn’t included, so I paid €12.50 to try it one morning. The buffet had the usual things: croissants, bread, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, sausages and coffee.
Nothing fancy, but for a hostel it was better than I expected. The croissants were fresh, the coffee was fine, and I left full. It wasn’t amazing, but it was enough to fill me up before heading out for the day.
Check-In & Service
This part was smooth. The reception is open 24 hours, and most of the staff spoke good English, which made everything easy. They were friendly and helpful whenever I had a question. It’s a small detail, but in France that’s not always guaranteed, and it made a difference.
The ladies at breakfast didn’t speak English, but they were really sweet and made sure I understood how everything worked. I speak a bit of French, so it was fine, but if you don’t, just be ready to point and smile.
The Overall Atmosphere and Vibe at Ciarus
Ciarus is calm and feels more like a simple hotel than a hostel. There’s no party scene and no organized social activities, but the common areas are pleasant, with a few pieces of art on the walls and even a piano in the lounge.
It’s the kind of place where you can sit with a book or grab a coffee, not where you go to meet a bunch of other travelers.
So, Would I Stay Here Again?
Would I stay at Ciarusagain? Yes, I would. For Strasbourg, I think it offers good value. Like I mentioned earlier, it’s not your typical hostel but more like a budget hotel just outside the city center.
I think it works best for solo travelers or groups who want a simple base while exploring the city. I paid €242 for three nights (about €81 per night), which is on the lower end compared to other hotels. It’s also nice that breakfast is available if you want it. I only tried it one morning and grabbed something from Carrefour the other days.
Overall, Ciarus isn’t the place to meet people or hang out all day, but if you just need a clean, calm spot to sleep and don’t mind a short walk into the center, it does the job really well.
